AJWAIN

Ajwain also called bishops weed or carom seed is popular spice grown worldwide. In India, it is used in preparing various dishes of pulse, vegetables and pickles etc. Also it is added in the rotis, parathas, biscuits etc. Along with spice purpose, it also possesses medicinal property. Ajwain contains thymol content which is having antiseptic and bactericidal properties. It helps to speed up digestion process, maintain good heart health. Roasted ajwain is helpful in treating migraine. Along with domestic use, ajwain has great export potential.
In India, Gujarat and Rajasthan are major ajwain growing states. Rajasthan produces about 90% of Indias total production. Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal also grow ajwain.

It can grow on variety of soils from heavy clay to light loamy soils. It cannot grow in waterlogged conditions, so avoid such soils for cultivation.

Pratap Ajwain: High yielding variety, gives average yield of 340-360kg/acre which is 20% more compared to local varieties. Early maturing variety, ready to harvest 15 days earlier than local one. Gives average oil percentage of 3.89.

Gujarath Ajovan 1: Ready to harvest in 175 days.

Lam selection 1 : Ready to harvest in 120 days.

Lam selection 2 : Ready to harvest in 130 days. 

To bring soil to fine tilth, plough land for four to five times and then planking is done to make soil level. For sowing seeds prepared beds of 3x3meter.

Time of sowing
Optimum time for sowing is from August to September.

Spacing
For line sowing, use spacing of 15-20cm between two rows. Use plant to plant distance of 20cm.

Sowing Depth
Broadcasting method is used.

Method of Sowing
For sowing broadcasting or line sowing is used.

Seed Rate
For sowing one acre land, seed rate of 1-2 kg is sufficient.

Fertilizer Requirement (Kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

For accurate fertilizer dose and to avoid excessive use of fertilizer, soil testing is important. For good growth of crop along with yield, apply fertilizer dose of N:P:K@8kg/acre: 4kg/acre:6kg/acre. Apply nitrogen in form of Urea@18kg, Phosphorus in form of SSP@25kg and Potash in form of MOP@10kg/acre.

Apply well decomposed cowdung@6-8 ton/acre.

 

Apply irrigation depending upon soil type and climate.

To keep check on weeds, do frequent weeding, hoeing operations. To control weeds chemically, immediately after sowing take spray of Pendimethalin@800ml/acre. Then carry out first weeding, 30-35 days after sowing.

• Pest and their control:
  

Aphid: They suck sap from the leaf. They excrete honey like substance and developed Sooty mold.
To control take spray of Diamethoate 30EC@200ml/acre. If necessary repeat spray with interval of 10-15days. Or take spray of Thiamethoxam 25WG@40gm/acre. If necessary take second spray of it.

• Disease and their control:
  

Fusarium wilt: Plants become stunted, yellowed, followed by defoliation. Yellowing first occurs around leaf edges and advances inward. It affects at all stage of crop.
Use resistant variety to control Fusarium wilt. Avoid monocropping and follow proper crop rotation. Provide good drainage.

Blight and Downy Mildew: If infestation is observed in field, take spray of Mancozeb@2gm/Ltr of water. If necessary, take second spray 20days after first spray.

Powdery Mildew: Patchy, white powdery growth appears on lower side of leaves, branches and pods. It parasitizes the plant using it as a food source. It can develop at any stage of crop development. In severe infestation it causes defoliation.
If infestation is observed, take spray of Carbendazim 50WP or Tridemorph@2gm per Ltr of water. If needed repeat the spray with interval of 10-15days.

After proper drying and cleaning, sorting and grading of seeds is carried out.