PoP Rabi 2023 (Final) 1
PoP Rabi 2023 (Final) 1
2023
Published jointly by
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
&Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Assam
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
PACKAGE OF PRACTICES
FOR
RABI CROPS OF ASSAM
2023
Published jointly by
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat &
Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Assam
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
CONTENTS
CEREALS
1. Boro rice 1
2. Hybrid boro rice 5
3. Early ahu (Direct seeded) 8
4. Early ahu (Transplanted) 12
5. Wheat 19
6. Rabi maize 25
7. Baby Corn 29
8. Sweet Corn 30
9. Buck wheat 32
10. Foxtail millet 34
FORAGE CROPS
1. Oats 36
2. Lucerne 38
3. Subabul 39
4. Rye grass 40
PULSES
1. Summer blackgram 41
2. Summer greengram 44
3. Lentil 46
4. Pea 50
5. Soybean 53
6. Rajmah 57
7. Grass pea (Khesari) 59
8. Chickpea 62
OIL SEEDS
1. Rapeseed-Mustard 66
2. Yellow sarson 72
3. Linseed 73
4. Niger 75
5. Rabi/summer groundnut 77
TUBER CROPS
1. Potato 80
2. Potato from TPS 85
OTHER CROPS/ENTERPRISES
1. Tobacco 89
2. Tea 91
3. Construction of low cost vermicompost unit 97
3. Technologies for intensive cropping in different 98
agroclimatic zones
4. Technologies for management of specific systems 103
5. Apiculture 105
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDICES
I. Micronutrients and their use 109
II. Use of lime for integrated management of acid soil 110
III. IPM Module for managing insect pests of rice in Assam 111
IV. Technical and trades names of insecticides, acaricides, 112
Rodenticides and biopesticides
V. Technical and trade names of fungicides/antibiotics/plant 115
products/antagonists
VI. Technical and trade names of herbicides 117
VII. Technical and trades names of micronutrient formulation 118
VIII(A). Conversion table (Nutrient-Fertilizer) 118
VIII(B). Conversion table (Area) 118
IX. Micro preparation and measurements for agrochemicals 119
X. Pesticide calculation formulae 119
XI. Ready recokner for milliliter or grams of a commercial 120
pesticide to be added to one liter of water in order to
obtain the required concentration of spray solution
XII(A). Pesticides banned for manufacture, import and use in 121
India (25 nos.)
XII(B). Pesticides/pesticide formulations banned for use but their 123
manufacture is allowed for export
XII(C). Pesticides withdrawn 123
XII(D). Pesticides restricted for use in India 124
XII (E) List of prohibited pesticides 126
XIII. Pest management rating of commonly used insecticides 127
XIV(A).Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for summer 129
green gram for target yield of 10 q/ha
XIV(B).Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for summer 129
green gram for target yield of 12 q/ha
XV(A). Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for 130
normal sown rapeseed for target yield of 10q/ha
XV(B). Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for normal 130
sown rapeseed for Target Yield of 12 q/ha
XVI(A). Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for late sown 131
rapeseed for target yield of 10 q/ha
XVI(B). Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for late sown 131
rapeseed for target yield of 12 q/ha
XVII (A) Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for Hybrid 132
rice for target yield of 60 q/ha without FYM
XVII (B)Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for Hybrid 132
rice for target yield of 60 q/ha with 5t FYM/ha
XVII (C) Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for Hybrid 133
rice for target yield of 70 q/ha without FYM
XVII (D) Ready reckoner for fertilizer recommendation for Hybrid 133
rice for target yield of 70 q/ha with 5t FYM/ha
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Agroclimatic Zones
N = North Bank Plains Zone
U = Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone
L = Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone
C = Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone
H = Hill Zone
B = Barak Valley Zone
Reaction to pests & diseases
R = Resistant
MR = Moderately Resistant
S = Susceptible
MS = Moderately Susceptible
T = Tolerant
Others
FYM = Farm Yard Manure
HYV = High Yielding Variety
a.i. =Active ingredient
RHSDRB = Rice Husk Saw Dust Rice Bran
Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
CEREALS
Rice (Oryza sativa)
Boro Rice
Varieties:
Carboxin 2.0
One liter of fungicidal solution is required to treat one kg of seed. Time required for
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
seed treatment with fungicidal solution is for >24 hrs and incubation for > 48 hrs.
(b) Dry method: Seeds are to be put in a closed container and then shake for five minutes
for thorough mixing with the following fungicide
Carboxin 2.0
Raising of Seedlings:
(a) Seed-bed Preparation: Flat seedbed is recommended. Beds should be 125 cm wide
and 10 m long with 30 cm gap in between two beds. Six to eight such beds are required
for transplanting 1 bigha. Low poly-tunnel (height: 75cm, width: 125cm, length: as per
convenience) should be used for raising seedlings during the cold period (end of
December to mid-January). Polytunnel is a portable structure constructed with a
polythene sheet fixed onto a frame made of bamboo sticks. The structure is placed over
the seedlings on the seedbed to ensure favourable temperature for the growing
seedlings. Any gap between the polytunnel and the soil should be sealed with mud to
maintain warmth inside the tunnel during night. The structure should be removed for 1-
2 hrs daily, starting from the 7th day before uprooting in order to allow the seedlings to
acclimatize. The duration of removal should be increased gradually and the seedlings
should finally be kept completely exposed for about 2 days.
(b) Seed rate: Pre-germinated seeds are to be sown @ 0.65-1.0 kg per bed. Seed
requirement for transplanting one hectare of main field is 40-45 kg.
(c) Plant protection in seedbed:
a) Spraying with ediphenphos @ 1 ml/liter of water is to be done as soon as one-two
blast spots are seen.
b) For the control of insect pest any one of the following chemical could be sprayed
Insecticide Dosage
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Fertility Management:
Irrigated area 60 30 30 18 27 6
N.B. For Barak Valley Zone and Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone, in the periphery of low
lying area, N-P2O5-K2O dose of 20-10-10 kg/ha (5 kg urea, 9 kg SSP and 2 kg MOP/bigha
is recommended).
Time of application:
In marshy areas, whole of super phosphate and muriate of potash is to be applied and
entire quantity of urea is to be top dressed after 21-25 days of transplanting. For irrigated area,
1/3rd urea as basal, 1/3rd at the time of tillering and the remaining part at panicle initiation stage
are to be applied. Super phosphate can also be incorporated into the soil at active tillering stage
25-35 days after transplanting along with second dose of N.
Transplanting:
Mahsuri 2 5 25×20
Boro 1
Boro 2
Kalinga 2 2 5 20×20
Gap filling:
The dead hills are to be replaced within 7-10 days of transplanting.
Water management:
Irrigation water is to be applied to maintain 5.0±2 cm of standing water in the field after
2-3 days of transplanting up to 7-10 days before harvest. But under constrained availability of
water, 7 cm irrigation water may be applied one day after disappearance of ponded water.
Interculture:
Two weedings are to be given preferably at 20 and 40 days after transplanting. Weeder
can also be used after top dressing to incorporate the nitrogenous fertilizer with the soil. Pre-
emergence application of pretilachlor @ 0.75kg a.i./ha followed by rotary paddy weeder at 40
days after transplanting.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Plant protection:
A). Insect Pests: Plant protection measures to be adopted against insect pests at their
Economic Threshold Levels (ETLs) are given in Table 1.
To control rice pests, erect 50 Nos. of ‘T’-perches per ha 2 ft (60 cm) above
crop canopy as roosting site for insectivorous birds, which are to be removed before
flowering in order to prevent activity of granivorous birds
B). Diseases:
i). Blast: As soon as one or two spots on leaf are seen, the following spraying schedule is
to be followed immediately.
Fungicide Concentration
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Varieties:
Carboxin 2.0
b) Dry method: Seeds and the following fungicide are to be put in a closed container and for
five minutes for thorough mixing.
Carboxin 2.0
Raising of seedlings:
a) Seedbed preparation: Flat seedbed with 1.25 m width, 10.0 m length and 30 cm gap
between two beds is to be prepared. Land is to be thoroughly puddled.
b) Seed rate: Pre-germinated seeds are to be sown @ 250-300 g/bed. Seed requirement
for transplanting one hectare of main field is 7.5kg.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Variety Year of Plant Duration Sowing Trans Age of Yield *Agrocl Disease
notific height (days) time planti seedlings (q/ha) imatic reaction
ation (cm) ng (days) Zone
time
Kanaklata 2017 125 130-135 February March 25-30 40-45 U,C, MS to
L,B blast &
sheath
rot, and T
to BLB &
sheath
blight
Land selection:
Low lying areas having sufficient soil moisture even during January and February
should be selected. The land should be prepared by ploughing 3 to 4 times followed by
laddering. Proper leveling has to be done so as to retain water uniformly in the field.
Fertility management:
Compost or FYM @ 10 t/ha (15 q/bigha) is to be applied during initial ploughing.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Varieties:
A. Semi dwarf
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Insecticide Dose
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
N 40 Urea 88 12
K2O 20 MOP 33 4
B. Tall varieties
N 20 Urea 44 6
P2O5 10 SSP 62 9
K2O 10 MOP 16 2
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
decrease. When the water level has dropped to about 15 cm below the surface of the soil,
irrigation should be applied to re-flood the field to a depth of about 5 cm over surface.
When the field is flooded, check that the water level inside the tube is the same as outside
the tube. If it is not the same after a few hours, the holes are probably blocked with compacted
soil and the tube needs to be carefully re-installed. The tube should be placed in a readily
accessible part of the field close to a bund, so it is easy to monitor the ponded water depth. The
location should be representative of the average water depth in the field (i.e. it should not be in
a high spot or a low spot).
The field water tube can be made of 30 cm long plastic pipe or bamboo and should have a
diameter of 10−15 cm so that the water table is easily visible, and it is easy to remove soil
inside. Perforate the tube with many holes on all sides, so that water can flow readily in and
out of the tube. Hammer the tube into the soil so that 15 cm protrudes above the soil surface.
Take care not to penetrate through the bottom of the plow pan. Remove the soil from inside the
tube so that the bottom of the tube is visible.
Interculture:
Two weedings at 20 and 40 days after transplanting are suggested. Alternatively,
weeder can be used at the time of top-dressing nitrogenous fertilizer. For chemical control of
weeds post-emergence herbicide bispyribac sodium @ 25.0 g a.i./ha should be applied at 2-3
leaf stage of dicot weeds and sedges.
Plant protection:
A. Insect pests: Plant protection measures are to be adopted against insect pests at their
Economic Threshold Levels (ETLs) as given in Table 1.
To control rice pests, erect 50 ‘T’-perches per ha 2 ft (60 cm) above crop canopy as
roosting site for insectivorous birds, which are to be removed before flowering in order to
prevent activity of granivorous birds
B. Diseases:
(i) Blast : Hexaconazole 5EC @ 2 g/l is to be sprayed at tillering stage followed by two
sprayings of ediphenphos @ 1 ml/l at panicle initiation and when the tip of the panicle
just comes out.
