Package of Practices for Cultivation of Fenugreek or Methi

Package of Practices for Cultivation of Fenugreek or Methi

Botanical Name:       Trigonella foenumgracum L.

Family                 : Legumionseae.

Local name       :       Methi – Hindi,   Venthayam – Malaylarn

Funugreek is used as vegetable as well as pulse. The  leaves and young pods are used as vegetables and the seed as condiments.

It has also some medicinal – value. It prevents constipation, removes indigestion, stimulates the spleen and is appetizing and diuretic. The leaves are quite rich in protein minerals and vitamin C.

Climate:

Fenugreek is cool season crop. It is fairly, tolerant to frost. Common methi is growing and produces upright shoots whereas Kasurimethi is slow
growing and produces upright shoots whereas Kasurimethi is slow growing initially and remains in. a rosette condition during most of its vegetative period.

Soil and its Preparation:

Fenugreek can be grown on any type of soil, but loamy soils are best suited for its ciiltivation. The soil should be free from bad drainage. The land should be prepared thoroughly.

Seed and Sowing:

For leafy Vegetables methi is sown from middle of September to middle of Starch. The seed rate per hectare is 25. kg, Soil is-thoroughly prepared before sowing^ Flat beds of convinient size should be prepared. Seeds are sown by broadcasting but line sowing at a distance of 25 cm. facilitates weeding and inercultural operations.

Manuring:

30 to 50 cart loads FYM should be applied at the time of soil preparation. 50 kg n/ha should be applied.1/2 dose of N should be given at the time of sowing. Remaining 54 dose is again divided in tow equal doses which are given at the time of first & second harvesting.

After Care:

One or two weeding may be given during early stages of growth. Soil should contain sufficient moisture. The first irrigation is given just after sowing and sudseque Tit irriga-gations are given at. seven to ten days interval.

Harvesting and Yield:

Normally common methi leaves are nipped 2 cm above ground after 3-4 weeks of sowing. In general 2-3 cuttings are taken. When plant is uprooted, crop is boundled and marketed.

Yield:

It varies from 60-80 q/ha.

Varieties:

Kasuri, Pusa Early, Punching type, Methi No.-47, No-14, EC-4911 are the important varieties of methi.

Pusa Early bunching is a early cultivator, it is a common methi. It takes about 125 days for its seed maturity. Methi No. 47 and Methi No. 14 are high yielding varieties released by Maharashtra Department of Agriculture.