Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Vegetable seed production garden

• The main objective of this type of gardening is to produce quality seeds on large scale under the inspection of an organization. Climate, soil, diseases free conditions are factors influencing the location of seed growing areas. The owner of garden should have thorough knowledge of the crop, its growth habit, mode of pollination, isolation distance required and time of rouging etc. the knowledge about curing, threshing, cleaning, grading, packing and storage is also essential. Nucleus/ breeder’s seed is produced by the breeder. Foundation seed is multiplied at research stations or seed corporation farms. The certified seeds are multiplied by the farmers under the inspection of seed certification agency. This is an expanding industry in India and also profitable to the growers.

Following are main characteristics of this type of gardening.
i) Vegetables are produced mainly for seeds under strict supervision of specialists.
ii) Vegetables are produced on contract basis in suitable climatic conditions.
iii) The practices such as isolation, frequent rouging of off types is essential to maintain the purity of the seed.
iv) Highly skilled labour is employed.
v) High investment for control of pests and diseases.