Kasthurimanjal- Planting activities

Kasthurimanjal is propagated through rhizomes. A healthy disease free mother rhizome with at least one germinated sprout is the ideal planting material. The quantity required is @ 600 kg/acre.

The crop was planted with the onset of monsoon in May. It is grown as a subsistence crop in backyard, kitchen garden and interspaces of other crops in areas with good rainfall.

Clear the areas, remove all the pebbles and stones and plough the field to good tilth. Prepare raised seedbeds of 1.2 m breadth and of convenient length. Apply organic manure @ 60 kg/cent.

Take small pits at 60 cm x 40 cm spacing on the seedbed and plant seed rhizomes with the germinating sprout facing upwards.

Cover the rhizome with FYM and mulch the bed with leaves or straw. Carry out gap filling if necessary, within one month.

Lime or dolomite has to be applied in acid soils two weeks ahead of fertilizer application.

The basal dose of fertilizers has to be applied at planting time.