One of the most used herbs and spices worldwide is coriander, which is grown largely in India for its leaves. With its specific taste and smell, coriander has become an ingredient in each Indian meal and has become rather popular in the world.
Coriander, commonly known as cilantro or dhania, is an annual herb that originated in Southern Europe and Western Asia. It grows in tropical and subtropical conditions, making India suitable for its growth. The oil extracted from coriander is used in the production of drugs and beauty products. Let’s learn more about the techniques, challenges and Market value.
Cultivation Techniques of Coriander Farming
The process of cultivation involves many steps, starting from preparation of the soil to harvesting the crop. Let’s learn more about it.
Soil Preparation
Coriander prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of approximately 6.0 and 8.0. What sort of preparation you make on the land determines the yield precisely. Farmers should plough the field many times in order to reduce the size of the clods so that fine tilth will be obtained. Organic manure or compost can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.
Farm Machinery, such as tractors, are used in Soil preparation. They help with tilling, ploughing, and creating proper beds for sowing. Tractors like Mahindra Tractor are among the most trusted farm machinery among Indian farmers. The main reason behind its popularity is the engine capacity of the model. It has a 2365CC engine capacity and comes with an oil-bath air filter, which makes it powerful in the field.
Planting
Planting can be done directly on the ground or by planting young plants. Coriander germinates best in cooler conditions, so sowing should be done in the months from October to November. Seeds should be slightly covered, so they have to be sown 1-2 cm deep and placed about 15-20 cm apart. This spacing ensures that enough air can circulate between them and helps eradicate the spread of diseases.
Irrigation
Coriander requires moderate watering. Water the seeds right after planting them. Then, water them again every 7-10 days, depending on how moist the soil is and the temperature. If the plant is overwatered and the soil becomes too wet, it can get root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization has to be balanced constantly to ensure optimal plant growth. However, It is advisable to use both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 60: 30: 30 kg/ ha for good plant growth and yield of coriander.
Weed Control
Weed management especially involves controlling weeds during their early growth development stages. Manual weeding or herbicides are used to manage weeds in the field. Mulching with organic materials like straw can help control weeds and unwanted plants. It covers the weeds and stops moisture from evaporating.
Harvesting
Coriander can be harvested for both the aerial portion of the plant above the ground and the seeds. The harvesting of the leaves starts after about 30-40 days of sowing. It is preferred that leaves be harvested in the morning to reduce the time the leaves spend before being prepared. Each plant takes 90 – 110 days to be ready for harvesting, and the brown colour of the seeds indicates this. Yet, the seeds should be dried before storage to reduce the chances of mould and spoilt seeds being faced by producers at times.
Good transportation and storage are necessary to ensure the quality of the produce. Farmers use tractors to transport the coriander to markets or storage houses. If you’re looking for a farm tractor to manage transportation and farm work as well, check out the swaraj 735 xt Price. The model offers a 45-litre fuel tank capacity and a hydraulic capacity of 1200 kg. This gives the tractor a longer time to work on the field and on the road as well while transporting produce.
Challenges in Coriander Farming
Coriander is frost-sensitive and affected by temperature and rainfall variations. Frost and excessive heat both negatively impact the yield and the quality of the crop. Although coriander is relatively easy to grow, pests and diseases pose a major problem in its production. Therefore, to reduce crop losses, it is very important to use IPM regularly and incorporate its principles into everyday practices. The market price of coriander is also variable and depends on many factors, such as the season, production level, or even more speculation in the market.
Market Value of Coriander
In countries like India, it is used regularly in every household, which guarantees local sales. The leaves and seeds are mostly sold in the local markets, supermarkets and processed food industries. More people are now consuming organic and healthy foods, and as a result, there is increased demand for high-quality coriander.
Conclusion
India has great potential for producing coriander. Moreover, it is a versatile herb used in different recipes and cuisines, thus having a high market value. If farmers practice modern farming techniques, they can manage challenges as well. For example, farm machinery like Sonalika tractors can help with efficient farming. If you are planning to buy, check out Sonalika 50 Hp price.
It comes with a super attractive design and enormous power output. In addition, the model is perfect for farming tasks and can be used in any type of soil and land. It comes with 50 HP, 3 cylinders and an engine capacity of 2000 RPM, which provides efficient mileage in the field. With the help of a good tractor, farmers can produce better yields.
