Efficient Cultivation of Tobacco

Tobacco is an important cash crop, primarily grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar. It is produced in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Proper nursery preparation and timely management of fertilizers and nutrients are essential for a good yield. There are differences in climate, soil, and farming practices between South and North India, and farmers can achieve excellent yields by considering these factors.

How to Cultivate Tobacco?

Tobacco farming in South India

• Climate: Climate plays a crucial role in tobacco cultivation, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In Andhra Pradesh, during the southwest monsoon, rainfall is about 800-1000 mm, which makes the climate warm and humid. On the other hand, Karnataka has a tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 650-1000 mm. The climates of both states provide favorable conditions for tobacco crops.
• Soil: In Andhra Pradesh, tobacco is cultivated in black, light sandy, and red soils, which help the roots spread deep into the ground. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, light soils with good water-holding capacity are chosen, providing the necessary moisture to the crop. These soil characteristics in both states are essential for enhancing tobacco productivity. The ideal pH level for Burley tobacco is between 5.5 and 6.5, and for chewing tobacco, it is between 7.0 and 8.5.
• Sowing Time: In Andhra Pradesh, tobacco sowing takes place from October-November to February-March during the Rabi season, while in Karnataka, it is done from February to April during the dry summer. The sowing times in both states ensure favorable conditions for crop growth and production.

Tobacco Cultivation in North India

• Climate: The climate of Bihar is suitable for chewing and hookah tobacco, characterized by hot and humid weather. North Bengal's climate remains moist and humid throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of over 3000 mm.
• Soil: The soil in Bihar is generally fertile, making it favorable for tobacco cultivation. In North Bengal, the soil is coarse and rich in nutrients, aiding crop growth. For chewing and hookah tobacco, the optimal soil pH range is between 5.1 and 8.5.
• Sowing Time: In Bihar, tobacco sowing is done in the second half of October, while in North Bengal, the crop is sown in December-January.

Nursery Management in Tobacco

• Soil Selection: Sandy or loamy soil is considered suitable for tobacco nurseries. In black soil, drainage issues can increase the risk of diseases. If the soil in your field is heavy, mix 40 to 80 tons of sand per acre to improve drainage.

• Site Selection: Choose an elevated area for the nursery to ensure easy water drainage. Changing the nursery site each year helps reduce the incidence of diseases.

• Bed Width: The width of the beds should be between 1.0-1.22 meters to facilitate proper weeding and hoeing, as well as ease of irrigation.

• Fertilizer Use in Nursery: For healthy growth and better development of plants, mix 50 grams of ammonium sulphate, 50 grams of potassium sulphate, 300 grams of superphosphate, and 100 grams of dolomite in a 10 square meter bed. This mixture enhances soil fertility and strengthens the plants. After seed germination, apply 25 grams of ammonium sulphate as top dressing twice at intervals of 4 days to promote good plant growth.

• Seed Rate: To plant tobacco in one acre, 1.5 to 2 kilograms of seeds are needed. The seed quantity may vary depending on the soil, variety, and farming method. Following the correct seed rate improves crop growth and yield.

• Transplanting Time: For tobacco cultivation, select healthy 6 to 8-week-old plants for transplanting. Maintaining proper spacing between plants is essential to ensure they have enough room for proper growth. For chewing tobacco and hookah tobacco varieties, maintain a distance of 90x45 centimeters between plants, while for the Natu variety, a distance of 60x60 centimeters is suitable. The appropriate transplanting time is between December and January for the Rabi crop and between July and August for the Kharif crop.

Field Preparation

• Preparing the field for tobacco sowing is the most important process. First, the soil of the field should be thoroughly plowed deeply to make it loose, and then light plowing should be done to level the field. This will improve drainage and ensure that the plants receive an equal amount of water.
• Additionally, it is essential to completely destroy the residues of the previous crop, as they can lead to the infestation of weeds, diseases, and pests.

Topping and desuckering

• Topping is a process in which the terminal bud (top bud) of the plant is removed just before or after flowering, sometimes including a few leaves from the top. After topping, the plant's auxiliary buds become active and start to grow as new branches, known as "suckers." The process of removing these suckers is called de-suckering or suckering.
• The main objective of topping and de-suckering is to redirect the plant's energy and nutrients from the flowers towards the leaves, so that the leaves can grow larger and improve in quality. This also increases the final yield of the leaves, enhancing the overall productivity of the plants. These processes control the growth of the plant and help improve the quality and quantity of the crop.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Management

• The proper use of fertilizers in tobacco cultivation is essential for plant growth and productivity. In North India, 217 kilograms of urea, 52 kilograms of DAP, and 40 kilograms of MOP are used per acre, providing a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In contrast, in South India, 108 kilograms of urea, 42 kilograms of DAP, and 33 kilograms of MOP are used per acre, determined according to local climate and soil requirements. This type of fertilizer management improves the quality and yield of the tobacco crop.

Irrigation Management

• Irrigation is very important for tobacco cultivation. The amount and frequency of irrigation depend on the soil type, climate, and growth stages. Generally, drip, sprinkler, and flood irrigation are used, with drip irrigation considered the most effective.

Pest and Disease Management

• Managing various diseases and pests in tobacco cultivation is essential. Major diseases include damping-off and tobacco virus disease, which can be controlled by timely application of fungicides. Pests like aphids and leaf-cutting insects also harm the plants. Regular crop monitoring and proper use of pesticides are necessary.

Harvesting

• Tobacco leaves are harvested when they are fully developed and contain the necessary amount of nicotine. Typically, this process occurs 90 to 120 days after planting, and the timing mainly depends on the crop variety and cultivation duration.

Yield

• The yield of tobacco depends on soil quality, climate, crop management, and variety. On average, tobacco can yield 4-6 quintals per acre, which can be increased with proper management.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where is tobacco farming most prevalent?

A: Tobacco farming is mainly practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar in India. Approximately 85% of the country's tobacco production comes from these states.

Q: When is tobacco sown?

A: Tobacco can be sown in both the Rabi and Kharif seasons. The period from October to November is considered most suitable for Rabi, and from June to July for Kharif.

Q: What type of soil is best for tobacco?

A: Loamy and sandy loam soils are considered best for tobacco farming, with a pH value between 5.5 and 7.0. Well-drained soil is ideal for tobacco plants.

Q: What is the yield of tobacco?

A: The yield of tobacco depends on soil quality, climate, and crop management. On average, 4-6 quintals of tobacco are produced per acre.

Q: What is the right time for harvesting tobacco?

A: Tobacco leaves are harvested when they are fully developed and contain the necessary amount of nicotine. This period generally occurs after 90-120 days, depending on the crop variety and growing season.