(ii) Sheath blight: Two sprayings of hexaconazole @ 2 ml/l of water are to be given, the
first at appearance of symptoms and the other 10 days after the first spraying.
(iii) Sheath Rot and Stem Rot: Spray 2 rounds of tebuconazole 25.9EC @ 1.5 ml/l at 15
days interval starting just after appearance of the disease
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Table 1. Damage identification, Economic Threshold Levels (ETLs) and chemical control
of different insect pests of rice
A. Nursery
Yellowing and withering Leaf and Moderate to Imidachloprid 70WG 24.5g a.i./ha
of plants plant hoppers severe Thiamethoxam 25 WG 25g a.i /ha
Presence of dead heart Stem borer Moderate to Chlorantraniliprole 20SC 30g a.i. /ha
severe Fipronil 5SC 50g a.i. /ha
Upon unfolding, the Whorl More than Fipronil 5SC 50g a.i./ha
edge of the central leaf maggot 20%
damaged
shows discoloured hills upto 30
(yellowish to whitish) days after
transplanting
patches
Presence of dead heart Stem borer 1 egg Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 30g a.i. /ha or
mass/sq.m @ 150 ml in
or 5% dead 500 liter per ha
hearts Fipronil 5 SC
50g a.i. /ha
Presence of silver shoots Gall midge 1 silver Fipronil 5SC 50g a.i. /ha
(galls) shoot/ sq.m Lambda-cyhalothrin EC 12.5ga.i./ha
in endemic
areas or 5%
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
silver shoots
in non
endemic
areas
Presence of tubular case Case worm 1-2 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 30g a.i. /ha or
by cutting the tips of the cases/hill @ 150 ml in
leaves, leaf tissues 500 liter for 1
scrapped in white ha
patches Cartap hydrochloride 50 SC 2 ml/l
Leaves are folded along Leaf folder More than 1 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 30g a.i. /ha @
margins by webbing damaged 150 ml in 500
them together leaf per hill liter for 1 ha
50g a.i. /ha
Fipronil 5SC
2 ml/l
Cartap hydrochloride 50 SC
Presence of silver shoots Gall midge 1 silver Fipronil 5SC 50g a.i /ha
(galls) shoot/sq.m. Lambda-cyhalothrin 5EC 12.5g a.i./ha
in endemic
areas or 5%
silver short
in non-
endemic
areas
Presence of dead heart Stem borer More than Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC 30g a.i. /ha
5% dead Fipronil 5 SC 50g a.i. /ha
heart
Cartap hydrochloride 50 SC 2 ml/l
Presence of partially or Rice bug 1-2 bugs/ NSKE 1500 ppm 0.5% 3-5 ml/l
completely chaffy grains sq.m
in the panicle
Presence of white Stem borer 1 moth/ Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 30g a.i. /ha
earhead sq.m. Fipronil 5SC 50g a.i./ha
Cartap hydrochloride 50 SC 2 ml/l
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Wheat
(Triticum aestivum)
Varieties:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
N.B.
i) In Sadia sub-division, middle of October is favourable time for sowing of wheat variety
“Sonalika”.
ii). The optimum time of sowing of wheat is when the mean temperature of 25°C prevails
in the areas.
iii). Growing of wheat after short duration rice is feasible in medium lowland situations.
Transplanting rice in mid-July and sowing wheat in late November with full
recommended dose of fertilizers for both the crops is necessary.
iv). Early sowing helps in utilizing residual soil moisture and escaping pre-monsoon rains.
Seed treatment:
Seed priming should be done by soaking the seeds overnight before sowing, for faster
emergence and uniform crop establishment. Seed treatment should be done with the following
fungicides.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
N P2O5 K2 O
Kokrajhar Kokrajhar 80 46 42
Sidli 80 46 42
Dhubri Dhubri 80 46 42
Goalpara Goalpara 60 34 42
Mancachar 60 34 42
Kamrup Guwahati 45 34 42
Rangia 80 46 42
Nalbari Nalbari 80 46 42
Barpeta Barpeta 80 46 42
Sonitpur Tezpur 80 34 42
Biswanath Biswanath 80 34 42
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Darrang Mongoldoi 60 34 46
Nagaon Nagaon 60 45 42
Morigaon Morigaon 60 35 42
Hojai Hojai 60 45 42
Sivasagar Sivasagar 60 45 42
Charaideo Charaideo - - -
Jorhat Jorhat 80 46 42
Majuli Majuli 60 30 20
Golaghat Golaghat 80 46 42
Sarupathar 80 46 42
Dibrugarh Dibrugarh 80 46 30
Tinsukia Tinsukia 80 34 24
Lakhimpur Lakhimpur 80 34 12
Under irrigated condition, half of N and the whole quantity of P2O5 and K2O is to be
applied as basal and the remaining half of N at CRI stage just before first irrigation.
Under rainfed condition, N-P2O5-K2O @ 40-20-20 is recommended for all the zones.
In absence of SSP, DAP can be applied in proportion to the quantities of N and P2O5
suggested above. Granulated mixed fertilizers can be used for basal application only.
On the basis of availability, sufficient quantities of FYM should be incorporated in the
soil at the time of field preparation.
In addition to recommended dose of fertilizers, Zinc Sulphate @ 15 kg/ha (2 kg/ bigha)
should be applied as basal.
Borax as basal should be applied @ 7.5 kg/ha for Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone, 10
kg/ha for North Bank Plains Zone and Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone in addition to
recommended dose of N-P2O5-K2O fertilizers.
For higher yield of wheat, seed should be treated with Azotobacter and PSB (20g
each/kg seed), in addition to recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Water Management
Irrigation schedule:
In case of dry topsoil, pre-sowing irrigation is to be applied 3-4 days before sowing for
quick and uniform germination of seeds.
Two irrigations of 6 cm depth have been recommended for all the agroclimatic zones.
The first irrigation has to be applied at the CRI stage (20-25 days after sowing) of the crop and
the second one at the heading stage (70-75 days after sowing). Irrigation should be avoided
when the ground water table remains within 50 cm of the root zone.
Mulching:
Rice straw mulching with 3 irrigations of 6 cm depth each at CRI stage (20-25 DAS),
Booting stage (60-65 DAS) and milk stage (90-95 DAS) increases the grain yield of wheat with
higher monetary return in rice wheat system
Weed management:
Weeding is to be done when plants attain 4-5 leaf stage. Post emergence application
(30-35 days after sowing) of isoproturon @ 1.00 kg a.i./ha + metsulfuron methy @ l4.00g/ha
in 700 liters of water controls weeds effectively. Running twin wheel hoes in between rows
once at 20 days after seeding controls weed effectively.
Pre-harvest sprouting management
To prevent pre-harvest sprouting in wheat, spray 7.5% NaCl (Common salt) or 0.015%
(150 ppm) sodium molybdate at milk and maturity stage.
Plant protection:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Rabi Maize
(Zea mays)
Varieties:
Hybrids :
Composites :
* Specially recommended for flood affected areas in agroclimatic zones U, L, N and B for
sowing in the middle of November
In case hybrids are grown, it is advised not to keep seeds from previous year’s harvest
for sowing in the following years. However, seeds from composite varieties can be kept for
sowing in the following year, without appreciable decrease in yield.
Land selection:
Well drained sandy loam soil is to be selected. Field should never be water-logged.
Field preparation:
Field should be ploughed thoroughly to obtain a deep, fine and firm tilth. Laddering
should be done properly for leveling as well as to conserve moisture in the soil.
Time of sowing:
The optimum time of sowing of rabi maize is middle of September to middle of
October. Sowing may be delayed up to middle of November, under exceptional circumstances,
but these results in delayed maturity. No sowing should be done after November 15.
Seed treatment:
Seeds are to be treated with carboxin @ 2 g/kg seeds. Seeds procured from NSC are
usually pretreated.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
K2O 40 MOP 65 8
Application of urea followed by a light irrigation also helps to minimize the disease as
it sometimes becomes serious due to poor management.
iii. Seed rot and seedling blight: The best recourse to these problems is to sow certified
seeds from a reliable source, which is pretreated with desired fungicides. If one wants
to use his own seed, seed treatment is a must.
iv. Pythium stalk rot: Apply carboxin 2.5 kg/100 liters of water/ha at the lower internodes
of plants 30-35 days after planting. Drain out excess rainwater from the field.
v. Charcoal rot: Sow resistant cultivars e.g. Diara, Hinius, etc.
vi. Banded sclerotial disease: In areas where this disease is noticed the plant should be
sprayed with hexaconazole @ 2ml/l at an interval of 12-15 days.
C). Bird damage:
Maize cobs can be protected from granivorous birds by wrapping the cobs with adjacent
leaves of the same plant at vulnerable grain maturity stage in outer 3 border rows. Also, erect
Shining Reflective Ribbon Stripes 1 feet above the crop canopy in North-South direction with
twisting to reflect the sunlight for better protection.
Irrigation:
Irrigation is needed at grand growth period, and tasseling and grain setting stages of the
crop, which will vary according to duration of varieties as mentioned below:
3rd Grain setting stage 85-95 DAS 100-115 DAS 110-115 DAS
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
should be sun-dried before shelling. Grains should again be dried after shelling and stored in
gunny bags.
Use of Maize:
Maize or corn flour is used as atta by mixing with wheat flour. Mixed with soybean
flour, it makes good atta for making chapatti. Corn flakes are delicious diet for men of all ages.
Corn flour can also be made into a good halwa. Crushed grains are nutritious feed for cattle,
poultry and fish. Stovers are also used as cattle-feed by making pieces with a chaffcutter. Maize
starch is used by modern industries for manufacture of various fabrics. Corn (maize) oil is an
important cooking medium.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Baby corn
(Zea mays L)
Zones: All Zones
Variety: G-5414, G-5411, HM-4 and Golden Baby
Land Preparation: Field should be ploughed thoroughly to obtain a deep, fine and firm tilth.
Seed Rate: 20 - 25 kg /ha (2.66 - 3.33 kg/bigha) Seed
Seed Treatment: Carboxin @ 2g/kg of seed
Sowing Time: Middle of October to middle of November (as Rabi)
Spacing: 45 cm x 20 cm
Fertilizer and Manure: FYM @ 5t/ha
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Sweet Corn
(Zea mays L. Saccharata)
Zones: All Zones
Varieties:
VL Sweet Corn-1 2016 75-85 13.7 Sturdy plant with medium height;
(FSCH18) yellow dent flat
VL Sweet Corn-1 2019 72-75 9.5-10.3 Sturdy plant with medium height;
yellow grains; TSS: 14.5-15.3%
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Irrigation : Irrigation should be applied at knee high stage and flowering / tasseling stage
Fertilizer and Manure:
K2O 50 MOP 84 11
FYM @ 5 t/ha (667 kg/bigha) should be applied at the time of field preparation. Whole P2O5,
K2O, ZnSO4 and half of N are to be applied in the furrow before sowing. The remaining
quantity of N should be top dressed in 2 split doses, one half during earthing up (25-30 DAS)
and second half during silking stage. Furrow application of fertilizer is more effective than
broadcasting.
