Coriander Cultivation, Planting, Sowing, and Advanced Varieties, know complete information

India is renowned as the land of spices, and coriander is one such integral part of Indian cuisine. The seeds and leaves of coriander enhance the flavor and taste of food, making it aromatic and delicious. Coriander holds significance not only in culinary delights but also in the agricultural market, with its seeds being rich in medicinal properties. In Madhya Pradesh alone, there are 1,16,607 hectares dedicated to coriander cultivation. Major coriander-producing districts in Madhya Pradesh include Guna, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Chhindwara, and more. India stands as a significant exporter of coriander, contributing to the earning of foreign currency through its exports.

When to coriander cultivation:

Coriander is a winter crop, typically sown between October and November. In some regions, it may also be sown late for the kharif season around August or September. It's advisable to prepare beds and furrows for sowing coriander seeds to ensure strong and healthy root growth. Coriander seeds usually germinate within 10 to 15 days after sowing.

How to coriander cultivation:

Before sowing coriander seeds, it's essential to lightly crush them into two halves. Then, the field should be plowed 2 to 3 times to break clods and to prevent soil moisture loss. Immediately after plowing, the field should be prepared for sowing coriander seeds to avoid drying out and to retain soil moisture. Running a rotavator in the field helps in proper mixing of fertilizers and leveling the soil. Coriander seeds should be sown in rows using a seed drill, with a distance of approximately 30 cm between rows and 10-15 cm between plants. Inoculate with bacteria and keep the mixture open in soil for about 10 days.

Climate, Temperature, and Soil for coriander cultivation:
Coriander thrives in dry climates and cannot withstand excessive cold or heat. Ideal temperature conditions for coriander cultivation range from 30-35 degrees Celsius maximum and 19-21 degrees Celsius minimum. Loamy soil is considered most suitable for coriander cultivation, and it can be grown in all types of soil with proper irrigation and adequate organic materials. The pH level of the soil for coriander cultivation should ideally range between 6.0 to 8.5.

Major Varieties of Coriander:

1. Kokan Kasturi: This variety is predominantly a winter crop characterized by broad, fragrant leaves and a height of 30 to 40 cm. It reaches harvesting readiness within 30 to 35 days, yielding an estimated 36 quintals per acre.
2. Arka Isha: Renowned for its rich vitamin content and aromatic, broad leaves and branches, this variety is harvest-ready within 65 to 75 days, producing approximately 12 quintals per acre.
3. Hisar Sugandh: Plants of this variety exhibit medium height, medium-sized seeds, and resistance to stem gall. They mature in 120 to 125 days, with an expected yield of 19-20 quintals per acre.
4. Kumbharaj: This variety showcases medium-height plants with small seeds, white flowers, resistance to stem gall, and adaptability. It matures in 115 to 120 days, with an anticipated yield of 19-20 quintals per acre.

Irrigation for Coriander Crop:
For coriander cultivation, the initial irrigation should occur immediately after sowing, followed by a second irrigation 8 to 10 days after germination. For winter crops, it's advisable to administer 4 to 5 irrigations. Employ sprinkler irrigation for light and consistent watering. Approximately 80 to 100 mm of water is sufficient for irrigation, as excessive watering can adversely affect the crop.

Fertilizers and Manure:
To achieve optimal yields in unirrigated coriander, apply well-rotted cow dung manure at a rate of 15-20 tons per hectare, supplemented with 40 kg nitrogen, 30 kg phosphorus, 20 kg potassium, and 20 kg sulfur per hectare. For irrigated crops, utilize 60 kg nitrogen, 40 kg phosphorus, 20 kg potassium, and 20 kg sulfur per hectare.

Diseases and Management:

1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew affects the lower surface and leaf nodes of the plant. These pests suck nutrients from the leaves, weakening the plant and causing small black spots to appear. To control this disease, apply 120 grams of Tricyclazole solution by spraying.
2. Damping-off / Root Rot Disease: This disease thrives in high temperatures and excessive moisture in the soil. Leaves turn yellow, and plants wither and die. To manage this disease, practice reduced irrigation, deep summer plowing, and adopt appropriate crop rotation.
3. Stem Blight Disease: Stem blight occurs mainly during cold weather, especially in December, January, and February. It causes the plants to wither. Choose high-quality seeds. Apply mustard cake, neem leaves, and dried cow dung ash for prevention. During planting, maintain proper spacing between crops.

Harvesting Coriander Crop: Coriander crop matures in approximately 45 to 50 days. Harvest when the coriander turns from green to a shiny brown color. Once the crop is fully matured, it is ready for harvesting and should be washed thoroughly with clean water after harvesting.

Yield and Storage: Scientifically irrigated coriander yields around 15-18 quintals of seeds and 100-125 quintals of leaves per hectare, while unirrigated crops yield 5-7 quintals per hectare. Store coriander seeds in thin jute bags placed on wooden planks on the ground. These bags can be filled and stored.