Peas are small, round pods, green in colour and have vast use in traditional Indian cooking. Pea is cultivated all around the world as well as in India. In addition, it grows in states like Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa and more.Â
These rounded green pods are a high source of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine, etc. Moreover, the straw of these green pods is a good source of fodder for feeding livestock.Â
Interested in pursuing peas cultivation in India? Before you enquire about the best Mahindra 575 price or start purchasing one, know what steps it takes to harvest high-quality peas in India. So, here is a complete guide to help you learn what climate, soil, or other agro-factors need to be aligned to produce this high-quality and profitable crop in India.Â
Technical Factors to Sow, Grow & Harvest High-Quality Peas
- Climatic Conditions
A temperature between 15-30 degrees Celsius is ideal for cultivating peas, followed by annual rainfall between 400-500mm. Moreover, during the harvesting period, the temperature needs to be between 15-20 degree Celsius and 25-30 degree celsius should be the temperature during the sowing period.
Soil Requirement
Well-drained, loam soil with a pH ranging between 6 to 7.5 is ideal for peas cultivation. However, this vegetable can grow and thrive in any given soil type. Furthermore, adding lime is important if the soil appears highly acidic. And waterlogged areas should be avoided while sowing seeds.
- Fertiliser Schedule
Applying 45 kg of urea and 155 kg of SSP per acre is highly beneficial. Moreover, adding 20 kg Nitrogen and 25 kg phosphorus will help with high yield.Â
During sowing:
- Add 20 kg of Nitrogen in the form of Urea per acre.
- Add 25 kg of phosphorus to 125 kg of superphosphate per acre.
Ensure to provide a fertiliser dose alongside the rows.
- Land Preparation
After harvesting the Kharif crop, plough the field with the best farming tractors, like Mahindra 275, with the best plough and harrowing implements. Further, level the field to break the clods or lumps in the soil and make the field free from water logging. Before sowing, showers are helpful to support better germination.
- Planting & Sowing
The broadcasting method is ideal for peas cultivation. In the case of plain areas, the ideal time for sowing is October end till mid of November. However, for hilly areas, the sowing should be completed by mid of march or the end of May month.
For early varieties, the sowing spacing should be 30 X 5 cm, and for late varieties, the sowing spacing should be 50X10cm. Moreover, the seeds must be sowed at a depth of 3cm under the soil.
- Irrigation System
Provide irrigation before sowing the seeds to ensure better germination. If you see soil having enough moisture, then there is no need to pre-irrigate the field. Moreover, heavy watering should be avoided as it decreases the fruit quality and actual yield.
- Harvest & Yield
The harvesting tenure will depend on your growing variety. The early varieties are ready to harvest within 45-60 days, and the yield for the same is 35-45 quintals. However, the late varieties can be harvested within 75-100 days, and the average yield for the same is 50-65 quintals. The peas should be harvested once they mature and appear green in colour.
- Post-Harvesting
After harvesting, the extracted peas should be packed in wooden boxes or cartons. And must be kept in a cold climate to avoid spoilage.
Is Peas Farming Profitable in India?
Peas farming has the potential to help farmers earn Rs.1,00,000 per 2.5 acres of land.Â
Here are estimated cost variables a farmer can anticipate over peas cultivation:
| Seed cost | Rs 5000 |
| Transportation | Rs 10,000 |
| Irrigation | Rs 1000 |
| Land Preparation | Rs 2000 |
| Fertiliser | Rs 5000 |
| Total Cost | Rs 23,000 |
The average cost a farmer might have to invest is Rs 23,000. Moreover, this can help earn up to Rs 1,00,000 within 5-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions on PeasÂ
Ans. India’s popular varieties of peas cultivable are — Asauji, early bejur, mithi fali, jawahar matar, and arket.
- Which is the leading pea-producing state in India?
Ans. Uttar Pradesh is the leading pea-producing state in India The state alone contributes 49% of pea production in India.
- In what conditions peas grow the best?
Ans. Peas can grow suitably in sunny locations and well-draining soil. Moreover, they can grow well in part shade as well. Avoid too much sun exposure, which can cause peas to lose their sweetness.
