Package of Practice for Okra Cultivation
Okra, also known as Lady Finger, is one of the most popular summer and rainy season vegetable crops grown widely across India. It is rich in essential nutrients and offers excellent market demand for both fresh vegetables and seed production.
Soil and Climate Requirements
Okra is a warm-season crop and does not tolerate frost. It can be cultivated in a variety of fertile soils, preferably well-drained loamy soil. The ideal temperature for its growth ranges from 18°C to 35°C.
Seed Rate (per hectare)
| Sowing Season | Hybrid Varieties | Improved Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Feb–March | 6.5 kg | 35–40 kg |
| June–July | 5.0 kg | 12–15 kg |
Ideal Sowing Time by Region
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Hilly Regions: March to April, and May to June
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Northern Plains: February, March, and up to mid-July
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Eastern India: January–February, April–May, and September–October
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Southern India: January–February, May–July, and October–November
Note: Sowing periods may vary depending on local climatic conditions.
Sowing Method and Spacing
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Kharif Season: Row to row – 60 cm, Plant to plant – 30 cm
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Summer Season: Row to row – 30 cm, Plant to plant – 15 cm
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For summer crops, soak seeds in water for 12 hours before sowing and plant on ridges for better drainage.
Fertilizer Management (per hectare)
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Apply 15–20 tons of well-decomposed FYM (Farmyard Manure) during land preparation.
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Use NPK in the following split doses:
| Application Stage | Nitrogen (N) | Phosphorus (P) | Potash (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| At land preparation | 40 kg | 100 kg | 100 kg |
| 20 days after sowing | 40 kg | — | — |
| Before flowering | 40 kg | — | — |
| After first harvest | 40 kg | — | — |
| Total | 160 kg | 100 kg | 100 kg |
Weed Management
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Before sowing, apply Fluchloralin (Basalin 45%) – 2.5 liters/ha mixed in 500 liters of water per hectare.
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After spraying, rake the soil 3–4 cm deep for effective weed control in both vegetable and seed crops.
Plant Protection Schedule
10–15 Days After Sowing:
Spray a mix of:
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Nuvacron – 1 ml/litre or Damecron – 1.5 ml/litre, and
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Kavach – 2 gm/litre or Bavistin – 1 gm/litre
20–25 Days:
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Spray Monocil or Nuvacron – 1 ml/litre + Indofil Z-78 – 1 gm/litre
35 Days:
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Spray Sulphur – 2.5 gm/litre + Neemark – 5 gm/litre
40–45 Days:
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Use Carbaryl – 4 gm/litre + Indofil Z-78 – 2 gm/litre
50 Days:
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Spray Karathane – as per label dose, repeat after 100–105 and 120–125 days
80 Days:
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Mix Sevin 50% WP – 4 gm/litre + Karathane – 0.5 ml/litre and spray
Note: Always add a sticker (spreader) with the spray solution for better efficacy.
Harvesting
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Okra is ready for the first picking 40–45 days after sowing.
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Harvest should be done every 3–4 days for tender and market-ready pods.
Disclaimer
The above recommendations are based on research data from agricultural research centers. Actual yield and crop performance may vary depending on soil health, weather, crop management practices, pest and disease pressure, and other uncontrollable factors. Farmers are advised to consult with their local agriculture departments for region-specific recommendations and best practices.
