Land preparation & Sowing

The field should be ploughed two to three times and levelled properly. Raised beds of 1m width and convenient length are prepared and pits are dug at a distance of 60 cm x 30 cm. Dried cow dung or farmyard manure at the rate of 2kg per pit is applied and mixed with soil. Application of chemical fertilizers is not practiced commonly. Plant two rooted cuttings or suckers per pit in the main field soon after the onset of monsoon (May-June). There should also be a drainage system. Adding soil after applying a slurry of cow dung once every two months will increase the yield. 12,000 rooted vines are required to plant one hectare.