Harvesting : Harvest when corn attain in milk stage just after 25-30 days after cob filling
Green Cob Yield: 25-30 t/ha
Green fodder: 30 -35 t green fodders can be harvested form one hectare of land
B:C Ratio : 4.44-5.65
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Buckwheat (Dhemchi)
(Fagopyrum esculentum L.
syn. Polygontum fagopyrum)
Variety: Local
Duration: 90-110 days
Soil type: Sandy loam
Land preparation:
The land should be ploughed thoroughly and leveled properly. Four to five ploughings
followed by laddering are sufficient to obtain a good tilth. The first ploughing should be done
preferably about one month ahead of sowing.
Time of sowing:
Sept-Oct for Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone and Oct-Mid Nov. for Lower
Brahmaputra Valley Zone
Seed rate: 20 kg/ha (2.7 kg/bigha)
Spacing: 30 cm between rows
Method of sowing:
Furrows of about 5 cm depth are to be prepared at a distance of 30 cm. Seeds are to be
sown in the furrows preferably at 3-5 cm depth but not deeper than 5 cm. Then laddering is to
be done along the furrows which will cover the seeds with soil and ensure soil compaction
resulting in uniform and quick germination.
Fertilizer management:
N 20 Urea 44 6
P2O5 10 SSP 63 9
K2O 10 MOP 15 2
All the fertilizers are to be applied by thoroughly mixed with soil, preferably one day
before sowing.
Weed control:
Weeding should be done before the weed plants attain 4-5 leaf stage. Dryland weeder
may effectively be used.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Plant protraction:
A). Insect pests:
i). Aphid: When the aphid attack is heavy, imidacloprid 17.8SL @ 20.0 g a.i./ha or 0.3 ml
/ l may be applied.
Spray solution requirement for hand sprayer and power sprayer are 500-700 liter/ ha
(65-90 liter/bigha) and 200-250 liter/ha (25-30 liter/bigha) respectively.
Bee pollination:
For enhancing yield through increased pollination, 5-6 numbers of honeybee colonies/
ha should be installed.
Harvesting:
Harvesting should be done when the grains turn blackish and ears are dry. After
harvesting, the plants are to be kept in the field for 2-3 days for sun drying. Threshing is done
by treading with bullocks or beating the plants with sticks.
Average yield: 12-15 q/ha
Uses:
After threshing, the grains are to be dehusked in dhenki, a locally used dehusking
device. The dehusked grains are pure white and flour is made out of the grains. The flour is
used to make chapattis. Sometimes it is mixed with wheat and barley flour. The tender green
plants are used as green vegetables and the straw of plants are used for cattle feed. The dried
plants can be used as firewood.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
i). Gundhi bug: When the attack of gundhi bug is observed in the field, neem seed kernel
extract (NSKE) 1500 ppm @ 3-5 ml/l may be applied for its effective control.
Harvesting:
Harvesting should be done when the millet panicles turn yellowish.
Threshing:
Immediately after harvest, threshing is to be done by treading with bullocks or by foot.
Uses:
The grains are to be dehusked with ‘dhenki’, a locally used dehusking device. The
dehusked grains can be cooked like rice. It makes good porridge. It is also used in making flour
and ‘laddus’. The straw can be used as cattle feed.
Average yield: 12 q/ha.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
FORAGE CROPS
Oats
(Avena sativa)
Varieties:
Varieties GFY DMY Adaptation Disease & pest Crude Crude Ash
reaction protein fibre
Kent 483 96.6 Rabi season Resistant to rust & 9.98- 31-34% 1.78-
blight disease, 12.44 % 1.94 %
Lodging resistant
Phule 320- 50-60 Rabi season Resistant to 12.5- 30-35% -
Hariata 340 q/ha Anthracnose, Crown 14.5%
(RO-19) q/ha rust, Loose smut,
Powdery mildew,
Barley yellow dwarf
virus, Army Worms,
Stinkbugs,
Wireworms, Aphids
JHO-99-2 320- 50 - Rabi season Resistant to diseases 12.5- 32-35% 1.9-
(Multi cut 340 60 - PM, anthracnose, 14.5% 2.1%
purpose) q/ha q/ha CR, LS & bean
yellow dwarf virus;
resistance to insect
pests armyworm,
sting bug, wireworm
& aphids.
Soil: Well drained silty loam, sandy loam soils are suitable. In such soils it can be grown after
sali paddy.
Field Preparation : Oats need fine compact seedbed.
Time of Sowing : Mid-October to December
Seed Rate : 100 kg/ha. (13-14 kg/bigha)
Spacing: Seeds are to be sown in rows 25-30 cm apart in furrows at a depth of 4-5 cm
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Fertility Management:
N 40 Urea 88 12
K2O 20 MOP 33 4
Application of 54 kg urea, 125 kg SSP and 33 kg MOP per hectare as basal dose and
34 kg urea after first cutting (60-70 days after sowing) as top dressing is essential. 50%
recommended dose of fertilizer + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + FYM @ 2.5t/ha should be applied
if oat is grown in fodder-based cropping sequence.
Irrigation:
Oats can be grown successfully as rainfed crops. If the soil is dry, first irrigation is to
be applied immediately after sowing, second at maximum tillering (45 days after sowing) and
third immediately after the first cutting.
Interculture: One weeding is necessary 3 to 4 weeks after sowing.
Cutting:
First cutting is to be done at 60-70 days after sowing, and second cutting at 50%
flowering. The crop should be cut at a height of 8 to 10 cm from the ground level.
Seed Production:
Oats seeds can be obtained by allowing the crop for seed setting after the first cutting.
One fifth of a hectare produces seeds sufficient for sowing one hectare.
Special practices for cultivating of oats after sali rice:
● Cutting of rice stubbles at ground level.
● Application of minimum tillage with one cross ploughing.
● Application of recommended dose of fertilizer @ 20-20-20 :: N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha
● Seed inoculation with Azospirillum @ 40 g/kg seed and PSB @ 40 g/kg seed.
● Sowing of seeds behind the plough with row spacing 25 cm
● Top dressing N @ 20 kg/ha after the first cut at 50 DAS.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Lucerne
(Medicago sativa)
Varieties:
T9 75 280 42.42 1
N 25 Urea 56 7.5
K2O 40 MOP 66 4
Irrigation:
Two to three irrigations are necessary at weekly intervals for establishment of the crops
and subsequent irrigations depend upon soil moisture status.
Cutting Details:
a) Numbers of cutting: As many cutting as possible
b) Time of cutting: First cutting is to be done at 55 to 60 days after sowing and subsequent
cuttings at an interval of 30 to 35 days.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Subabul
(Leucaena leucocephala)
Varieties:
N 20 Urea 45 6
K2O 0 MOP 0 0
Rest of the cuttings will also be taken at 40 days interval with 90 cm stubble height
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Rye grass
(Lolium sp.)
Adaptation: All agroclimatic Zones
Variety: PRG-1, Makhan grass
Land preparation:
One primary tillage followed by 2-3 harrowing. Land should be leveled properly and
free from stubbles.
Sowing Time: November to Mid-December
Seed Rate: 15 - 20 kg/ha
Method of Sowing: Line sowing/ broadcasting. If sown in line sow at 30 cm spacing.
Fertilizer management: Apply FYM @ 5 t/ha in addition to the following fertilizer dose
N 60 Urea 130 17
K2O 30 MOP 50 7
1/3rd N and full dose of P and K should be applied as basal. Top dressing N @ 20kg
/ha after each cut
Irrigation:
Three most important stages of irrigation are:
1. At sowing time
2. 35 days after sowing or at maximum tillering period
3. Immediately after the first cut and subsequent cut
Number of Cuttings:
1st cut at 50-60 days after sowing (DAS)
2nd cut at 80-90 DAS and third cut at 30-35 days after second cut
The crop should be cut at a height of 5-6 cm. above the ground at first cut and second cut.
Green Fodder Yield: 350-400 q/ha (Total of 3 cuts).
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
PULSES
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
A. Diseases:
Leaf spot Cu-oxychloride 1.8-2.0 kg in 600-700 0.3 7-10 days
liter of water
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Harvesting is to be started when pods mature indicating full darkish colour and brittle
on slight pressure. Harvesting should be completed in 2 to 3 pickings.
Protection against storage pests:
Properly dried seeds of black gram should be mixed thoroughly with black pepper seed
powder @ 3 g/kg of seed for protection against bruchid infestation during storage. Treated
seeds should be kept in polybags with outer covering of gunny bags.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Soil:
Well drained sandy loam soil is preferable.
Field Preparation:
Field is to be ploughed 2-3 times followed by leveling. Surface drains are to be provided
to facilitate quick removal of excess water from the field.
Time of Sowing:
The optimum time of sowing is from mid-February to mid-March.
Fertility Management: Same as in black gram
Soil application of 0.4 % (w/w) biochar (80 kg/bigha) produced from weed biomass or
crop residue along with RDF
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS AS PER FERTILIZER PRESCRIPTION
EQUATIONS (FPE)
Fertilizer prescription equations can be used to find out the amount of NPK fertilizers
required to obtain a certain yield target of the crop based on soil test values for NPK. The FPEs
can be used under cultivation practices where only chemical fertilizers are used and where
chemical fertilizers + FYM/Vermicompost/Enriched compost etc. are applied. The FPEs are
valid for different varieties of the same crop having not more than 15% variations in yield. The
amount of NPK fertilizers will vary according to yield target and soil test values. Yield target
must not cross the potential yield of a particular crop.
Only Chemical Fertilizers
FN =11.37 x T - 0.62 x STVN
FP =3.82 x T - 0.22 x STVP
FK =12.81 x T - 1.29 x STVK
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Lentil
(Lens culinaris)
Varieties:
Axom Masur 1 - 115-120 12-14 Moderately 27.60 All zones Rabi season
(SL 2-24) resistant to except
wilt BVZ
Axom Masur 2 - 115-120 12-14 Moderately 26.90 All zones Rabi season
(SL 2-28) resistant to except
wilt BVZ
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
N 15 Urea 32 4.5
N 10 Urea 22 3
Fertility Management:
In both the cases vermicompost @ 1 t/ha or FYM @ 2 t/ha as basal.
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) @ 75 kg/ha or 10 kg/bigha is to be applied in lieu of
urea and SSP in non-inoculated crop. N-P2O5-K2O may also be supplied in the form of mixed
fertilizer.
Foliar spray of 2% urea at branching (35 DAS) and pod formation (75 DAS) stages in
addition to the recommended dose of P & K. In addition to fertilizer dose of 10-26-15 N-P2O5-
K2O kg/ha, Ammonium molybdate 0.5 kg/ha (67 g/bigha) and 20 kg ZnSO4/ha (2.7 kg/bigha)
should be applied to soil.
Seed should be inoculated with Rhizobium and PSB and ZSB each @ 50 g/kg of seed
along with basal application of 15 kg ZnSO4.7H2O/ha (2 kg/bigha)
Application of Lime:
CaCO3 in the form of dolomitic lime @ 65.5 kg/bigha should be applied 15 days before
seeding and incorporate in the soil in areas where multiple cropping is practiced.
