India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, among these cumin is one of the most important spices. Approximately 70% of the Worlds total cumin seed is produced in India of which a maximum 45.5 % is produced in western... more
India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, among these cumin is one of the most important spices. Approximately 70% of the Worlds total cumin seed is produced in India of which a maximum 45.5 % is produced in western Rajasthan. The cultivation of cumin crop is less risky in terms of price fluctuation and affordable in terms of input. Even after introduction of advance production technologies for cumin, still it is largely controlled by edaphic factors. The judicial use of natural resources will not only increase the yield but also reduces the cost of inputs. The study was conducted in Jaisalmer district of western Rajasthan for evaluation of the potential of land resources to support economic and sustainable cumin production. The suitability parameters show that agro-ecological and soil system environment of Jaisalmer district is most suitable for cultivation of cumin seeds. The total geographical area of districts is 38.4 lakh hectares. About 51 per cent area is highly suitable for cumin cultivation. Considering slope, erosion and soil fertility limitation, 13.4 lakh hectares (34.97%) area is most suitable for cumin cultivation. Approximately 6.36 lakh hectare land is suitable for cumin with fertility as one of the limitations. Presently, farmers of Jaisalmer district cultivate cumin in 31300 hectare only (year 2013-14). The study suggested that there is still a lot of scope for expansion of cumin crop in the district. The productivity of cumin crop in Gujarat state (700 kg ha-1) is almost double than Rajasthan (344 kg ha-1). The data from the year 2014-15 indicated that 7.21 % area of cumin cultivation in Rajasthan is being kept under cumin seed cultivation in Jaisalmer district while in its neighboring district Barmer, it is 24 %. If efforts are made to bring about 19.48 lakh hectare areas under cumin seed cultivation of Jaisalmer district with the existing productivity level of 344 kg ha-1 , then the districts can produce 681 thousand tons of cumin seeds. The present domestic consumption/demand of cumin seed in India is around 100 thousand tons. If the rest, 581 thousand tons of the produce are exported, then India can earn sumptuous revenue.
The study was conducted in the farm of the institute to assess the performance of tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill for sowing paddy seeds. It was observed that there was no effect of stubble on the performance of seed-cum... more
The study was conducted in the farm of the institute to assess the performance of tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill for sowing paddy seeds. It was observed that there was no effect of stubble on the performance of seed-cum fertilizer drill. However, the loose straw spread on the surface offers some hindrance in the working of the drill. The standards test code was adopted. Each test was replicated minimum three times. The forward speed and depth of sowing were taken as independent variables while wheel slippage and field capacity as independent variables. The field capacity, depth of sowing and seed rate were found to be 0.21 ha/h, 5.50 cm and 0.60 q/ha respectively as compared to 0.50 ha/h, 1.5cm and 1.25 q/ha in case of conventional broadcasting method. The mechanized method of sowing resulted in higher depth of sowing compared to broadcasting method. The tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill was found to be better as compared to traditional broadcasting method.
