Land Preparation

Prepare the soil to fine tilth by ploughing two or three times.

Sowing

Seeds are very small and the seed rate is 3 kg/ha. Seeds require pre-treatment for good germination, as the seed coat is hard. Seeds are mixed with sand and ground gently to break the seed coat. An alternate method for enhancing germination is dipping the seeds in boiling water for a second. After pre-treatment seeds are broadcasted. Broadcast the seeds preferably mixed with sand 2-3 times its volume to ensure uniform coverage. Seeds germinate within a week. Alternatively, 1-1.5 months old seedlings raised on beds or in polybags can be transplanted at a spacing of 45 x 30 cm.