Seed priming: Soak the seeds for 6 hrs and dry under shade to bring it back to almost the
original weight.
Seed Inoculation with Rhizobium Culture:
Seeds are to be moistened with clean water avoiding excess wetting and Rhizobium
culture @ 50 g/kg of seeds and PSB @ 50 g/kg seed are to be inoculated.
Seed Rate: The optimum seed rate is 30 kg/ha or 4 kg/bigha.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
P2O5 13 13 SSP 81 11 81 11
Spacing:
The seeds are to be sown in line at a spacing of 25 cm between rows and 5-7 cm from
seed to seed.
Interculture:
Two weedings at 20 and 30 DAS or apply oxfluorofen @ 150 g./ha as pre-emergence
followed by 1 hand weeding at 20 DAS.
Irrigation:
If necessary and available, one light irrigation is to be given during pod filling stage.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Plant Protection:
Wet rot Infected plants are to be collected along with sclerotia & burnt. The
or following spray schedule may also be adopted
Spray azoxystrobin 23 SC @ 1 ml/l at initiation of the disease and two more sprays at
15 days interval for management of Stemphylium blight of lentil.
Protection against storage pests:
Properly dried seeds of lentil should be mixed thoroughly with black pepper seed
powder @ 3g/kg of seed for protection against bruchid infestation during storage. Treated seeds
should be kept in poly bags with outer covering of gunny bags.
Harvesting:
Harvesting should be done when 70-80 % pods turn yellow to brownish in colour.
Average yield: 12.0 q/ha
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Pea
(Pisum sativum L)
Varieties:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Seed Treatment:
Seed treatment with carboxin @ 2 g/kg of seed is recommended.
Spacing:
The seeds are to be sown in lines at a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between
plants.
Fertility Management:
Compost or FYM @ 4-5 t/ha or 6 q/bigha should be applied.
N 20 Urea 45 6
K2O 15 MOP 25 3
N 10 Urea 22 3
K2O 15 MOP 25 3
Apply all the fertilizers i.e. urea, SSP and MOP as basal followed by foliar spray of
0.5% N-P2O5-K2O (19-19-19) at pre-flowering and pod initiation stages
In North Bank Plains Zones, 10 kg Borax/ha is also recommended.
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) @ 100 kg/ha or 13 kg/bigha should be applied in lieu
of urea and SSP in non-inoculated crop. N-P2O5-K2O may also be supplied in the form of mixed
fertilizers.
Nutrient Management in Relay Cropping of Pea:
Seeds should be inoculated with Rhizobium - PSB consortium @ 50 g /kg + sodium
molybdate @ 0.5 g/kg seed, and spray 0.5% N-P2O5-K2O (19-19-19) at branching and 15 days
after first spray.
Application of lime:
CaCO3 in the form of dolomitic lime @ 65.5 kg/bigha should be applied 15 days before
seeding and incorporate in the soil in areas where multiple cropping is practiced.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Weed Control:
Fluchloralin 45 EC @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha as pre-emergence spray one day before sowing be
incorporated in the soil with light hoeing.
Suitable Rhizobium Culture: PAU and IARI or any other suitable strains can be used.
Irrigation: If required and available, one irrigation should be given at 40-50 days of sowing.
Plant Protection:
A). Insect Pests
To control cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) in field pea, apply rice stubbles @ 3.5 t/ha (2 cm
thick) as mulch just after sowing.
Spray chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3 ml/l at reproductive stage for effective
management of pod borers (Etiella zinckenella and Helicoverpa armigera) in field pea.
B). Disease:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Soybean
(Glycine max)
Soybean is an important pulse as well as oilseed crop of the State. Short duration
soybean varieties like JS-2, Moti and Pusa Soybean l can be easily fitted in between two rice
crops sali and ahu, i.e. the period from January to April or first week of May in a medium land
situation after harvesting of HYV rice.
Varieties:
Soil:
Soybean can be grown on a wide range of soils but it grows best on fertile and well
drained loamy soils. Water logging is injurious to the crop. In acid soils where pH is below 6.0,
lime is to be added @ 2 t/ha at least 21 days before sowing. Liming is necessary once in three
years.
Time of Sowing:
Under irrigated condition sowing is to be done in January. When the crop is grown
under rainfed condition, the optimum time of sowing is middle of January to middle of
February.
Land Selection:
Medium type of land is suitable for rainfed condition, where there is sufficient moisture
during January and February.
Field Preparation: Well prepared seedbed with good tilth is essential for soybean.
Fertility Management:
Nutrient Requirement Form Fertilizer requirement
(kg/ha)
kg/ha kg/bigha
N 20(10) Urea 45(22) 6.5(3)
P2O5 60 SSP 53.5 50
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Interculture operation:
Weed control:
Two manual weedings, one at 15 days and another at 35 days are necessary to control
weeds. Alight earthing up may be given at the time of the second weeding to keep the plants
erect.
Chemical weed control:
Pre-emergence application of fluchloralin @ 1.0-1.5 kg/ha immediately after sowing
controls weeds effectively. The grain yield is comparable to that of two hand weedings.
Irrigation:
Two irrigations one at flowering and the other at pod formation stage are needed for
proper growth and pod filling.
Moisture Conservation:
Under rainfed culture, soil moisture can be conserved by application of straw mulch over the
rows after sowing. In such a case, only one weeding is needed at 30-35 days after sowing.
Plant Protection:
Seeds are to be treated with carboxin @ 2 g/kg of seeds. Flubendiamide 39.3SC @ 72g
a.i./ha or flubendiamide 20WG @ 50g a.i./ha can be used against defoliator pest of soybean.
Seed treatment with thiophanate methyl + pyroclostrobin (Combo) 500 FS @ 2ml/kg
seed and thiomethoxam 600 FS @ 2ml/kg seed for management of root rot complex, pod blight
disease and insect pests of soybean.
Threshing:
Paddy Thresher is the best for threshing, especially for seed purpose. Threshing by
power tiller is suitable for consumption purpose.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Soybean milk:
1. Seeds are to be soaked in water for 12 hours, changing water at least three times.
Sometimes seeds are required to be soaked for 24 hours.
2. The seed coats are to be removed by hand rubbing.
3. A paste has to be made by crushing the peeled seeds.
Water is to be added at the ratio of 1: 3 and boiled while stirring with a ladle. The milk
should not be over boiled; otherwise, its nutritive value may be lost. Addition of a few drops
of ginger juice/bay leaf will remove the beany odours. Soybean milk is useful for maintaining
intestinal disorder. It prevents summer diarrhoea. It is easily digestible and can be used as diet
for old debilitated and convalescents.
Soybean can also be used for preparation of chapatti, kachuri, malpowa, bhujia, ladu,
chutni, cake etc.
Soybean curd:
To prepare soya curd, soya milk is to be poured in an appropriate container while it is
moderately hot.
Green beans:
Green soybeans are widely used as much in the same way the pea is used. When the
bean reaches its full size but yet green and tender, it is collected from the plant. It is usually
boiled and taken as green vegetables. The green bean is also used in salads. In order to secure
the best flavours, the bean should be cooked when they remain affixed in the pods. In such
cases, they are to be soaked in boiling water for a few minutes when it becomes easy to shell
them.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Plant protection:
A. Diseases
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Chickpea
(Cicer arietinum)
Varieties:
Pant G 186 1996 130-135 12-15 Resistant to Small seeded desi type
wilt
KPG 59 1992 125-130 12-15 Tolerant to Draught tolerant desi type
Fusarium wilt
Soil type: Chickpea can be grown on a wide range of soils, but well drained loamy soils are
preferable. In acid soils (pH <6.0) liming is necessary @ 2 q/ha 20-30 days before sowing.
Time of sowing: The optimum time of sowing is mid-October to end of November.
Field preparation: Chickpea is generally grown on conserved soil moisture. Field is to be
ploughed 2-3 times followed by laddering.
Seed rate: A seed rate of 45-50 kg/ha or 6.5-7.0 kg/bigha is required for a good chickpea crop.
Seed treatment: Seed treatment with azoxystrobin 23 SC @ 1 ml/l is advocated.
Seed inoculation: With Rhizobium culture and PSB @ 50g each per kg of seed.
Spacing:
The seeds are to be sown in lines at a spacing of 40 cm between rows and 10 cm between
plants.
Relay cropping of chickpea:
Seeds are to be broadcasted in standing crop of Sali rice at 15-20 days after 50%
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
N 20 Urea 45 6
N 15 Urea 33 4.5
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Harvesting:
Harvesting is to be done when pods mature, indicating full yellowish colour. The
moisture content of the grains should be about 12-14 per cent at the time of harvesting.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Rapeseed – Mustard
(Brassica campestris & Brassica juncea)
Varieties:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Soil Type:
Rapeseed – mustard generally do well in sandy soils. However, other light soils are also
equally good.
Field Preparation:
A fine seedbed is essential for rapeseed – mustard. The field should be ploughed 4-6
times followed by laddering in order to obtain a fine tilth.
Fertilizer Management:
Application of FYM or compost @ 2-3 t/ha is beneficial for the crop.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Seed Rate:
Seed rate of 10 kg/ha (1.3 kg/bigha) for toria has been found to be optimum.
For TM 2, TM 4 and Varuna, seed rate will be 8 kg/ha and plant population should be
maintained at 3 to 3.5 lakh/ha. Aseed proportion of 75:25 of toria + lentil mixed is
recommended for Hills Zone only. As pure crop, a seed rate of 6-8 kg/ha is recommended for
Hills Zone. After sowing, the land is lightly laddered.
Seed rate of rain fed late sown toria after sali paddy (rice-toria sequence) should be 13
kg/ha, i.e. 33% higher than normal recommended rate of 10kg/ha.
Time of Sowing:
The optimum time of sowing is middle of October to middle of November. Early
sowing helps in escaping the attack of aphids.
In Barak Valley Zone, rapeseed and mustard can be sown as late as November 30 in
upland condition and up to the third week of November in medium upland condition. However,
the seed rate of rainfed late sown toria grown as succeeding crop in rice (Sali)- Toria sequence
should be 33% higher than normal recommended rate, i.e. 13.0kg/ha.
Irrigation:
One Irrigation of 6 cm depth of water may be applied either at 50% flowering or at
early siliqua formation stage. In case a rainfall of 20-25 mm is received during this period, no
post sowing irrigation is essential. Pre-sowing irrigation is normally not required for timely
sown crop. However, in dry areas one pre-sowing irrigation may be applied.
As moisture conservation tillage practice for rapeseed after sali rice, one cross
ploughing by power tiller incorporating rice stubbles is recommended. The situation for this
practice should be medium land with medium textured soil, field capacity 23-25%, soil
moisture at the time of land preparation around 22.5%, and time of sowing 4th week of
November to 1st week of December.
Irrigation management and crop geometry in rapeseed:
Apply two irrigations of 4 cm depth at pre-flowering (20 DAS) and flowering (40 DAS)
stages. Spacing: 25 cm x 25 cm
Foliar spray of urea :
Two foliar applications of 1% urea at flowering and pod filling stages along with basal
application of recommended fertilizer dose, i.e. 60 kg N, 30 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O/ha.
