capsicum ದೊಣ್ಣೆ ಮೆಣಸಿನ ಕಾಯಿ 

Capsicum (bell pepper) farming requires careful attention to various factors such as soil preparation, planting, nutrient management, and pest control. Here is a comprehensive package of practices for capsicum cultivation:

1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Climate and Soil Requirements:

• Capsicum thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 18-30°C.
• Well-drained, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter are ideal.
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0.

Land Preparation:

• Plow the field thoroughly to a depth of 20-30 cm to break up clods and ensure a fine tilth.
• Remove weeds, debris, and stones.
• Create raised beds or ridges to facilitate drainage and prevent waterlogging.

2. Seed Material and Planting

Variety Selection:

• Choose high-yielding, disease-resistant capsicum varieties suitable for your region.

Seedling Preparation:

• Sow seeds in nursery beds or trays filled with a mixture of soil, sand, and compost.
• Maintain moisture through regular watering and protect seedlings from direct sunlight initially.
• Transplant seedlings to the main field when they are 4-6 weeks old and about 10-15 cm tall.

Planting:

• Planting time: Depending on the variety and region, typically during early spring or late summer.
• Spacing: 30-45 cm between plants and 60-75 cm between rows.
• Plant seedlings at a depth of 2-3 cm.

3. Nutrient Management

Fertilization:

• Apply well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) at 20-25 tons per hectare before planting.
• Basal dose: Apply NPK at 100:50:50 kg per hectare at planting time.
• Topdressing: Apply additional nitrogen at 25-30 kg per hectare 30 days after planting and again at 60 days.

4. Irrigation Management

Watering Schedule:

• Regular irrigation is crucial, especially during flowering and fruit development.
• Frequency: Irrigate every 5-7 days depending on soil moisture and weather conditions.
• Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use and to minimize water contact with foliage, reducing disease risk.

5. Weed Management

Weed Control:

• Manual weeding or hoeing 2-3 times during the growing season.
• Use mulching with organic materials like straw or plastic to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
• Herbicides can be used as per recommendations from local agricultural extensions.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and fruit borers.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery mildew, bacterial spot, and anthracnose.

Control Measures:

• Use disease-free planting material.
• Rotate crops with non-host plants to reduce pest and disease incidence.
• Regularly monitor the field and apply recommended organic or chemical pesticides and fungicides.
• Practice good field sanitation by removing and destroying infected plants.

7. Training and Pruning

Training:

• Train plants to grow vertically using stakes or trellises.
• Tie the plants to the support structures at intervals to prevent them from falling over.

Pruning:

• Prune lower leaves and side shoots to improve air circulation and light penetration.
• Regularly remove any damaged or diseased leaves and branches.

8. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

Harvesting:

• Capsicum plants start bearing fruits 60-90 days after transplanting.
• Harvest fruits when they are firm, glossy, and have reached the desired size and color.
• Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruits, leaving a small stem attached.

Post-Harvest Handling:

• Sort and grade the harvested fruits based on size, color, and quality.
• Wash the fruits in clean water to remove dirt and pesticide residues.
• Dry the fruits using a clean cloth or air-drying to remove excess moisture.

9. Storage

Storage Conditions:

• Store capsicum in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
• Ideal storage conditions: 7-10°C and 85-90% relative humidity.
• Use perforated plastic crates or boxes to allow air circulation and prevent spoilage.

10. Marketing

Market Channels:

• Sell fresh capsicum through local markets, wholesalers, cooperatives, or directly to retailers.
• Explore value addition through processing into products like dried capsicum or capsicum powder for higher profitability.

Additional Tips

• Intercropping:
• Consider intercropping with compatible plants like onions, carrots, or lettuce to optimize land use and increase income.
• Organic Farming:
• If opting for organic farming, avoid synthetic chemicals and use organic manures and bio-fertilizers.
• Record Keeping:
• Maintain detailed records of farming activities, inputs used, and expenses for better management and traceability.

Implementing these practices should help you achieve a successful capsicum farming venture. For more region-specific advice, consult local agricultural extensions or experts.