Chilli Cultivation through Drip Irrigation

Chilli cultivation, which enhances the flavor of everyday meals with its spicy taste, can provide farmers with good profits. Proper water management is essential for successful chilli farming. Drip irrigation is a modern irrigation method that delivers water drop by drop directly to the roots of the plants. In this method, water is supplied to the plants through a network of pipelines using small drippers or emitters. Let’s explore detailed information about chilli cultivation through drip irrigation in this post.

Need for Drip Irrigation in Chilli Farming

Drip irrigation is essential in chilli farming because it delivers water directly to the plant roots, conserving water and providing the necessary moisture for the plants. This increases chilli crop yield, strengthens the plant roots, and reduces the risk of diseases. Drip irrigation also allows for the precise application of fertilizers.

Benefits of Drip Irrigation for Chilli Farming

• Water Conservation: By using drip irrigation, water consumption during irrigation can be reduced by 50-70%.
• Proper Moisture for Plants: Plants receive a regular and controlled amount of water, strengthening their roots and increasing yields by 20-30%.
• Reduced Weeds: This method delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, keeping the surrounding area dry. As a result, the problem of weeds in the field is minimized.
• Time and Labor Savings: Implementing the drip irrigation method saves time and labor in irrigation. The pipeline system and drip method make it easy to deliver uniform water across the entire field.
• Efficient Fertilizer Usage: Drip irrigation facilitates the application of fertilizers to plants, reducing waste and ensuring that plants receive the right nutrients at the right time and in the right amount.

How to Cultivate Chilli Using Drip Irrigation Method?

Suitable Soil

• Sandy loam or loamy soil is considered most suitable for chilli cultivation. The soil pH level should be between 6 and 7.

Best Varieties

• To achieve good yields, you can select varieties such as Syngenta Royal Bullet, Namdhari N.S. 1101, Armor Chilli F1, Seminis Sitara, BSF Nandita, VNR 109, Namdhari N.S. 1701, Mahyco Yashaswini, Mahyco Tejaswini, etc.

Sowing Time

• Chilli can be cultivated in three seasons: rainy, winter, and summer. For winter cultivation, sowing should be done in September-October. For summer cultivation, it is done in February-March. Additionally, it can also be cultivated in June-July.

Seed Quantity

• For open-pollinated (OP) chilli varieties, 200 grams of seed is required per acre. For hybrid varieties, 80-90 grams of seed is needed. Choose chilli seeds based on local climate and disease resistance. Selecting hybrid seeds can increase yield.

Field Preparation

• The field should be plowed 2-3 times deeply for chilli cultivation. This makes the soil loose and allows the plant roots to spread easily. After plowing, level the field for the installation of the drip irrigation system.

Establishment of Drip Irrigation System

• When setting up a drip irrigation system, several factors must be considered. Choose a water source for drip irrigation, such as a tubewell, pond, or reservoir. Pay attention to water quality to avoid damaging the plants. Select the main pipeline and drippers based on the size of the field and the rows of chillies. Establish the drip irrigation system with main and auxiliary pipes, placing lateral tubes 1.5 meters apart. Install drippers in the lateral tubes at distances of 60 centimeters and 50 centimeters. Create raised beds that are 120 centimeters wide with 30-centimeter spacing, and place the lateral pipes in the center of each bed. Use a filter in the drip irrigation system to prevent dust, soil, and other impurities from entering the drippers. This helps reduce the problem of drippers clogging.

Chilli Planting

• For chilli cultivation, first sow chilli seeds in a nursery. About 30-35 days after sowing the seeds, when the plants have 4-5 leaves, transplant them into the main field. In drip irrigation, the distance between plants should be 12-16 inches, and the distance between rows should be 24-30 inches. This provides sufficient space for the plants to grow.

Fertilizer Management

• Along with the drip irrigation system, fertigation methods can also be used. This involves delivering liquid fertilizers or water-soluble fertilizers to the plants through the drip pipeline. This ensures that the plants receive nutrients and improves their growth. As a basal dose, use 10-12 tons of cow dung manure, 26 kilograms of urea, 52 kilograms of DAP, 20 kilograms of MOP, and 8 kilograms of 'DeHaat Starter' per acre. Apply 26 kilograms of urea 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days after transplanting. Ten days after transplanting, use 5 grams of 'DeHaat NutriOne NPK 19:19:19' and 5 grams of 'DeHaat NutriOne KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate) 13:00:45' per liter of water. Thirty days after transplanting or when the plants start flowering, apply 5 grams of 'DeHaat MAP (Mono Ammonium Phosphate) 12:61:00', 5 grams of 'DeHaat NPK 19:19:19', and 5 grams of 'DeHaat KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate) 13:00:45' per liter of water. Eighty days after transplanting or after the first harvest of chillies, apply 5 grams of 'DeHaat MAP (Mono Ammonium Phosphate) 12:61:00' and 5 grams of 'DeHaat KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate) 13:00:45' per liter of water.

Irrigation Management

• Water management is crucial in drip irrigation systems. Chilli plants require regular watering. In the early stages, drip irrigation can be applied for 1-2 hours daily, and during fruiting, for 2-3 hours. Provide less water during the initial growth phase, gradually increasing the amount as the plants grow. Plants need more water during flowering and fruiting stages.

Weed Control

• Using drip irrigation typically reduces the problem of weeds in the field. If weeds are an issue, you can manually weed the field. Additionally, mulching can be implemented in the field. If the weed problem escalates, consider using chemical herbicides as advised by agricultural specialists.

Disease and Pest Control

• Chilli plants can be affected by diseases such as mosaic virus, blight, leaf yellowing, and pests like whiteflies, thrips, and aphids. Regular inspection of the field is essential to protect the crop from these diseases and pests. This allows for early intervention against diseases and pests. If the incidence of diseases and pests increases, use chemical treatments, paying careful attention to the recommended dosages.

Fruit Harvesting

• The time taken for chillies to mature can vary based on the variety. Harvest when the fruits are fully ripe. Typically, harvesting can begin 80-90 days after planting. Not all fruits on the plants mature simultaneously, so continue harvesting at intervals over several days.

Have you ever used drip irrigation in chilli cultivation? Share your answers and experiences with us in the comments. For more information like this, make sure to follow the 'Krishi Gyan' channel. And don’t forget to like and share this post!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best irrigation method for chilli?

A: Drip irrigation is considered the best irrigation method for chillies. It helps save water while maintaining the soil moisture levels, leading to better plant growth.

Q: What is another name for drip irrigation?

A: Drip irrigation is also known as “trickle irrigation” or “drop-by-drop irrigation” in some regions.

Q: In which state drip irrigation is used prominently?

A: Several states in India are prominently using drip irrigation, with Maharashtra and Meghalaya being at the forefront. Various schemes are being implemented in Maharashtra to promote drip irrigation, while Meghalaya also utilizes drip irrigation in bamboo cultivation.