Chilli cultivation: Higher production with scientific techniques and effective management
Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is an important spice crop, which not only enhances the taste of food in India but is also economically beneficial for farmers. Cultivation of chilli in a scientific way can ensure increased production, reduced costs, and environmental sustainability. In this article, scientific techniques of chilli cultivation, sowing at proper time, fertilizer and water management, weed control, pest and disease management, and some effective chemical and biological measures will be discussed in detail. Also, information will be given about the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides so that farmers can get the right guidance.
1. Field Preparation
Proper field preparation is the first and most important step for chilli cultivation. It not only promotes plant growth but also maintains soil fertility.
Soil Selection
Sandy loam soil is most suitable for chilli cultivation, as it has good drainage and better nutrient availability. The pH value of the soil for chilli cultivation should be between 6.0 to 7.5. If the soil is acidic or alkaline, it can be improved by adding gypsum or lime after soil testing.
Field Ploughing
The field should be ploughed deeply 2-3 times to make it friable. The first ploughing can be done with a deep plough and subsequent ploughing can be done with a light plough or cultivator. This increases air circulation in the soil and improves root development.
Use of Organic Manure
Add 150-200 quintals of rotten cow dung manure or earthworm manure per acre during field preparation. It should be mixed well in the field. Use of neem cake (2-3 tons per acre) and other organic manures like vermicompost increases soil fertility and controls pests naturally.
Construction of ridges and furrows
For chilli cultivation, make ridges and furrows at a distance of 60 cm. This makes irrigation and drainage easy. The width and distance of ridges can be adjusted if drip irrigation system is used.
2. Seed and nursery management
Seed quality and nursery management play an important role in the success of chilli crop.
Seed selection
Select high quality and certified seeds. Hybrid varieties like Pusa Jwala, Arka Meghna, or local varieties like Sankar-1 or Ganga Mirch give good yield. 200-250 grams of seed per acre is sufficient, which can give a yield of about 200 quintals.
Seed treatment
Before sowing the seeds, treat the seeds with Agrosan GN, Thiram, or Captan (2 grams per kg of seed). This prevents seed borne diseases like fungus and bacteria. Additionally, use of Trichoderma (5-10 grams per kg of seed) is also effective for organic treatment.
Preparation of nursery
- Time - Prepare nursery in May-June for rainy season crop and in October-November for winter crop.
- Location - Build nursery in a place where drainage is good and partial shade is available.
- Soil - Prepare nursery soil with a mixture of rotten manure and sand. Treat the soil with formaldehyde (1% solution) to keep it friable and pest-disease free.
- Sowing - Sow seeds at a depth of 1-2 cm and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep a distance of 5-7 cm between seeds.
Care in nursery
- Cover nursery with polythene or net to protect it from pests and diseases.
- Do light irrigation regularly, so that soil remains moist.
- Spray cow urine (10% solution) or neem oil (2 ml per liter) to control pests and diseases.
3. Transplanting
Transplanting is an important stage of chilli cultivation, in which it is necessary to take care of the correct time and distance.
Time
25-35 days old plants, which have 4-6 leaves, are suitable for transplanting. Transplant in June-July for rainy crop and in November-December for winter crop.
Distance
The distance between plants depends on the crop variety and soil fertility. Generally keep a distance of 60 cm x 45 cm or 45 cm x 30 cm. For hybrid varieties, it is better to keep a higher distance (60 cm x 60 cm).
Method of Transplanting
- Before transplanting, lightly irrigate the field so that the soil is moist.
- Remove the plants from the nursery carefully and do not damage the roots.
- Put a small amount of rotten manure or neem cake in each pit.
- Transplant in the evening so that the plants avoid stress.
4. Fertilizer and water management
Proper management of fertilizer and water increases the quality and quantity of chilli crop.
Fertilizer management
- Chemical fertilizers - Apply 70-80 kg nitrogen, 40-50 kg phosphorus, and 40-50 kg potash per acre. Apply nitrogen in three parts: 50% at the time of transplantation, 25% at the time of flowering, and 25% at the time of fruit formation.
- Organic fertilizers - Use farm yard manure (150-200 quintals per acre), neem cake (2-3 tons per acre), and vermicompost (2 tons per acre).
- Micronutrients - Use micronutrients (such as zinc sulphate 5 kg per acre) to meet the deficiency of zinc, boron, and magnesium.
Water management
- Drip irrigation - Use drip irrigation, which saves water and fertilizer. Give 2-3 liters of water per week to each plant, depending on the weather and soil moisture.
- Irrigation time - Irrigate at an interval of 5-7 days in summer and 10-12 days in winter. Do not allow water shortage during flowering and fruit formation.
5. Weed control
Weeds are harmful to the chilli crop, as they compete for nutrients and water.
Weed control measures
- Weeding - Weeding should be done 20-25 days after transplanting and then again after 40-45 days. This controls weeds and increases air circulation in the soil.
- Mulching - Use organic mulch (straw, dry grass) or plastic mulch. It controls weeds and maintains soil moisture.
- Chemical weedicide
- Pendimethalin - Use at the rate of 1-1.5 liters per acre before transplanting. It controls broadleaf weeds.
- Oxyfluorfen - Use at the rate of 100-150 ml per acre. Spray it 2-3 days after transplanting.
- Quizalofop-ethyl - Use at the rate of 400-500 ml per acre for grassy weeds.
Caution - Follow the instructions on the label while using chemical herbicides and use protective equipment.
6. Pest and disease management
Pests and diseases affect the production of chilli crop. Their timely control is necessary.
Major pests and control
1. Thrips
- Symptoms - Leaves curl, and plant growth stops.
- Control
- Chemical - Spray Imidacloprid 0.3 ml per liter or Spinosad 0.5 ml per liter.
- Organic - Use neem oil (2-3 ml per liter) or yellow sticky trap.
2. Whitefly
- Symptoms - Sticky substance on leaves and risk of spreading virus.
- Control
- Chemical - Spray Thiamethoxam 0.3 gram per liter or Diafenthiuron 1 gram per liter.
- Organic - Use pheromone trap and neem based insecticide.
3. Mites
- Symptoms - Small spots and webs on leaves.
- Control
- Chemical - Spray Diclofol 2 ml per liter or Propargite 1.5 ml per liter.
- Organic - Use neem oil and friendly insects like lady bird beetle.
Major diseases and control
1. Fungal Diseases
- Symptoms - Leaf spots, root rot, and fruit rot.
- Control
- Chemical - Spray Copper Oxychloride 2 gm per liter or Mancozeb 2 gm per liter.
- Organic - Use Trichoderma (5-10 gm per liter).
2. Viral Diseases
- Symptoms - Leaves curling, stunted plant growth, and deformed fruits.
- Control - Uproot and destroy virus infected plants. Use imidacloprid to control white fly.
7. Other important tips
- Organic farming - Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Increase the use of organic manure and neem based pesticides.
- Use of friendly insects - Encourage friendly insects like lady bird beetle and chrysopa.
- Monitoring - Monitor the field regularly so that pests and diseases can be detected in time.
- Crop rotation - Grow another crop (like pulses or vegetables) after chilli so that the fertility of the soil is maintained.
Conclusion
Practicing chilli farming in a scientific manner not only increases production but also ensures cost reduction and environmental sustainability. Proper field preparation, seed treatment, nursery management, balanced use of fertilizer and water, weed and pest control as well as coordinated use of biological and chemical measures make chilli farming profitable. Use chemical pesticides and herbicides carefully and with expert advice so that there is no adverse effect on the environment and human health.
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