Interculture:
Normally no weeding is required. Whenever necessary, one weeding at 15- 20 days
after sowing is sufficient to keep the field weed free.
A). Insect pests: Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 12.5g a.i./ha or 0.2g/l can be applied against
aphids.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
B). Diseases:
i) Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicae):
Organic management of Alternaria blight of Rapeseed: Seed treatment with
Biogreen (AAU product) @ 5% + Soil treatment with Biogreen @ 2.5 kg/ha (incubate1
part of Biogreen with 50 parts of FYM for 7 days) + Foliar Spray with Biogreen @ 5%
at 45 DAS.
Spray tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% (ready mix) WG @ 1 g/l or
azoxystrobin 23 SC @ 1 ml/l at appearance of Alternaria blight disease, followed 2
sprays at 20-25 days interval.
ii). Wet rot or white blight (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum):
For control of this disease the infected plants are to be collected along with the sclerotia
and should be burnt. The following spray schedule should also be adopted:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Yellow sarson
(Brassica campestris L. Var. yellow sarson)
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Linseed
(Linum usitatissimum)
Variety:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Weeding:
One weeding at 20-25 days after sowing is needed.
Plant Protection:
i). Wilt: For control of wilt disease:
● Seeds should be treated with carboxin @ 2 g/kg of seed before sowing.
● Suitable crop rotation should be followed in the affected fields.
Harvesting:
The crop is ready for harvest when plants become dry and the leaves fall off completely.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Niger (Gujitil)
(Guizotia abyssinica)
Varieties: Local (NG-1)
GA-5 and KEC-3 (for Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone).
Duration: 100-110 days
Soil Type: Silt loam to sandy loam
Land Preparation:
Land should be prepared thoroughly by giving 3-4 ploughings followed by laddering
to obtain a fine tilth.
Time of Sowing:
October (September to middle of October for Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone).
Seed Rate:
● For line sowing: 8 kg/ha (1.1 kg/bigha)
● For broadcasting: 12 kg/ha (1.5 kg/bigha)
Spacing: 25 cm between rows and 5-7 cm between plants
Method of sowing:
Furrows of 5 cm depth are to be prepared at 25 cm apart. Seeds are to be placed in
furrows preferably at 3-5 cm depth. Then laddering should be done along the furrows to cover
the seeds with a soil layer of about 3-5 cm. This ensures compacting of soil resulting in quick
and uniform germination.
Fertility Management:
N 20 Urea 44 6
P2O5 10 SSP 63 9
K2O 10 MOP 17 2
Plant protection:
As no serious pests and diseases have been observed, plant protection measures are not
required.
Bee pollination:
For enhancing yield through increased pollination, 5 honeybee colonies/ ha area of
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Niger is recommended.
Harvesting:
Harvesting should be done when leaves die out and turn blackish in colour. At maturity,
the grains also turn black.
Average Yield: 5 q/ha
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Groundnut (Rabi/Summer)
(Arachis hypogaea)
Variety: JL-24
Soil Type:
Well drained, light textured, loose, friable, sandy loam soil with medium organic matter
content is suitable. The desirable pH range is 5.5 to 7.5.
Land Preparation:
The soil should be prepared thoroughly to get a fine tilth which helps in obtaining good
germination.
To get rid of water logging, broad bed and furrow system should be adopted. In this
system, raised bed of 15 cm height and 1.2 m width should be prepared.
Time of Sowing:
Rabi groundnut:
Mid-September to Mid-October (if sowing time is delayed, crop duration will be
increased)
Summer groundnut: Mid-January to February.
Seed Selection and Treatment:
Bold and well filled pods should be selected and shelled just before sowing since the
viability in the stored kernels deteriorates fast. The small shriveled, damaged and broken
kernels should be treated before sowing with carboxin @ 2 g/kg kernels.
Seed rate: For bunch type 120 kg/ha
Method of Sowing: Seed should be sown in line at 5-6 cm depth of soil.
Spacing:
Row to row: 30 cm Plant to plant: 10 cm
Manures and Fertilizers: Compost of FYM @ 10 t/ha should be applied. The following
amounts of fertilizer should be applied basal.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
Interculture:
Weeds should be controlled manually 30-35 days (flower initiation stage) after sowing.
Water Management:
Groundnut crop requires on an average 400-500 mm of water. The critical stages are
flowering, pegging and pod development. If the crop does not receive rain during the critical
stages, lifesaving irrigation is to be given.
Plant Protection:
A). Disease:
The most common diseases occurring on groundnut are: Cercospora (Tikka) leaf spots,
rust, collar rot, dry root rot, stem rot and bud necrosis. These diseases can be effectively
controlled by adopting the following control measures:
● Tikka and rust: Hexaconazole 5EC @ 0.2% should be given as soon as the initial
symptoms are detected followed by a second spray after 15-20 days.
● Collar rot, stem rot and dry root rot: The seeds should be treated with carboxin @
2g/kg of kernels.
● Bud necrosis: Since this is caused by a virus, no control measure is available. To
minimize infestation, thrips (the vector transmitting the disease) should be controlled.
Cultural methods like early planting, closer spacing and intercropping with tall crop
which act as a barrier for the migration of vector, will reduce the disease.
B). Insect Pests:
Insect pests which cause economic losses are jassids, thrips, leaf miner, aphids etc.
These insect pests can be controlled by application of lambda-cyhalothrin 5EC @ 10g a.i./ha
or 150-250 ml/ha.
Harvesting:
The prominent symptoms of maturity are yellowing of foliage and dropping of old
leaves. The pod is mature when it becomes hard and there is dark tannin discolouration inside
the shell. The seed becomes unwrinkled and the testa develops colour. A common method used
to predict optimum time for harvesting is to dig plants when 75% of the pods are fully mature.
Generally, rabi groundnut (bunch varieties) matures at 125-130 days, while summer groundnut
(bunch varieties) matures at the age of 115-120 days.
Drying and Storage:
Rabi/summer groundnut loses viability if dried in the open sun. The pods could safely be
preserved for the next year as follows:
1. If the crop is irrigated, delay harvest (at least one week) after giving the last irrigation
to lower the pod moisture level.
2. After uprooting the plants tie them up with pods intact into small bundles and keep the
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TUBER CROPS
Potato
(Solanum tuberosum)
Varieties:
Kufri 80-100 85-100 150-160 Medium Oval, slightly Leaf roll &
Chandramukhi tall, erect curved, skin virus Y
white, eyes flat
Kufri 110-120 85-100 150-160 Tall, erect Oval, flat, skin Late blight
Jyoti white, eyes
flat, flesh dull
white
Kufri 100-120 120-150 175-200 Tall, erect White round Late blight
Megha oval tubers of resistant
medium size,
white eyes,
Flesh dull
white, good
keeping
quality & no
tuber cracking
Kufri Pukhraj 60-75 145 200-250 Medium, Easy to cook; Moderately
erect Texture-waxy resistant to
texture; Free Late blight
from after & tolerant
cooking to viruses
discolouration
Kufri Khyati 60-75 200-250 250-350 Tall (80-85 Oval, pale Moderately
cm), erect, yellow, tolerant to
medium late blight,
compact, tolerant to
vigorous viruses
Potato variety Kufri Megha can be grown late (up to Mid-December) in Upper
Brahmaputra Valley Zone.
Soil Type:
Well drained sandy loam and loam soils, rich in organic matter are suitable. A pulse
crop should preferably be included in the rotation to improve the soil condition.
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Field Preparation:
Field should be thoroughly ploughed to obtain a good tilth. It should be leveled for
uniform distribution of irrigation water or to maintain soil moisture uniformly under rainfed
situation. The furrows should be prepared at 50 cm apart.
Time of Planting:
The optimum time for planting is mid-October to mid-November. In case of Kufri
Sindhuri planting may be extended up to middle of December.
The optimum planting time for white and red eyed local potato is 15-30th October in
Assam.
Method of planting:
The sprouted tubers should be planted in furrows with sprouts facing upward. Care
should be taken to avoid sprout damage handling the tubers.
Seed Selection:
Virus free, healthy, medium sized sprouted tubers are to be selected for planting. Ideal
size is about 2.5 cm in diameter (25-40 g). Bigger sized tubers may be cut into pieces
longitudinally with 2-3 eyes in each piece.
Seed Sources:
Certified seeds of the recommended varieties are to be procured from Govt. or other
recognized agencies.
Seed Treatment:
In case of cut seeds, the pieces are to be dipped in carboxin @ 2 g/liter of water for
about 10 minutes. After treatment, the seeds are to be spread thinly and dried under shade for
48 hours, or should be covered with moist gunny bags for 2-3 days for tuberization.
Seed Rate:
The seed requirement is 22.5-25 q/ha when size of the tubers are about 2.5 cm in
diameter (about 25 g) and planted with an intra row spacing of 15 cm. Intra row spacing is
increased with bigger sized tuber.
Fertility Management:
Ten tonnes or 5 truckloads or 20 cart loads of well decomposed FYM should be applied
per hectare in the furrows before planting.
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Rainfed
N 60 Urea 133 19
K2O 50 MOP 83 12
Irrigated
N 60 Urea 133 19
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The potato crop can be grown from True Potato Seeds (TPS). The three methods are as
follows:-
1. Transplanted crop: Seedlings are transplanted in the field after raising in the nursery.
About 70% of the total produce is marketable and the remaining quantity of small sized
tubers is used as seedling materials in subsequent seasons.
2. Tuberlet production: TPS are sown in nursery beds and 70-80% is produced as
tuberlets, which are used as planting materials.
3. Planting of Tuberlet: Mainly commercial tubers are produced on planting of tuberlets,
though tuberlets can be used as planting material during subsequent years.
Varieties:
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
K2O/ sq.m in the substrate and mix thoroughly. After 2-3 days, the bed is ready for
sowing of TPS. The soil could be sterilized by drenching the soil with 4% formalin
followed by covering with ploythene or locally available materials (like banana leaf/
straw etc.) for 72 hrs and then remove the cover.
III. Cover the top of the nursery beds with 2-3 cm thick layer of finely sieved FYM. Thus
the nursery bed is raised to about 10 cm. from the field level.
Seedling Raising:
a. Prepare the seeds for sowing in nursery during the 1st week of October (TPS germinate
well when the daily minimum temperature touches 20°C and maximum temperature is
30°C)
b. Soak the TPS in water for 24 hrs and then incubate in FYM + soil mixture (1:1) for 2-
3 days. Pre-germinated seeds are to be sown in nursery bed.
c. Lightly irrigate the nursery beds a day before TPS sowing to keep the bed in moist
conditions.
d. Sow the pre-germinated TPS in 0.5cm deep furrows drawn 10cm apart across the breath
of the bed @ 2 g seeds/sq.m and cover these with 0.5cm layer of finely sieved FYM.
