Moringa farming steps needed

Question

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

Crop: Moringa oleifera
Common name: Drumstick / Sahjan
Climate: Warm, 25–35°C (tolerates heat, sensitive to waterlogging)

1. Land & Soil Selection

Well-drained sandy loam soil is best.

pH: 6.0–7.5 ideal.

Avoid waterlogged fields.

Land preparation:

1–2 deep ploughings.

Add 8–10 tons FYM (farmyard manure) per acre before last ploughing.

2. Variety Selection

Choose high-yield varieties:

PKM 1

PKM 2

ODC 3

(PKM varieties are good for commercial pod production.)

3. Sowing Time

North India: Feb–March or June–July

South India: Almost year-round (best: June–July)

4. Planting Method

Spacing:

For pod production: 10 ft × 10 ft

For leaf production: 6 ft × 4 ft

Pit size:

1.5 ft × 1.5 ft × 1.5 ft

Mix soil + 10 kg FYM + 100 g neem cake per pit.

Seed rate:

1–1.5 kg per acre.

Sow 2 seeds per pit, keep healthiest plant later.

5. Irrigation

First irrigation immediately after sowing.

Then every 7–10 days (summer).

Avoid excess water.

6. Fertilizer Management (Per Acre)

FYM: 8–10 tons

NPK: 45:15:30 kg (split doses)

Apply nitrogen in 2–3 splits for better growth.

7. Weed Control

First weeding: 20–25 days after sowing.

Second: 45 days after sowing.

Mulching reduces weeds and saves moisture.

8. Pruning

Cut main stem at 2–3 ft height after 60 days.

Encourages branching and higher yield.

9. Pest & Disease Control

Common pests:

Fruit fly

Hairy caterpillar

Control:

Neem oil spray (5 ml per liter).

Recommended insecticides if infestation is severe.

Common disease:

Root rot (avoid waterlogging).

10. Harvesting

First harvest: 6–8 months after sowing.

Pods harvested when tender (45–60 cm long).

Yield: 80–120 quintals per acre (good management).

11. Income Potential

1 acre moringa can give ₹1.5–3 lakh annually depending on market rate and management.