Radish is a fast-growing root vegetable crop that gives good income in a short time.
Radish is a fast-growing root vegetable crop that gives good income in a short time. In India, farmers can harvest radish in just 30 to 45 days, depending on the variety. If done in the right season, radish farming can give a yield of up to 600 quintals per hectare.
This makes it a popular choice for small and large farmers. But for best results, it’s very important to choose the correct time of the year to grow radish. Along with the season, climate, soil type, and water management also play a big role in the success of this crop.
In this blog, let’s discuss the factors that affect radish farming.
The right season depends on temperature, soil, water, and other farm conditions.
Radish grows best in a cool climate. The perfect temperature for radish farming is between 10°C to 25°C. When the weather is cool, the roots grow white, smooth, and tasty. If the climate is too hot, the radish plant may produce flowers early. This is called bolting, and it makes the root hard and bitter. That is why most farmers grow radish from September to November in the northern plains. This is when the temperature drops, and the crop grows fast and healthy.
Some farmers also grow radish from February to March for a second round. In hilly areas, where summers are cooler, radish is sown between June and July. Choosing the correct sowing time based on your location will help you get better roots and good market rates.
The soil must be soft and well-drained for radish to grow straight and long. Sandy loam or light soil is best. If the soil is too heavy like clay, the roots may bend or break. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.8, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Before sowing, the land should be ploughed well and made smooth, so the seeds go in evenly.
Many farmers prefer tractors like the Swaraj 735 FE E HP for field preparation. This model is known for its strength and smooth handling in vegetable farms. A well-prepared field not only helps in proper seed germination but also supports deep root development.
Once the land is ready, sowing should be done at the right depth. Radish seeds are small and must be sown at 1.5 to 2 cm depth. The spacing between rows should be around 30 to 40 cm, and between seeds in a row should be 8 to 10 cm. This gives each plant enough space to grow healthy roots.
Sowing in the right season ensures fast germination, healthy plant growth, and uniform size of radish. Farmers who follow proper spacing often get better quality produce that sells well in the market. Remember, sowing too early or too late in the season can affect yield and quality.
Water is very important for radish farming, but too much or too little water can both be harmful. After sowing, the first irrigation should be done right away to help the seeds sprout. After that, watering every 6 to 7 days is enough in summer. In winter, water is given every 10 to 12 days based on the moisture level in the soil.
The soil should remain moist but not flooded. Overwatering can lead to cracked or damaged roots. Before harvesting, light watering makes it easier to pull out the radish and keeps them fresh. Farmers should check the soil regularly and adjust watering as per the crop’s need.
Proper equipment can make radish farming easier, faster, and more profitable. A good tractor helps with ploughing, seed sowing, spraying, and carrying produce to market. Many small and medium farmers in India go for Swaraj tractors because they are strong, affordable, and farm-friendly. The Swaraj Tractor price is reasonable and fits the budget of Indian vegetable growers.
Using tools like seed drills and tillers along with a tractor helps save labor costs and ensures uniform sowing. This also supports timely farming, which is very important when you have a short-season crop like radish.
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