How to grow Chia Seeds:- A Step-by-Step Guide
Did you know that chia production is completely free from diseases and pets?
Chia is a major commercial crop in Mexico and Guatemala in South America. Although it is new to Indian farmers, its popularity is increasing rapidly. This is a great option to make money out of it. As it is a low-maintenance crop with a high nutrient value that's why you can bet on it.
In this guide, you will learn how to grow chia effectively and avoid common mistakes.
Overview of the Crop:-
Scientific Name:- Salvia hispanica L.
Family:- Tulsi family (Lamiaceae), which is why the properties of Tulsi are also found in it.
Origin:- Mexico and Guatemala in South America
Commonly called:- Chia Seeds, Mexican Chia
Step-by-Step Growing Guide:-
Land Required:- Light to medium clay or sandy soil, can give good yield in medium fertile land.
Planting:- According to the Agricultural Research Center of Mandore affiliated with Jodhpur Agricultural University best time to grow chia is between the 5th to 25th of October, which is the winter (rabi) season.
Watering and Irrigation:- As they are drought-tolerant plants, they require very little two to three watering.
Fertilization:- It is very beneficial to give 5-6 tonnes of well-decomposed cow dung manure per acre to get good nutrition and a good yield of chia crop.
Pesticides:- As it is low maintenance crop so there will be no any requirement of Pest and disease control.
Harvesting:- Chia ready for harvesting when flower is dry out, this usually happen after 3-4 months after planting. You can do threshing with help of halar with the proper adjustment in it.
Government Schemes:- Government launch Farmer Id card where you can avail subsidies, loans and benefits from various schemes.
Conclusion:-
Chia seeds give multiple times returns what the cost you required for the above process. As it is low maintenance and high-value crop it will give you high profit with a minimum requirement of water for the same. It will be beneficial to those areas where there is a scarcity of water. This crop has medical benefits and has Omega 3 fatty acid, which will reduce inflammation. If you follow these practices you can increase the crop yield and crop quality.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Is chia farming profitable?
Yes, Chia farming can be highly profitable due to its global demand and medicinal benefits.
How much time chia plant require to mature?
Chia plants will require nearly 90 to 120 days (3 months) to mature.
Do chia seeds require fertilization?
Chia plants can grow with minimum or no fertilization.