Sehjan or Moringa (Drumstick) farming - weather, soil, fertilizer, yield, rates

Sahjan, also known as Drumstick or Moringa (also called as Shevga in Marathi), is a versatile and nutritious plant that is widely cultivated for its various parts, including leaves, fruits (pods), flowers, and seeds. Here are some farming tips for successful Sahjan cultivation:

1. Selecting the Right Variety: Choose a suitable variety of Sehjan based on your local climate, soil type, and farming objectives. Some popular varieties include PKM-1, PKM-2, ODC-3, and CO-1.

2. Climate and Soil Requirements: Sehjan thrives well in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate drought but performs best with regular irrigation. Temperature of 30 to 40 degree is optimal.

3. Propagation: Sehjan can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings. For better germination rates, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.

4. Planting: Plant the seeds (e.g. ODC variety, PKM1, PKM2) or cuttings in well-prepared soil at a spacing of around 5 ft between plants. Seeds shoud be treated with sulpher or neem oil before sowing. Spacing between rows should be 12 ft. If using cuttings, ensure they are from healthy and disease-free plants. Once planted, it will last until 10-12 years. In 1 acre, we can plant around 800 plants.

5. Irrigation: Adequate and regular irrigation is crucial, especially during the establishment phase. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate some drought but still benefit from supplemental watering during dry periods.

6. Weed Control: Keep the field weed-free during the initial stages of growth. Mulching around the base of the plants can help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.

7. Fertilization: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies and apply appropriate organic or inorganic fertilizers accordingly. Sehjan generally responds well to balanced fertilization.

8. Pruning and Training: Regular pruning of the main stem and lateral branches encourages branching and results in bushier plants with more pods. This also facilitates easier harvesting.

9. Pest and Disease Management: Keep a watch for common pests like aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Neem oil or other organic pesticides can help control these pests. Additionally, monitor for diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot, and take prompt actions to manage them. Carbendazim fungicide needs to be used to prevent pests. Amino acid (tonic) and Seaweed extra is also recommended.

10. Harvesting: Sehjan pods can be harvested when they are green and tender, usually around 60 to 90 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages continuous pod production. In 1 acre, you can get yield of 12-13 ton in first year and it increases over next years. You can earn upto 3 lacs (10 ton * Rs 30 per kg) or (10k kilo * Rs. 30) in a acre.

11. Post-Harvest Handling: After harvesting, wash the pods and remove any dirt or debris. Store the pods in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life.

12. Value Addition: Apart from selling fresh pods, consider value addition by processing Sehjan leaves into powder or making products like Sehjan tea or oil.

13. Crop Rotation: Rotate Sehjan cultivation with other crops to improve soil fertility and reduce the risk of diseases and pests.

Only major risk with Moringa farming is that heavy rains can destroy flowers which can decrease the yield substantially. So this farming is best suitable in areas where rainfall is minimal.