Seedling raised per 10 sq. m nursery can cover 1500-1600 sq. m area. About 120g TPS
and a nursery bed area of 75 sq. m are required for raising seedlings for transplanting
in one hectare. Sprinkle water on the seedbeds 2-3 times a day for about a week after
sowing the TPS using a sprayer or a gardeners water can to keep the seedbed moist
(avoid excess water). Care should be taken so that seeds are not distributed during
irrigation and to avoid run-off waters. Subsequently sprinkle water once or twice a day.
e. Protect the nursery beds from direct bright sun light by providing thatch grass shade
during mid-day for 10-12 days after sowing. Remove the cover in the late afternoon
and put it by morning (8-10 am). However, shade should be provided to protect the
seedlings from rain, whenever necessary.
f. Nursery bed should be weed free.
g. After the germination is completed and the leaves start emerging (around 10 days) spray
on the seedlings every 4-5 days interval with 0.1% urea (prepared by dissolving 1g urea
in 1 liter of water), till these are ready (4-5 leaf stage) for transplanting. The seedlings
are ready for transplanting after 25-30 days of sowing.
Field preparation and seedling transplanting:
a. Prepare the field as per normal recommended practice.
b. Basal application (broadcasting) of N, P2O5 and K2O ([Link] 100 kg/ha) at the last
round of field preparation. Apply FYM @ 10 t/ha during field preparation.
c. Prepare the ridge at 50 cm apart in the East-West direction. Irrigate the furrows one day
before transplanting of seedlings. However, irrigation may not be applied if sufficient
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e) Provide shade initially as mentioned in earlier methods to protect from rain, bright
sunshine etc.
f) After 10 days of emergence, spray the seedlings with 0.1% urea on every third or fourth
day for boosting up the growth and vigour of the seedlings. Spraying of urea solution
should be stopped when the seedlings become vigorous.
g) When the seedlings attain a height of 15cm, cover the lower-most three internodes of
the seedlings with additional quantities of substrate mixture and repeat the earthing up
h) three times at an interval of 7-8 days.
i) Proper and timely weeding is essential. Follow the usual cultural practices like irrigation,
plant protection etc.
j) Cut haulm at the age of 90-95 days.
k) Harvest the seedling tubers after 12-15 days of haulm cutting.
Cultivation of Potato crop from Tuberlets:
The seedling tubers produced either by direct seeding of TPS or from transplanted
potato crop are planted in the field in the next season. The method is similar to the
recommended conventional cultivation practices of potato crop, except the variation in spacing
according to seed rate and seed size.
20-40 20 25
10-20 15 17
5-10* 10 12
*In case of 5g size, two tuberlets should be planted. Moreover, seedling tubers
(tuberlets) can be used for 3-4 successive years if seed plot technique is followed appropriately.
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Tobacco
(Nicotiana spp.)
N 50 Urea 108 15
K2O 50 MOP 83 11
FYM should be applied @ 10 t/ha (13.3 q/bigha).The entire quantity of SSP and MOP
and 3/4 of urea should be applied before planting and remaining 1/3rd urea should be applied
th
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Tea
(Camellia sinensis)
Soil and Climate:
Tea can be grown on a wide range of soils but well drained sandy loam to clay loam
soils having pH 4.5-5.5 are most suitable for tea cultivation. Water-logging is injurious to the
tea plant. Hot and humid climate with a high and even distribution of rainfall (2000 mm to
40000 mm/annum) throughout the year is beneficial for tea cultivation.
Some Recommended Planting Materials:
Clone: TV 1, TV 18, TV 20, TV 21, TV 22, TV 23, TV 24, TV 25, TV 26, PL 26A,
S3A/I, Tin Ali-17/1/54 etc. and other clones approved by the Tea Board.
Seed: TS 450, TS 462, TS 464, Betjan Jat, Tingamira Jat and other seed stock and Jats
approved by the Tea Board.
Selection of suitable planting material for a locality should be made, however, by
judging the performance of the material in the adjoining tea plantations.
Nursery:
a) Seed Nursery: Before sowing in the nursery, seeds are to be placed in a germination pit
filled with a thin layer of clean moist sand. On cracking, seeds should be transferred to the
nursery. Seedling may be raised in “beds” (1.2m wide and of convenient length laid in East-
West direction in fertile soil) or in ‘polythene sleeves’ (20-25 cm long, 17 cm (lay flat)
wide & 150-gauge thickness). Sleeves should be filled up with a mixture of good jungle
soil and well rotten cattle manure (3:1 ratio) along with super phosphate @ 500 g/cubic
meter soil mixture at least 3-4 weeks before sowing.
i) Sowing Time: November-December. Seeds, as soon as received, should be placed in
the germination bed as delay in sowing impairs germination.
ii) Spacing and Depth of Sowing: Seeds should be sown at a spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm
in the bed and at a depth equal to the diameter of the seeds. While sowing the scar (eye)
should face downwards.
iii)Shade: The nursery is to be protected from strong sun and wind. For this an overhead
is to be erected with enclosure on all sides. The roof should be slanting towards the
South (height 2.1 m on the northern side and 1.5 m on the southern side) and covered
with a thin layer of thatch or other suitable material. Similar material may be used to
construct the enclosure.
iv) Manuring : One Young Tea Dose (YTD), i.e. a mixture of N-P2O5-K2O (10-5-15)
mixed with dry soil at 1: 9 ratio should be applied around the collar (5 cm away from
the collar) per 30 running meters of 1-2 m wide nursery bed, from June to August, at
fortnightly interval. In addition, 2% urea solution as foliar application may be sprayed
4 times in that period to ensure health and vigour of nursery plants, wherever necessary.
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(iv) Manuring: Super phosphate @ 1 kg/16 running meter (of the trench) should be
applied after thoroughly mixing with the excavated soils along with dry well rotten cow
dung @ 65 kg/16 m trench.
(v)Mulching: After planting, the area should be mulched with green materials like
Guatemala, water hyacinth, spent Citronella grass etc. Paddy straw may be used as
mulching material. When paddy straw is used for mulching, it is essential to apply 20
kg nitrogen per hectare, preferably in the form of ammonium sulphate over the mulch.
Mulching should be done 10cm away from the collar of the plant.
Green Cropping:
For the initial two years, ‘Bormedelua’ Crotalaria anagyroides may be grown in
between two alternate hedges of tea by line sowing. Lopping the tops and sides of the green
crop should be done and the litters be kept in situ. During gestation period, some pulses may
be grown in between the hedges.
Shade:
Temporary shade tree species like Indigofera teysmanii should be planted at a spacing
of 3.6 x 3.6 m in between the two lines of a hedge immediately after planting of tea. Lopping
should be done to avoid over shading and temporary trees should be removed when permanent
shade trees attain maturity. Permanent shade tree species like Albizzia odoratissima. A. lebbek
etc. should be planted at 12 m x 12 m spacing along the tea rows. Thorny species like Acacia
lenticularis should be used in elephant infested areas.
Manuring:
(a) Young Tea :
Manuring should be started when plants establish in the field.
0 year – 5g YTD/plant, 3 times at 8 weeks interval by ring method, leaving 10cm around
the collar.
+ 1 year – 10 g YTD/plant as above
+ 2 year – 16 g YTD/plant as above
+ 3+4 year – 900 kg YTD/ha in single application in strip method leaving 15 cm from the
collar of the plant on either side.
(b) Mature tea :
From fourth year onwards, 90-135 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O/ha should be
broadcast in single dose in clean ground in April when the monsoon rain moistens the soil
down to a depth of about 45 cm.
N should be applied in the form of urea for two years followed by ammonium sulphate
in every third year.
Bush formation of young tea:
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0 Sept./Oct. Planting
+3 - -do-
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Weed Control:
In the first year, hand weeding around the collar region of the plant and cheelin between
the hedges should be done. Herbicide sprays at appropriate @ 350 to 500 liter per hectare
(depending on weed infestation) may be used at suitable intervals to control weeds in mature
tea fromApril to September. Care must be taken to avoid herbicide sprays falling on the tea
plants.
(i) Grass weed infested area : Spray glyphosate (2-2.5 liter in 300 liters water)
(ii) Broad leaf weed infested area: Spray bispyribac sodium (25 kg a.i./ha).
(iii)Mixed weed infested area: Spray glyphosate (2.25 liters in 300 liters water).
Pest Management:
A). Mite & Insect Pests:
For all Mites including red spider, spray ethion in 1:400 dilution, from mid February
onwards or spiromesifen 22.90 SC @ 96.0 ga.i./ha. Depending on the intensity of
infestation 4-6 applications are necessary. Two sprays of etoxazole 10 SC @ 40 ga.i.
/ha (5.33 g ai/bigha) at 15 days interval is highly effective to manage the red spider
mite in the tea ecosystem or spray tebufenpyrad 20 WP @ 200 g a.i/ha against tea red
spider mite, Olygonychus coffeae.
Termites: Soil drenching with clothianidin 50 WDG @ 250 g/ha (125 g a.i./ha or 0.5
g/liter of water) is effective against termite in tea.
B). Diseases:
(i) For Nursery Diseases like brown root rot or collar rot, the infected plants must be
removed, 0.25% suspension of copper oxychloride should be applied as preventive
measure, before onset of rain and repeat spray after one month. For damping off disease,
which is mainly caused due to heavy soil condition and over watering, copper
oxychloride be applied @ 1.5 kg/ha after first shower, followed by a repeat spray after
3 weeks (1:400 dilution).
(ii) Primary root diseases like brown root rot, charcoal stump rot, terry root rot or purple
root rot are incurable. In case of incidence of such diseases, an isolation trench should
be dug enclosing 3.5 m radius around the infected plant. All plant parts along with their
root systems should be thoroughly removed and burnt. The pit so formed, should be
rehabilitated properly before replanting.
(iii) For secondary root diseases like violet root rot, diplodia, thorny blight etc., the
infected bush along with its root system should be removed. Improvement of drainage
and other cultural practices, thereby increasing the bush vigour, will reduce the
possibility of such diseases.
(iv) Leaf and Stem Diseases: Blister blight infected plants should be sprayed with copper-
oxychloride @ 625 g/ha in 1:800 dilution by a high-volume sprayer. Six to 8 repeat
sprays, each at 7 days interval (after each plucking) ensure better control.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
For black rot or red rust, the same fungicide should be sprayed @ 1.5 to 2.5 kg/ha
(depending on the prevalence of the disease) by a hand sprayer in 1: 400 dilution. Four
repeat sprays each at 2 weeks interval (during March/April) should be given.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
d. Pit: A pit connecting the vermicomposting unit . A half-inch diameter PVC pipe may be
used.
e. Inside the pit: Bamboo made vermicomposting tank and Wash collection tank should be laid
with Black polythene sheet(Best Quality)
f. The bottom should have a mild slope towards the Wash collection tank.
g. A layer of fine pebble and layer of sand should be placed over the plastic sheet in the
vermicomposting tank.
h. The vermicomposting tank should be filled with Semi-decomposed
(pre-decomposed ) and subsequently, earthworm of proven species is to be
released. The dried cow dung should be free of local earthworm species.
i. A side drain may be laid out around the vermicomposting unit to prevent ant problem.
