Agricultural experts have advised farmers to complete their vegetable cultivation during the month of September.

According to an official from the agriculture (extension) department, radish, carrot, turnip, spinach, coriander, fenugreek (methi), peas, cauliflower, cabbage, and salad are vegetables of the winter. If they are not cultivated in the month of September, the ideal time for their cultivation passes.

“If due to any unavoidable reason, the cultivation process cannot be completed in the month of September, it is highly important that the first couple of weeks of October are utilized to cultivate these vegetables. Cultivating at the right time is very important for an aspired amount of yield. Missing the right time will put farmers in a bad position since they will not be able to get the full potential out of the land,” he said.

For per acre cultivation, he directed the farmers to use 3–4 kilogram (kg) seed of radish, 8 kg seed of carrot, 1 kg of turnip, 16-20 kg of spinach, 8 kg of coriander, 3-4 kg of fenugreek, 25-30 kg of peas, 0.5 kg of cauliflower, 0.5 kg of cabbage, and 0.5 kg seed of salad.  

Farmers have also been advised to keep appropriate distance between the rows of cultivated vegetables. Farmers are to use 10-15 maund organic fertilizer with 20-40 kg nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash fertilizer per acre so that they are able to fully utilize the land for productive purposes.

“If vegetables are cultivated in time, they reach the market in time in good quality and farmers will be able to market them to earn money. If proper cultivating method is used, farmers will be able to contribute directly to mitigating the food crises of the country. Moreover, they will be able to earn some good money,” he said.

“Field staff at all the agricultural offices of the country were available all the time to help and guide the farmers,” he said.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk