In India, brinjal is cultivated on 3.2 lakh hectares with a total production of about 5.0 million tonnes. It is rich in fiber,low in calories and provides a range of nutrients. The anthocyanins in brinjal may protect health of heart and nanusin may help improve blood flow to the brain. Following practices should be adopted for achieving higher better yields of brinjal.
The seeds of brinjal are sown thrice a year, that is, May- June, November-December and March-April. A well drained and fertile sandy loam soil with pH range of 5.5-6.5 is suitable for brinjal cultivation. Varieties like Pant Samrat, Pant Rituraj, KS224 and Samratgaint and hybrids like Pusahybrid5 are popular among farmers. In all, application of 150kg nitrogen, 60kg potash and 60kg phosphorus is recommended for brinjal. Nitrogen is given in two splits, 50kg N with potash and phosphorus at the time of sowing and 100kg after 35 days of sowing.
Seeds of brinjal are sownon finely prepared nursery-beds of 1m width and 10m length which are 20-25cm high alternating with water channels. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 75x 75 cm.Irrigate the crop frequently as per the requirement. Drip irrigation is best method as it reduces water wastage and also increases fertilizer use efficiency. To save the plant from pest like catterpillers, take 40g neem seed extract in 1litrewater or 2ml/l 35E.C.carbosulphine and spray on the crop. Stem borer can can be controlled by applying 1kg/ha carbofuran or 500kg/ha neemcakeat the time of sowing. Weeds must be controlled manually by timely hoeing.Brinjalcrop matures in 130-150 days. When brinjal developsto normal size and attains good colour, it is ready for harvesting. As Brinjal is fragile vegetable so it must be stored in plastic crates maintaining cool environment.Brinjal is grown thrice a year that is why it is sold fresh throughout the year which makes it a money making crop.
