Farmers in Hardoi reap huge profits through okra farming

Hardoi: Farmers in Hardoi ventured into the cultivation of okra, transforming their economic conditions. With the bumper production of okra, farmers’ financial positions have improved rapidly. After its plantation, the vegetable bears vegetables in a couple of months; seeing the huge yield, the government has been encouraging farmers to start okra farming. In fact, okra cultivation gets underway just after the paddy harvest.

Several varieties of okra begin production just a month after sowing and give vegetables up to six months. Farmers’ don’t need to spend huge amounts on the plantation of okra. However, the crop provides income for half the year. The crop is similar to an “ATM” for them—if prices of this vegetable soar, they can harvest the entire crop at once, and if prices drop, they get a chance to wait for a day or two to harvest.

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Assistant Horticulture Officer Ajay Verma explained that this is the ideal time to grow okra. For one hectare, around 20 kg of seeds is required. Sowing seeds in rows makes weeding easier and reduces pest infestation. He advised that seeds should be sown about three centimeters deep, and fields should be well-prepared before planting. He recommends treating the seeds with Mancozeb or Carbendazim before sowing and mixing one kilogram of Fluchloralin per hectare in the soil to control weeds. Adding around three quintals of cow manure and 40 kg of potash per hectare helps maintain soil fertility.

The crop starts yielding produce 40 to 50 days after planting, and okra can be harvested every five days. Farmers get 50 to 70 quintals per hectare, with production continuing for six months. With good care, farmers can earn between six to seven lakh rupees per hectare from okra.