Size of each tank : 0.91m (B) x 0.91m (D) x 2.5m (L)
Annual Production capacity : 900 Kg/ one cycle x 3 cycle = 2700 Kg
Duration of each cycle : 3 months during summer and 4 months during winter
Duration of the structure : 3 years
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
SITUATION: UPLAND
A) UPPER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE
i) Annual crop
Sugarcane (spring) + Cowpea Sugarcane (autumn) + Toria Pigeonpea +
Ginger/turmeric Summer rice/vegetables
Blackgram/greengram (Sept)/Pea/Rajmah (Oct)/Vegetables (Chilli + French bean +
Cucumber)
Cowpea/maize (fodder) + Soybean/Toria
ii) Perennial crop
Arecanut + Banana + Pineapple
Arecanut + Black pepper + Banana + Pineapple
B) NORTH BANK PLAINS ZONE
Summer green gram - Groundnut/Potato/Pea/Toria Summer rice -
Vegetables/lentil/Pea /Rajmah
C) CENTRAL BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE:
Summer green gram - Kharif vegetables Lentil/pea/Toria
Summer rice - Kharif vegetables/Rabi vegetables Vegetables - Kharif vegetables/Rabi
vegetables Rice - Kharif vegetables/Rabi vegetables Sesamum + Blackgram (1: 1)
Pigeonpea + Sesamum
LOWER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE:
i) Annual
1) As in CBV and Rice-Blackgram-Potato Rice-Sesamum-Wheat.
2) Vegetables+vegetable; Vegetables+flower intercropping.
Brinjal+Frenchbean/Knolkhol/Methi
Pea + Tuberose Coriander + marigold
ii) Perennial crop
1) Coconut + ginger + Turmeric
Coconut + betelvine + Assam lemon + banana + Pineapple + Ginger.
E) HILLS ZONES (SLOPES OF 20-25%)
Rice (DS) - Blackgram/greengram Rice (DS) - Cotton
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First rice crop of sequence is of 100-110 days duration viz., Luit, Kapilee, second rice
of 130-140 days duration, viz., Mahsuri, Jaya, Satya.
B) NORTH BANK PLAIN ZONE:
Maize Rajmah
First rice crop of 100-110 days duration, 2nd one of long duration 150 days in two crop
sequences.
C) CENTRAL BRAHMAPUTRA ZONE:
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Jute - Wheat/Toria/Pea/Potato
Post-rice mustard can be sown till late November, while niger/linseed can be sown till
December.
F) HILLS ZONE:
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For late planting seedlings of 50-55 days of age can be used in closer spacings of 15
cm × 15 cm and 20 cm × 15 cm for semi-dwarf and tall varieties, respectively.
Rice varieties of short duration for pre and post flood situations are – Luit, Kapilee,
(100-110 days duration) and also Lachit, Govind (120 days duration), Kalinga 3, Sonamukhi,
Heera. In post flood situation sprouted seeds to be sown in wet condition.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
transplanting.
Closer spacing of 15 × 15 cm or 15 × 10 cm for short duration varieties like Luit/
Kapilee.
Second rice var. is to be of long duration (150-160 days) for low land, viz., Ranjit,
Bahadur, Kushal, Moniram to be transplanted in July.
Direct seeding of the first rice crop in wet condition with application of (pre-
emergence) herbicide, viz., pretilachlor @ 0.75 kg kg a.i./ha and with supplementary
irrigation is recommended.
Rice – Pulses/Oilseed:
Green manuring with S. aculeata, S. rostrata or green leaf manuring for the rice crop
is beneficial in the establishment of rabi crops after rice.
Use 60 kg P2O5 as rock phosphate 20 days ahead of planting the 1st rice crop and no
phosphatic fertilizer for the second crop.
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APICULTURE
Honeybees are essential for pollination of many cross-pollinated crops, and also for
production of honey which generates income to the farmers. There are four major honeybee
species viz., Rock bee (Apis dorsata), little bee (Apis florea), Indian bee (Apis cerena) and
Western bee (Apis mellifera). Out of them, the former two are wild and the latter two are
domesticated species. Indian bee is a brownish black, locally available domesticated Asiatic
species. The beekeeping practice of North-East India is mainly based on this species. This is
indigenous to India with average honey yield of 12 kg per hive per annum and the foraging
range is 0.8-1 km. Western bee is an exotic golden yellow species most widely and
commercially reared in the world. This is larger in size than Indian bee having average honey
yield of 35-40 kg per annum with aforaging range of 2 km. The species is successfully
introduced in Northern India and effort is being made to introduce it in Assam including North
East India.
Apiary site:
An apiary is a place where honeybee colonies are reared. Site with proper sunlight, air
circulation and shade should be selected for the apiary. Good apiary location is one with
abundance of nectar and pollen producing plants. Commercial beekeepers generally migrate
their colonies from one place to another for flora and produce more than one api crop of several
types. Some of the important bee foraging crop-plants are rapeseed- mustard, niger, buckwheat,
sunflower, safflower, sesamum, bottle gourd, pointed gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, sponge
gourd, maize, soyabean, jamun, litchi, mango, drumstick, guava, citrus, coconut, areca nut,
date palm, pummelo, ironwood, tamarind, mayflower, pomegranate etc.
Beehive and other equipment:
Honeybees are reared in the modern beehive based on the principle of bee space.
Beehive is composed of brood chamber and honey chamber. The brood chamber is meant for
rearing progeny and the super or honey chamber is used for secreting honey. The following
beekeeping equipment are required for honeybee rearing.
i) Beehive:
a) ISI A type 8 frames for Indian bee, ISI B type 10 frame for Indian bee.
b) Langstroth 10 frame for Western bee.
ii) Smoker to produce smoke for effective handling of the colony
iii) Bee veil to prevent bee stinging during handling of the colony
iv) Hand gloves for effective handling of the colony
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APPENDIX I
Micronutrients and their use
High yielding varieties of crops are fertilizer responsive, and hence lead to removal of
both major and micronutrients from soil proportional to the production of crops. Commercially
available high analysis fertilizers supply enough of major nutrients and little of micronutrient
required for the crop. Replenishment of micronutrients removed by crops to soil is not generally
practiced and as such crop derives micronutrients from native source. Due to continuous
cropping, the soil is depleted of available micronutrients and thereby the productivity of the
land gradually declines.
The studies on micronutrients status in Assam soils and crop responses to application
of different micronutrients (straight chelated and blended forms) revealed beyond doubt that
the application of micronutrients, particularly zinc and boron are necessary to enhance the
yields of various field and horticultural crops in the state. Since molybdenum contents in Assam
soils are below the critical limit, responses to Mo is also conspicuous on leguminous crops as
it is essential for efficient functioning of Rhizobium spp. for nitrogen fixation.
Zinc sulphate, borax and sodium or ammonium molybdate are common sources for
supplementing Zn, B and Mo, respectively. However, there are large numbers of micronutrient
products available in the market for soil application and foliar spray as given below. But
considering the possibility of developing residual toxicity in some specific situations due to
continuous soil application and taking the price of micro-nutrient and labour wages together,
foliar spray is advantageous. Although the use of micro-nutrient should be based on soil test
values, a generalized recommendation of its use particularly Zn and B appears to be useful for
enhancing the crop yield.
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APPENDIX II
Use of lime for integrated management of acid soil
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APPENDIX III
IPM Module for managing insect pests of rice in Assam
The IPM module recommended for insect pest management in rice crops of Assam is
as follows-
Varietal Resistance:
● Any resistant/ tolerant variety
Chemical control:
● Seed treatment with carboxin @ 2.0 g/kg seed
● Need based application of pesticide based on Economic Threshold Level (ETL)
(Table1)
Cultural control:
● Timely planting (as per recommendation)
● Optimum plant population (as per recommendation)
● Balanced fertilizer application and split application of N (as per recommendation)
● Clean cultivation
● Regular pest monitoring (use of pheromone traps @ 8 traps/ha for YSB)
Biological control:
● Release of egg parasitoids Trichogramma spp. @ 50,000 Nos. /ha (six releases) on
observing the moths of YSB
● Application of Beauveria bassiana impregnated Rice Husk Saw Dust Rice Bran
(RHSDRB) medium @ 3 kg/ha in 600 liters of water (107 spores/ml)
ITKs:
● Use of bamboo perches to encourage predatory birds. Remove the perches as the crop
reaches milky grain stage.
● Use of Eupatorium odoratum twigs and leaves in the field to repel insects like case
worm
● Use of neem leaf (soil incorporation) against case worm and stem borer
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APPENDIX IV
Technical and Trades Names of Insecticides & Acaricides,
Rodenticides and biopesticide formulation
[Link]
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX V
Technical and Trade Names of Fungicides/Antibiotics/Plant Products/
Antagonists
L. Antagonists
Pseudomonas fluorescens Biofor-PF (Jaiva Kiran), based product
Pseudocon
Trichoderma spp. based Bicure F, Trich-X-P, Viricon-L, products
Bioderma, Trichostar
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APPENDIX VI
Technical and Trade Names of Herbicides
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APPENDIX VII
Technical and Trades Names of Micronutrient formulation
APPENDIX VIII A
Conversion Table (Nutrient-Fertilizer)
1 Kg N 2.17 Kg Urea
1 Kg P2O5 6.25 Kg SSP
1 Kg K2O 1.66 Kg MOP
1 Kg DAP 2.875 Kg SSP and 400 g
Urea 1 Kg N + 1 Kg P + 1 Kg K 6.66 Kg Sulphala (15-15-15)
APPENDIX VIII B
Conversion Table (Area)
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX IX
APPENDIX X
RR × A
× 100
1) Pesticide required = ——————————
% a.i.
Where-RR = Recommended rate
A = Area in ha
% a.i. = Per cent active ingredient in the formulation
DC x 100
2) Milliliter of pesticide to be mixed per liter of water = ———————
% a.i.
