SHAFTAL

Shaftal are also known as bhukal. These are very highly nutritious leguminous fodder. It is liked by all the animals. It is a late season growing crop. It is mainly used to mix with oats and ryegrass to elevate productivity.

Shaftal is suited to most soil types from sandy loams through to heavy clay soils.

Shaftal 48, SH 69, SH 48.

Plough the land for one time with disc harrow as well as two times with cultivator to prepare seed bed.

Time of sowing
Last week of September to first week of October is optimum time for sowing seeds.

Spacing
Seeds are sown by broadcasting method

Sowing Depth
Seeds are sown in standing water.

Method of sowing
Seeds are sown by broadcasting method
 

Seed rate
Use seed rate of 4-5kg for sowing one acre land. Also mix mustard seeds@500gm or Oat seeds@12kg at time shaftal sowing to obtain high yield.


 

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrients Value (kg/acre)

At time of sowing apply 5kg of nitrogen (in form of Urea@11kg) and 20 Kg phosphorus (in form of SSP@ 125kg) per acre.

 

Irrigation is necessary for shaftal crop. First irrigation after sowing in 3-6 days in light soil and 6-8 days in heavy soil. Depending upon climatic condition apply remaining irrigation at interval of 9-10 days in case of summer and 10-15 days in case of winter season.

• Pest and their control:
  

Defoliates (hairy caterpillar): They destroy the crop leaves, steam. Their attack cause economic loss of the crop.
Control: Destroy the weeds growing adjoining these crops on which these pests feed.

Gram caterpillar: They destroy the crop severely.
Control: To control, take spray of 50 ml Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SL or 60 ml Tracer. Repeat these sprays after 10 days if required.
 

• Disease and their control:

Downy mildew: This disease emerges in the month of January. They appear on the top of the plant which looks like grey cottony. Stems get retarded, leaves get twisted.
 

Rust: In this green part of the plant appear to have small red pustules. Leaves firstly appear to be rusted and latter fall. The seed which get infected get light in weight.
Control: These two diseases can be controlled by using healthy seeds, avoiding high dose of organic matters in the soil, avoiding excessive use of irrigation will keep check on these disease.

Crop is ready for harvesting in 55-60 days for first cutting. Remaining cutting are taken at interval of 30 days.