Do you know almost 20,000 farmers from Karnataka grow chia seeds across 20,000 acres of land? Chia seeds are rich in minerals and vitamins and are a powerful source of antioxidants. You may find chia seeds rich in antioxidants such as Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Kaempferol, Quercetin, etc.
Interested in chia seeds cultivation? Before you get started with the search for the best tractors, like the new holland 3630, make sure you get hold of the following tips.
Factors to Sow, Grow & Harvest High-Yielding Chia Seeds
- Select the right location
Chia plants prefer a location where the soil is well-drained, sunlight exposure is immense and warm temperatures are equally distributed. Choose a location where each day, sunlight for 6 hours is easily available, and moreover, the soil is drought tolerant & rich in organic matter.
- Soil & Land Preparation
Before sowing, make sure the area is free from any weeds, rocks or debris. Prepare the field with effective ploughing and tillage activities. You can use automated tillage equipment with effective horsepower tractors like Swaraj 742. Ensure the tillage is 4-6 inches deep. Moreover, to ensure the soil’s fertility and retain moisture, provide the soil with organic matter.
- Seed sowing
Further, sow chia seeds in the soil at about 1/4 inches deep & 8-10 inches apart. Additionally, you can as well sow the seeds indoors in little pots. And once they germinate and become 3-4 inches tall, you can transplant them to outdoor fields for more growth.
- Watering & irrigation
Make sure you water the crops regularly to ensure their good growth. Chia seeds grow and germinate well only when they are provided with consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering as this can make water sit long in the field, causing drought into the field. Moreover, it can cause the root to rot.
- Fertiliser Schedule
Chia plants require regular fertilisation to grow into absolute quality, especially during the growing season. To grow healthy chia crops, you must add a balanced ratio of N:P: K fertilise. Moreover, every few weeks, make sure to add organic matter or well-decomposed farmyard manure.
- Harvesting of chia seeds
Harvest the seeds: Chia seeds are ready to harvest when the plants have matured, and the flowers have wilted. Cut the stalks and place them in a paper bag to dry for a few days. Rub the seed heads between your hands to separate the seeds from the chaff. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
How to control weeds in chia seeds?
Ensure the crop area around the chia seeds is clear of weeds. It is important to eradicate them using a hoe implement If weeds are not eliminated, they can leach on the water & nutrients required by the actual crop. Also Read Anuppur news ibc24
With the above steps & practices, it is easy to cultivate quality chia seeds in India. Make sure the soil is well-drained, nutritive, and have
Frequently Asked Questions on Chia Seeds Cultivation
- Is it feasible to grow chia seeds in India?
Ans. Chia seeds are one of the most in-demand superfoods in India, popular in both domestic & international markets.
- How long does it take for Chia seeds to grow?
Ans. When provided with proper crop management, effective nutrition, sunlight exposure, and soil requirements, chia seeds can sprout in about 3-14 days.
- Is chia seeds cultivation profitable in India?
Ans. The retail price per kg of chia seeds is between INR 1500 to 1800. You can expect to earn a net profit of 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees in India.
Also Check –
- Fertiliser Schedule
Chia plants require regular fertilisation to grow into absolute quality, especially during the growing season. To grow healthy chia crops, you must add a balanced ratio of N:P: K fertilise. Moreover, every few weeks, make sure to add organic matter or well-decomposed farmyard manure.
- Harvesting of chia seeds
Harvest the seeds: Chia seeds are ready to harvest when the plants have matured, and the flowers have wilted. Cut the stalks and place them in a paper bag to dry for a few days. Rub the seed heads between your hands to separate the seeds from the chaff. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.