Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Land preparation and sowing

• Prepare the land thoroughly by ploughing, harrowing and bring the soil to fine tilth. Incorporate entire quality of organic manure into the soil. Prepare the beds of convenient size. 3mx2m or 2mx1.5m with irrigation channels running between every two rows of beds. After the beds are ready apply entire dose of P and K along with 50% N and mix them well in the soil.
• Sow the seeds thinly. On account of smallness of seed ,it should be sown shallow to a depth of 0.5-1cm .Since the seeds of Amaranthus are small in size, to achieve even distribution, mix the seed with fine sand or red soil before sowing. For line sowing spacing between rows is 20cm.
• In grain amaranthus (Amaranthus hypochondriacus), the plants are thinned that have a spacing of 30cm x 30 cm on 25th day and they are allowed for flowering. The crop will be ready for harvest in 80-120 days depending on the variety and season. The dried spikes are threshed to separate grain which is used to prepare popped grain, green cakes, infant foods and the preparation like amaranthus malt.

Irrigation & inter cultivation
Provide light irrigation after sowing. Three days once or weekly irrigation is necessary, depending on soil and weather conditions. Top dress the crop with remaining 50% of N 20-25 days after sowing. Keep the land free from weeds.