As the cost of chemical and organic fertilizers continues to rise, farmers across the country are increasingly turning to green manure farming as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Green manure not only enhances soil fertility but also significantly improves crop yield and quality, making it a preferred choice for farmers aiming for higher productivity at lower input costs.
With growing awareness around chemical-free and sustainable agriculture, farmers are prioritizing natural and organic inputs for better crop growth. Green manure plays a vital role in this transition. It involves growing specific crops such as dhaincha and moong and ploughing them back into the soil at the right stage. This process enriches the soil with organic matter, improves nutrient availability, and strengthens overall soil health.
To make green manure farming more accessible, the National Seeds Corporation (NSC) is offering green manure seed kits through its online store. Farmers can conveniently order these kits online and get them delivered to their doorstep. Using these seed kits helps reduce fertilizer expenses, lowers overall cultivation costs, and improves farm profitability.
The green manure seed kit provided by NSC includes dhaincha, guar, mustard, urad, okra, fenugreek, and marigold. Depending on soil type and crop rotation, farmers can also choose other suitable leguminous crops to further enhance soil fertility. The use of green manure is considered essential for sustainable farming and high-quality produce.
For farmers planning to adopt green manure farming, a 3.8 kg seed kit is currently available on the National Seeds Corporation website at a price of ₹833. This affordable kit enables farmers to easily begin green manure cultivation and improve crop productivity.
Key Benefits of Green Manure Farming:
Green manure plays a crucial role in organic and natural farming systems. It improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, and helps prevent soil erosion. Green manure crops naturally fix organic nitrogen in the soil, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Additionally, they enhance microbial activity, reduce the incidence of pests and diseases, and assist in effective weed control.
How to Practice Green Manure Farming: Crops such as dhaincha and guar are ideal for green manure farming due to their fast growth and nitrogen-fixing ability. The best time for sowing is after the harvest of rabi crops and before the kharif season, when fields remain vacant. Farmers should prepare the field with one round of ploughing and leveling before sowing. Seeds can be sown either by broadcasting or in rows. For dhaincha cultivation, about 20–25 kg of seed per acre is sufficient.
(FAQs)
Q1. What is green manure farming?
Green manure farming involves growing specific crops and ploughing them into the soil to improve fertility and soil health naturally.
Q2. Which crops are best for green manure?
Dhaincha, guar, moong, urad, and mustard are considered best for green manure farming.
Q3. Where can farmers buy green manure seed kits?
Farmers can buy green manure seed kits online from the National Seeds Corporation website, as highlighted by Khetivyapar.
Q4. What is the cost of the green manure seed kit?
A 3.8 kg green manure seed kit costs ₹833.
Q5. Does green manure reduce fertilizer costs?
Yes, green manure significantly reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and lowers overall cultivation costs.
