Shevga (Drumstick) Cultivation: Reduced Pruning and Smart Nutrient Management for Higher Yield

Shevga (Drumstick) Cultivation: Reduced Pruning and Smart Nutrient Management for Higher Yield

 Because of its lengthy harvesting season, strong market demand, and low maintenance costs, shevga, also known as drumstick (Moringa oleifera), has become a significant commercial crop for farmers. Farmers may greatly boost output and profits with the right pruning, irrigation, and nitrogen control. 

A successful Shevga growing model is highlighted in this blog, with an emphasis on balanced nutrient management and less trimming.

Land Preparation and Planting

• ODC-3, an improved Shevga cultivar, was chosen for cultivation.

• After being nurtured in a nursery, healthy seedlings were moved into the field.

• The land was properly prepared and well-drained soil was selected.

• To guarantee healthy root development, beds were meticulously prepared.

• Distance: Ten feet should separate each row.

The distance between plants is 15 feet.

Better air circulation, increased sunshine penetration, and simpler agricultural operations were all made possible by proper spacing.

Irrigation Management

• To guarantee effective water use, drip irrigation was implemented.

• Depending on the weather and soil moisture, irrigation was given every ten days.

• Timely irrigation promoted ongoing growth and lessened water stress.

Nutrient Management Practices

A higher yield was largely attained by balanced nutrition: 

• When planting:15 kg of farmyard manure (FYM.

• 18:46:00 Chemical fertilizer Micronutrients that are necessary.

• Twenty-five days later.

 • Using humic acid to enhance root development.

• Applying fertilizer: 

• At first, once a month
• Depending on the state of the crop, every 20 days

• Equal amounts of chemical and organic fertilizers were applied.

Importance of Pruning in Shevga

For Shevga production to last throughout time, pruning is essential:

 • Initial pruning.

• Completed in February and March.

• When plants are three to four feet tall.

• Promotes branching.

• The second trimming.

• Six months later.
• Plants are kept at a height of about ten feet.

Advantages of pruning

• Branches get closer to the earth.

 • Harvesting is simpler.

 • A greater quantity of pods.

• The plant's longer productive life.

Intercropping and Field Management

• Shevga plants were interplanted with vegetables.

• This resulted in increased revenue and improved land use.

 • Timely operations were guaranteed by routine field monitoring.

Intercropping and Field Management

Typical issues in Shevga consist of: 

• Caterpillars that consume leaves

• Aphid

• Fungal illnesses

Control strategies:

• Preventive neem-based sprays

• Chemical insecticides based on needs

• Frequent crop inspection for early identification

• The incidence of disease was decreased by controlled irrigation and proper drainage.

To reduce the use of chemicals, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was used.

Flowering, Harvesting, and Yield

• By the third month, flowering had begun as usual.

• Every ten days, pods were harvested. 

• 50–60 tonnes were produced on average. 

• Harvested pods were sold in the market; occasionally, traders bought them straight from the farm.

Future Planning

• Maintain timely and consistent pruning

• Applying fertiliser in accordance with soil tests

• Better timing of irrigation based on crop requirements

Conclusion

Even in regions that are prone to drought, shevga production can yield excellent returns if it is handled with appropriate pruning, balanced nutrition, drip irrigation, and pest control. Better production, higher-quality pods, and long-term profitability are guaranteed when scientific methods are paired with less pruning.