Hello Sir
In Konkan the best variety u can grow is Konkan Ruchira (Selection from Vasai Local).
It is a Dark green stick, medium long and best quality.
Yield is 30-35kg/ha
For this variety
Drumstick grows best in a well drained loam to clay loam.
All types of soil available in Maharashtra are suitable for cultivation of drumstick.
Hot and humid climate is suitable for growth and dry climate for flowering.
The temperature of 25 to 30 degree C is suitable for flowering in drumstick.
The planting of drumstick is normally done during June after the first shower of rains. The seedling of 25-60 days is selected for planting or the planting is directly done through seeds.
Two seeds are planted in each pit.
The spacing between two plants is maintained at 3 x 3 mt. The plant population per 1 acre work out to 445 numbers.
Seedlings are raised in plastic bags by making four holes on such bags, (one inch from the bottom of bag and from top) to facilitate drainage. 5-10 gm organic manure is added in the bag with soil.
Manure and Fertilizers :In Irrigated areas 26 kg of Farm Yard Manure and 250 gm of fertilizer is given in April followed by dose of fertilizer in September and December. The fertilizer dose may be increased at the rate of 500 gms per year as per requirement of the crop.
Irrigation:In light soil, the irrigation may be given at an interval of 10-12 days, while in black cotton heavy soil, an interval of 15-20 days may be maintained. The irrigation should be stopped after February month because the leaves fall and the plant requires rest till May month. If irrigation is given during February to May, it may lead to less production. In irrigated areas, the irrigation should be stopped from 1 October to 20 October to give stress to the plant for more flowering during November-December months. After flowering till formation of pods, irrigation is required for about 10-20 day interval.
Pruning:When the plant reaches one metre, the apex shoot of the plant may be removed to allow lateral shoots to emerge for better productivity and yield. Proper support may be given to each plant. First pruning should be done after 2 months of planting or when the plant reaches a height of one metre.
