Uttar Pradesh bets big on green manure
Lucknow: Green manure is proving to be a major lifeline for the state of Uttar Pradesh. During the last two decades, farmers have become aware about the usefulness of green manure (Dhaicha, Sanai, Urad and Moong). Therefore, the demand for their seeds has also increased.
Committed to promoting natural and organic farming, the Yogi Adityanath government is also promoting green manure to increase the organic matter in the soil. Of all these, the most useful structure is from the point of view of green manure. This is the reason that the government will provide 30 thousand quintals of dhaincha seeds to the farmers of the state on 50 percent subsidy in the Kharif season.
It is worth mentioning that last year also this much subsidy was given on the seeds of Dhaiche. Then the price per quintal was fixed at 54.65 paise. It is expected that this year also the prices will be around the same as last year. The progressive farmers to whom this was given in connection with the demonstration were entitled to 90 percent subsidy.
Along with fertility, there is an increase in soil’s water retention, air circulation and beneficial bacteria.
According to Deputy Director Agriculture Jayaprakash, the roots of crops like flax and dhaicha contain bacteria that take nitrogen from the air and fix it in the soil.
The next crop gets its benefit. According to him, organic elements are the soul of the soil. Green manure is the easiest and most effective way to increase it organically in the land.
The availability of organic matter in itself helps in increasing the productivity of all the crops. Along with this, it also acts as a catalyst for chemical fertilizers and increases its efficiency. The outbreak of weeds also reduces in the next crop. Due to this, apart from fertility, there is an increase in water retention, air circulation and beneficial bacteria in the concerned land.
The physical structure of the land gradually changes by placing it in the crop rotation continuously.
Turn the crop after 6 to 8 weeks of sowing
According to Dr. DK Singh, Chief Area Manager, IFFCO, if flax, dhaicha has been sown for green manure, then crop rotation should be done before flowering about 6-8 weeks after sowing. After this plant it in water in the field. For proper and quick decomposition of the crop, 5 kg of urea per acre can also be sprinkled after turning the crop and before irrigation. The crop residues get decomposed in about 3-4 weeks. After this sow the next crop. Sunny is suitable for areas with high rainfall. 80-100 kg of seed is used in one hectare. Dhaicha can be sown in areas of low or high rainfall. 60-80 kg of seed is used per hectare of field.
Sowing time and green manure crops
If there is facility of irrigation, it can be sown anytime between April to June in empty field. Sunny, dhaicha, moong, urad etc. are effective alternatives of green manure. You can choose any of these as per availability and requirement. Out of this, Dhaicha and Sanai are most suitable for green manure. Along with green manure from the sowing of moong and urad, the concerned farmer also gets an additional crop of protein-rich pulses. However, it is necessary for them to have their own source of irrigation. 15-20 kg of seed is required per hectare.
