|
Okra
Introduction and
Importance:
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an important vegetable
grown for its green tender fruits which are used as a
vegetable in a variety of ways. It is rich in vitamins,
calcium, potassium and other mineral matter. It can be fried
and cooked with necessary ingredients. The tender fruting
can be cut into small pieces, boiled and served with soup.
Matured fruit and stems containing crude fiber are used in
the paper industry.
Trends,
Area, Production and Yield:
There
has been a progressive increase in area and production of okra in
Pakistan. In 1998-99, the area increased to 13.5 thousand hectares,
production 120.2 thousand tonnes and yield was 8.9 tonnes/ha.The
data since 1993-94 are as follows.
Table-1.
Area, production and yield of okra in Pakistan (1993-94 to 1998-99)
|
Year
|
Area
(000
ha)
|
Production
(000
tonnes)
|
Yield
(tonnes/ha)
|
|
1993-94
|
10.9
|
88.6
|
8.1
|
|
1994-95
|
11.3
|
96.8
|
8.6
|
|
1995-96
|
12.1
|
105.7
|
8.7
|
|
1996-97
|
12.4
|
108.8
|
8.8
|
|
1997-98
|
13.1
|
116.0
|
8.9
|
|
1998-99
|
13.5
|
120.2
|
8.9
|
The
average shares of the provinces in the over all area and production
of okra based on the data of 1998-99 crop are given in the table-2.
Table
-2: Shares of provinces in area and production of okra (1998-99)
|
Province
|
Area
|
Production
|
|
|
000,ha
|
percent
share
|
000,
tonnes
|
Percent
Share
|
|
Punjab
|
4.3
|
31.9
|
43.4
|
36.1
|
|
Sindh
|
3.6
|
26.6
|
19.1
|
15.9
|
|
NWFP
|
2.2
|
16.3
|
19.1
|
15.9
|
|
Baluchistan
|
3.4
|
25.2
|
38.6
|
32.1
|
|
Pakistan
|
13.5
|
100
|
120.2
|
100
|
Seed
Rate:
About
20 kg seed/ha is required for summer season crop whereas 10 kg
seed/ha is needed for rainy season crop.
Method
of sowing and spacing:
The
seed should be sown on ridges with a distance of 60 cm between rows
and 15-30 cm between plants.
Irrigation:
There
must be enough moisture in the soil to facilitate better
germination. The crop should be irrigated at an interval of 5-6 days
in summer and whenever required in rainy season.
Soil
and Climate:
Okra
can be successfully cultivated in well sandy loam soil with good
drainage. For best yield, soil pH should range between 6.0 and 6.8.
It is a warm season crop and is susceptible to frost.
Manuring
and Fertilizing:
The
land should be incorporated with well rotten farm yard manure @ 25
t/ha one month before bed preparation. Before sowing 25 kg each of
phosphorus and potash and 25 kg of nitrogen per hectare should be
thoroughly mixed in the soil. Another dose of 25 kg of nitrogen per
hectare should be given at the time of flowering and fruit setting.
Weed
Control:
Four
hoeings at 3,6,9 and 12 weeks interval are required to keep weeds
under control and to get better
pod yield.
Harvesting:
The
tender young pods should be harvested every alternate day. This will
promote fruit development and yield. Delay in harvesting will result
in poor quality produce due to an increase in crude fiber.
Yield:
The
yield of okra varies from 8 to 10 t/ha. of green fruit during summer
and 10-12 t/ha. in the rainy season.
Recommended varieties
Pusa
Green
Source:
Pakistan
Agriculture Research Council |
