Beetroot Farming: A Detailed Guide for Farmers

Beetroot is a vegetable that is grown in many parts of India. It is known for its bright red colour and sweet taste. The high vitamins and minerals, makes it a healthy vegetable. Moreover, it is used in cooking, salads, and even in making juice. Farmers in India usually prefer this crop because of the easy cultivation process and less care. 

To get a detailed description of the farming process, you can read the given information.

Procedures for Successful Beetroot Cultivation

Farmers can achieve better growth and quality by following the right methods. Below are the key steps involved in beetroot farming:

Land Preparation

The soil has to be prepared before planting the crop. Farmers need to plough the field a few times to loosen the soil, it also enables the proper development of roots. 

Providing organic manure such as cow dung or compost enhances fertility. Also, the field must be properly levelled, and do not forget to create small ridges or raised beds. This prevents waterlogging, which can later on damage the roots.

For this process, farmers can use any tractors from the Kubota B Series, which offers efficiency in ploughing and levelling the field. Any model of this series helps to prepare the land quickly, making farming more productive.

Seed Selection and Sowing

Always prefer good quality seed for better production. Beetroot seeds are very small and should be planted directly in the field. The ideal sowing time in India is between October and March. However, in cold regions, it can also be planted in the summer. 

Maintain a space of 2 to 3 cm in the rows between seeds. The row spacing has to be around 30 cm, and plant spacing should be between 8 and 10 cm. Also, water the field after seeding to boost the growth.

Irrigation

Beetroot needs regular watering, especially in the early stages of growth. The soil should be kept moist, but avoid too much water as it causes root rot. Light watering should be provided every 5 to 7 days, depending on weather and soil conditions. Moreover, drip irrigation is much recommended for this process as it saves water and delivers moisture directly to the roots.

Fertilizers and Manure

The vegetable requires nutrients to develop fully. Organic manure in the form of cow dung or compost must be provided during land preparation. Chemical fertilizers like urea, phosphorus, and potassium must be applied as needed. A balanced mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium enhances root development. However, excess nitrogen must be avoided since it may cause extra leaf growth along with small roots.

Weed Control

Weeds take nutrients and water from beetroot and should, therefore, be pulled out in time. This can be done manually or with the help of small implements. Weedicide sprays must be applied with caution so that they do not kill the plants. Also, hoeing in between the rows on a regular basis loosens the soil and eliminates unwanted weeds. In addition, dry leaves or straw mulching can also control weeds.

Pest and Disease Management

Beetroot is easily affected by a few pests and diseases. Some of the common ones are aphids, beet armyworms, and leaf miners. These pests suck sap from the leaves and destroy the plant. Neem oil or organic pesticides can be sprayed to control them. 

There are also some diseases that may infect the crop, such as Leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. The main reason for these diseases is excess water or unsuitable soil conditions. Applying disease-resistant seeds, spacing with care, and avoiding over-watering can protect against them. Also, fungicides must be used only when they are really required.

Harvesting and Yield

Beetroot is ready for harvest 60 to 80 days after planting. The roots have to be around 5 to 8 cm in diameter for the best taste and quality. A delayed harvest can cause the roots to become hard and fibrous. 

You need to gently pull the plants out without damaging the roots. The leaves may also be used for cooking or animal feeding. On average, a healthy farm can yield 10 to 15 tons of beetroot per hectare.

Storage and Transport

After harvesting, the beetroot must be washed and dried in the shade. The leaves must be cut, leaving a little bit of the stem attached to the root. This will help increase the product’s shelf life. The vegetables can be kept in cool and dry places for several weeks. For long storage, it must be stored in cold storage at 2°C to 4°C. 

The John Deere D Series tractors are best for transporting the harvested crops efficiently. They offer smooth and safe transport, reducing damage to the vegetables. This series of tractors is known for durability and ease of handling, making them a preferred choice for farmers.

Benefits of Beetroot Farming

Beetroot cultivation provides many advantages to farmers in several ways. The vegetable is a low-maintenance crop and gives great returns well in a short span of time. It can be cultivated together with other vegetables, thus making maximum use of the land. The following are some major benefits of its cultivation:

• Fast Growth: Beetroot grows quickly and can be harvested within 60 to 80 days, allowing farmers to earn profits in a short time.
• High Nutritional Value: This vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable crop for the health-conscious market.
• Low Water Requirement: Compared to other crops, they do not require a lot of water and are suitable for regions with limited irrigation facilities.
• Multiple Uses: Apart from being used in salads and cooking, they are also used for juice production, food colouring, and medicinal purposes.
• Market Demand: Due to its health benefits, the vegetable has a steady demand in local and international markets, providing farmers with good selling opportunities.

Conclusion

Beetroot cultivation in India is an easy-to-farm and profitable crop. It can be grown during cool weather and requires less labour. With proper land preparation, watering, and pest management, farmers can have a healthy harvest. Organic manure and spacing enhance the root quality. Indian farmers can produce healthy and flavourful vegetables and get a good return from them by adopting the right techniques.