Where-DC = Desired concentration (%)
% a.i. = Per cent active ingredient in the formulation
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX XI
Ready recokner for milliliter or grams of a commercial pesticide to be added to
one liter of water in order to obtain the required concentration of spray solution
Toxicant
in the Concentration (%) of the spray solution required
pesticide(%)
0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50
10 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00
15 0.67 1.33 2.00 2.67 3.33 4.00 4.67 5.33 6.00 6.67 13.33 20.00 26.67 33.33
20 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
25 0.40 0.80 1.20 1.60 2.00 2.40 2.80 3.20 3.60 4.00 8.00 12.00 16.00 20.00
30 0.33 0.67 1.00 1.33 1.67 2.00 2.33 2.67 3.00 3.33 6.60 9.90 13.33 16.67
45 0.22 0.44 0.89 0.88 1.11 1.33 1.56 1.78 2.00 2.22 4.44 6.66 8.89 11.11
50 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20 1.40 1.60 1.80 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00
55 0.18 0.36 0.55 0.73 0.93 1.10 1.27 1.45 1.64 1.81 3.64 5.45 7.27 9.09
60 0.17 0.33 0.50 0.67 0.83 1.00 1.17 1.33 1.50 1.67 3.33 5.00 6.67 8.33
65 0.15 0.31 0.46 0.61 0.77 0.92 1.08 1.23 1.38 1.54 3.08 4.62 6.15 7.69
70 0.14 0.29 0.43 0.57 0.71 0.86 1.00 1.14 1.28 1.42 2.85 4.28 5.71 7.14
75 0.13 0.27 0.41 0.53 0.67 0.80 0.93 1.07 1.20 1.33 2.67 4.00 5.33 6.67
80 0.13 0.25 0.38 0.50 0.63 0.75 0.89 1.00 1.13 1.25 2.50 3.75 5.00 6.25
85 0.12 0.24 0.35 0.47 0.59 0.71 0.82 0.94 1.06 1.18 2.35 3.53 4.71 5.88
90 0.11 0.22 0.33 0.44 0.56 0.67 0.78 0.89 1.00 1.11 2.22 3.33 4.44 5.55
95 0.11 0.21 0.32 0.42 0.53 0.63 0.74 0.84 0.95 1.05 2.11 3.16 4.21 5.26
100 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
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APPENDIX XII A
Pesticides banned for manufacture, import and use in India
22. Metoxuron
23. Pentachlorophenol
24. Phenyl Mercury Acetate
25. Sodium Cyanide ( banned for Insecticidal purpose only vide S.O 3951(E) dated 8th
August, 2018)
26. Tetradifon
27. Thiometon
28. Toxaphene(Camphechlor)
29. Trichloro acetic acid (TCA)
B. Fungicides
1. Ethyl Mercury Chloride
2. Pentachloro Nitrobenzene (PCNB)
3. Fenarimol
4. Tridemorph
5. Methoxy ethyl mercuric chloride
6. Benomyl
C. Herbicides
1. Nitrofen
2. Paraquat di-methyl sulphate
3. Metoxuron
4. Linuron
5. Sodium Methane assonate
D. Nematicides
1. Aldicarb
2. Diazinon
3. Dibromochloropropane
4. Ethylene Dibromide
E. Others (Growth regulators)
1. Maleic hydrazide
2. Trichloroacetic acid
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX XII B
Pesticides/ pesticide formulations banned for use but their
manufacture is allowed for export
APPENDIX XII C
Pesticides withdrawn
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APPENDIX XII D
Pesticides restricted for use in India
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX XII E
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare)
(CG-DL-E-16022023-243654)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 2nd February, 2023
List of Prohibited Insecticides
SN Name of insecticide Decision of Central Government
7 Dimethoate Label deletion of fruits and vegetables that are consumed as raw food
items.
8 Chlorpyriphos Ber, Citrus and Tobacco.
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX XIII
Pest Management Rating of Commonly Used Insecticides
Bt 1 1 1 1 1.0 31 3.0
Ethion 3 2 3 - - 2 7.0
Permethrin
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methyl
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APPENDIX-XIV(A)
Ready Reckoner for Fertilizer Recommendation for Summer Green Gram
for Target Yield of 10 q/ha
Sl. No. STV N STV P STV K N P2O5 K2 O N P2O5 K2 O
Kg/ha Kg/ha Kg/bigha
1 175 9 100.5 10.56 12.33 8.11 1.4 1.6 1.1
2 177 11 105.5 10.05 10.93 6.66 1.3 1.5 0.9
3 179 13 110.5 9.54 9.54 5.21 1.3 1.3 0.7
4 181 15 115.5 9.03 8.14 3.76 1.2 1.1 0.5
5 183 17 120.5 8.52 6.75 2.31 1.1 0.9 0.3
6 185 19 125.5 8.02 5.36 0.86 1.1 0.7 0.1
7 187 21 130.5 7.51 3.96 0 1.0 0.5 0.0
8 189 23 135.5 7.00 2.57 0 0.9 0.3 0.0
9 191 25 140.5 6.49 1.17 0 0.9 0.2 0.0
10 193 27 145.5 5.98 0 0 0.8 0.0 0.0
11 195 29 150.5 5.47 0 0 0.7 0.0 0.0
12 197 31 155.5 4.96 0 0 0.7 0.0 0.0
APPENDIX-XIV(B)
Ready Reckoner for Fertilizer Recommendation for Summer Green Gram for
Target Yield of 12q/ha
Sl. STV N STV P STV K N P2O5 K2 O N P2O5 K2 O
No. Kg/ha Kg/ha Kg/bigha
1 210 9 120.5 14.02 16.34 12.35 1.9 2.2 1.6
2 212 11 125.5 13.51 14.95 10.9 1.8 2.0 1.5
3 214 13 130.5 13.00 13.55 9.45 1.7 1.8 1.3
4 216 15 135.5 12.49 12.16 8.00 1.7 1.6 1.1
5 218 17 140.5 11.98 10.76 6.55 1.6 1.4 0.9
6 220 19 145.5 11.47 9.37 5.10 1.5 1.2 0.7
7 222 21 150.5 10.96 7.97 3.65 1.5 1.1 0.5
8 224 23 155.5 10.45 6.58 2.20 1.4 0.9 0.3
9 226 25 160.5 9.95 5.18 0.75 1.3 0.7 0.1
10 228 27 165.5 9.44 3.79 0 1.3 0.5 0.0
11 230 29 170.5 8.93 2.4 0 1.2 0.3 0.0
12 232 31 175.5 8.42 1 0 1.1 0.1 0.0
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Package of practices for Rabi crops of Assam, 2023
APPENDIX-XV(A)
Ready Reckoner for Fertilizer Recommendation for Normal Sown
Rapeseed for Target Yield of 10 q/ha
[Link]. STV N STV P STV K N P2O5 K2 O N P2O5 K2 O
Kg/ha Kg/ha Kg/bigha
1 150 5.5 40 30.4 10.63 9.74 4.1 1.4 1.3
2 152 7.5 45 29.6 8.48 6.03 3.9 1.1 0.8
3 154 9.5 50 28.8 6.33 2.32 3.8 0.8 0.3
4 156 11.5 55 28.0 4.18 0.00 3.7 0.6 0.0
5 158 13.5 60 27.3 2.03 0.00 3.6 0.3 0.0
6 160 15.5 65 26.5 0 0 3.5 0.0 0.0
7 162 17.5 70 25.7 0 0 3.4 0.0 0.0
8 164 19.5 75 24.9 0 0 3.3 0.0 0.0
9 166 21.5 80 24.1 0 0 3.2 0.0 0.0
10 168 23.5 85 23.3 0 0 3.1 0.0 0.0
11 170 25.5 90 22.6 0 0 3.0 0.0 0.0
12 172 27.5 95 21.8 0 0 2.9 0.0 0.0
APPENDIX- XV(B)
Ready Reckoner for Fertilizer Recommendation for Normal Sown
Rapeseed for Target Yield of 12 q/ha
[Link]. STV N STV P STV K N P2O5 K2 O N P2O5 K2 O
Kg/ha Kg/ha Kg/bigha
1 150 5.5 40 51.12 14.35 18.68 6.8 1.9 2.5
2 152 7.5 45 50.33 12.2 14.97 6.7 1.6 2.0
3 154 9.5 50 49.55 10.05 11.26 6.6 1.3 1.5
4 156 11.5 55 48.77 7.9 7.55 6.5 1.1 1.0
5 158 13.5 60 47.99 5.75 3.85 6.4 0.8 0.5
6 160 15.5 65 47.2 3.6 0.14 6.3 0.5 0.0
7 162 17.5 70 46.42 1.46 0 6.2 0.2 0.0
8 164 19.5 75 45.64 0 0 6.1 0.0 0.0
9 166 21.5 80 44.85 0 0 6.0 0.0 0.0
10 168 23.5 85 44.07 0 0 5.9 0.0 0.0
11 170 25.5 90 43.29 0 0 5.8 0.0 0.0
12 172 27.5 95 42.5 0 0 5.7 0.0 0.0
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APPENDIX-XVI(A)
Ready Reckoner for Fertilizer Recommendation for Late Sown Rapeseed
for Target Yield of 10 q/ha
Sl. No. STV N STV P STV K N P2O5 K2 O N P2O5 K2 O
Kg/ha Kg/ha Kg/bigha
1 150 5.5 60.5 32.34 41.1 37.5 4.3 5.5 5.0
2 152 7.5 65.5 31.8 34.83 33.59 4.2 4.6 4.5
3 154 9.5 70.5 31.27 28.56 29.69 4.2 3.8 4.0
4 156 11.5 75.5 30.74 22.29 25.79 4.1 3.0 3.4
5 158 13.5 80.5 30.21 16.03 21.88 4.0 2.1 2.9
6 160 15.5 85.5 29.67 9.76 17.98 4.0 1.3 2.4
7 162 17.5 90.5 29.14 3.49 14.07 3.9 0.5 1.9
8 164 19.5 95.5 46.03 9.03 29.02 6.1 1.2 3.9
9 166 21.5 100.5 45.50 2.76 25.11 6.1 0.4 3.3
10 168 23.5 105.5 44.96 0.00 21.21 6.0 0.0 2.8
11 170 25.5 110.5 44.43 0.00 17.31 5.9 0.0 2.3
12 172 27.5 115.5 43.90 0.00 13.40 5.9 0.0 1.8
APPENDIX-XVI(B)
Ready Reckoner for Fertilizer Recommendation for Late Sown Rapeseed
for Target Yield of 12 q/ha
Sl. No. STV N STV P STV K N P2O5 K2 O N P2O5 K2 O
Kg/ha Kg/ha Kg/bigha
1 150 5.5 60.5 49.75 52.91 56.34 6.6 7.1 7.5
2 152 7.5 65.5 49.22 46.64 52.44 6.6 6.2 7.0
3 154 9.5 70.5 48.69 40.37 48.54 6.5 5.4 6.5
4 156 11.5 75.5 48.16 34.1 44.63 6.4 4.5 6.0
5 158 13.5 80.5 47.62 27.83 40.73 6.3 3.7 5.4
6 160 15.5 85.5 47.09 21.57 36.83 6.3 2.9 4.9
7 162 17.5 90.5 46.56 15.3 32.92 6.2 2.0 4.4
8 164 19.5 95.5 46.03 9.03 29.02 6.1 1.2 3.9
9 166 21.5 100.5 45.50 2.76 25.11 6.1 0.4 3.3
10 168 23.5 105.5 44.96 0.00 21.21 6.0 0.0 2.8
11 170 25.5 110.5 44.43 0.00 17.31 5.9 0.0 2.3
12 172 27.5 115.5 43.90 0.00 13.40 5.9 0.0 1.8
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ANNEXURE-XVI (B)
Ready reckoner for targeted yield of 60 q/ha hybrid rice with 5t FYM/ha
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APPENDIX-XVI(C)
Ready reckoner for targeted yield of 70 q/ha hybrid rice without FYM
APPENDIX-XVI(D)
Ready reckoner for targeted yield of 70 q/ha hybrid rice with 5t FYM/ha
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