Sunhemp is quick growing leguminous crop cultivated for green manure as well as fibre crop. When it is mix well in soils, it prevents leaching and loss of nutrients, also conserved soil moisture. Sunhemp is originated in India. It can be grown in adverse climatic conditions of drought, alkalinity and salinity. In India it is cultivated in all the states. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh are major sunhemp growing states for mainly for fibre purpose.

 It can be cultivated in all type of well-drained soil. Well drained sandy loam or loamy soil having sufficient moisture holding capacity are suitable for sunhemp grown for fibre purpose.

Narendra sanai 1: Ready to harvest in 152 days. Leaves are broad, green, flowers are yellow and seeds are bold and black color. 45-60 days after sowing, crop is buried in soil for green manure purpose and then add 3.8-6.2 tonnes/acre of green biomass in soil. Gives average seed yield of 4 qtl/acre.  

PAU 1691: Ready to harvest in 136 days. Leaves are medium size, green color, flowers are yellow and seeds are bold and black color. 45-60 days after sowing crop is buried in soil and adds green biomass of 4 - 6.5 tonnes per acre. Gives average seed yield of 4.8 qtl/acre.

Other States Variety

Ankur: It gives average yield of 4.4 - 4.8 qtl/acre.

Swastik: Gives average yield of 4 - 4.8 qtl/acre.

Shailesh: Gives average yield of 4 - 4.8 qtl/acre.

T 6: Suitable for green manure purpose.

K 12: Gives average yield of 3.6 - 4.8 qtl/acre.

 To bring soil to fine tilth, plough land properly. Before sowing ensure soil content sufficient moisture. Proper moisture in soil help in good germination of seeds.

Time of sowing
For green manure purpose, April to July is optimum time for sowing. For seed production sow crop in June month.

Spacing
When crop grown for green manure purpose, broadcasting method is used. For seed purpose use row spacing of 45 cm.

Sowing Depth
Sowing depth should be 3-4 cm.

Method of sowing
Broadcasting method is used in case of green manure purpose and seed drill is used when crop is grown for seed purpose.

Seed Rate
For green manure purpose, use seed rate of 20 kg/acre is sufficient and for seed purpose use seed rate of 10 kg/acre.

Seed Treatment
Before sowing soak seed for overnight for better germination.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

For seed purpose as well as for green manure purpose, apply Phosphours@16 kg/acre. As it is leguminous crop, nitrogen fertilizer are not given. But some time, initially to boost up crop, Nitrogen@4-6 kg/acre is applied.

 To keep check on weed population, take one hoeing one month after sowing.

 When crop is grown for green manure purpose, it required two - three irrigation depending upon weather conditions. Flowering and grain development stage are crucial for irrigation when crop is grown for grain purpose. Avoid water stress during this period.

 For grain purpose, harvesting is carried out 150 days after sowing. (From mid-October to early November). When crop is raised for green manure purpose, 45-60 days after sowing buried crop in soil.

1.Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana

2.Department of Agriculture

3.Indian Agricultural Research Instittute, New Delhi

4.Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research

5.Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare