Okra farming is a quick-growing and cost-effective agricultural practice that offers high profits. It requires minimal water, making it suitable for drought-prone areas. Compared to other crops, okra faces fewer pest and disease issues, and its demand remains steady in the market. Farmers can earn up to ₹3 lakh per acre by cultivating okra.
India, okra is grown in two main seasons—summer and monsoon. In hilly regions, sowing takes place in March-April, while in states like Assam, Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar, it starts by the end of February. In North India, farmers can begin cultivation between February and March.
For better yield, farmers should opt for improved varieties like Pusa Makhmali, Punjab Padmini, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab-7, and Arka Anamika. About 20 kg of seeds per hectare is required. To improve germination, seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours and kept in a warm place before sowing. Treating seeds with Thiram or Captan before planting helps prevent seed-borne diseases.
Okra thrives in well-aerated soil. The field should be deeply plowed and enriched with 30 tons of organic manure per hectare. Chemical fertilizers should be applied based on soil test recommendations. Before sowing, 40 kg each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be added. Additionally, nitrogen should be applied in two phases—half 3-4 weeks after sowing and the rest during flowering.
Profit Potential & Crop Management: Okra starts yielding in 45-60 days and continues producing for 5-6 months. Regular harvesting every 4-5 days and irrigation every 5-6 days are essential. High-yield varieties can produce 60-70 quintals per hectare, with market prices ranging between ₹30-50 per kg. After deducting costs, farmers can generate a profit of up to ₹3 lakh per hectare in 3-4 months.
