Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 7: Because of heavy rainfall this time, seeds sown by him were destroyed twice. But Suresh Nayak, a farmer from Manai in Bommarabettu, Hiriadka in the district, was determined to grow hybrid red amaranth in a one-acre plot.

Nayak got six kilograms of red amaranth seeds through the department of horticulture, Kerala, at a cost of Rs 18,000. In addition, he got four kilograms of Indo-American hybrid seeds. He got technical help from Brahmavar Agricultural Science Station, and succeeded in raising this crop.

 Amaranth is ready to be harvested in 45 days after seeds are sown. Nayak has got a good harvest now. He has already harvested and sold the crop grown on 25 cents of land. He is getting Rs 50 per kg in the market. He has spent Rs 40,000 for raising the crop and expects to earn one lac rupees.

 Nayak has been involved with farming for the last 25 years. This time, he took on lease 13 acres of barren land where he has grown paddy. He also has taken 30 acres of field on lease to raise watermelon.

 Chaitanya, scientist of Brahmavar Agricultural Science Station, notes that local species of amaranth many a time get infected with decolourisation disease. He notes that this disease is not witnessed in hybrid variety. He advises to use chicken manure and manure from the cattle shed along with Suphala after seeds are sown. Spraying of neem oil when the plants are growing will also extend protection, he said. Nayak is happy that even though the seeds he had sown twice were washed away due to rain, the third time he has got a good harvest in one acre land and expects good income.