1. Climate

• Cool-season crop.
• Optimum temperature: 15–20°C during growth.
• Suitable for Rabi season.

2. Soil

• Well-drained loam to sandy loam soils.
• Soil pH: 6.5–8.5.

3. Sowing Time

• North India: Late October to Mid-November.
• Timely sowing ensures better seed yield and quality.

4. Seed Rate

• Timely sown: 80–100 kg/ha.
• Late sown: 100–125 kg/ha.

5. Seed Treatment

• Treat seed with Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or Tebuconazole @ 1.5 g/kg seed before sowing.

6. Spacing

• Row spacing: 22.5 cm.
• Plant spacing: 8–10 cm.

7. Fertilizer

• Irrigated: 60:30:20 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha.
• Apply full phosphorus and potash with half nitrogen at sowing; top-dress remaining nitrogen at first irrigation.

8. Irrigation

• Critical stages:
  • Crown Root Initiation (20–25 DAS)
  • Tillering
  • Booting
  • Flowering
  • Milk stage

9. Weed Management

• Keep the crop weed-free during the first 30–40 days.
• One hand weeding or use recommended herbicides.

10. Plant Protection

• Major pests: Aphids, termites, armyworms.
• Major diseases: Yellow rust, leaf rust, loose smut, net blotch.
• Follow Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM/IDM).

11. Roguing (Seed Crop)

• Remove off-type, diseased, and volunteer plants at vegetative, flowering, and pre-harvest stages to maintain genetic purity.

12. Harvesting

• Harvest when the crop is fully mature.
• Dry seed to 10–12% moisture before storage.

13. Expected Seed Yield

• Irrigated: 45–60 q/ha.
• Rainfed: 25–35 q/ha.