CHICKPEAS – छोले – चने (25 Gm)

🌱 How to Grow Organic & Desi Chickpeas (Desi Chana)

☀️ 1. Climate & Season

• Chickpeas are a cool-season crop.
• Optimal temperature: 20–30°C
• Sowing time in India:
  • North India: October–November
  • South India: November–December
• Takes 110–120 days to mature.

🌾 2. Soil Preparation (Organic Way)

• Prefers well-drained loamy or clay loam soil.
• Soil pH: 6.0–8.0
• Plough soil 2–3 times for fine tilth.
• Add well-rotted cow dung, compost, and neem cake to improve fertility and protect from pests.
• Chickpeas fix nitrogen, improving soil for next crop.

🌱 3. Methods of Growing

(a) Furrow / Line Sowing

• Make furrows 30–45 cm apart.
• Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing 5–7 cm between seeds.
• Water lightly after sowing.
• Best for open fields and ensures uniform plant growth.

(b) Broadcasting

• Scatter seeds evenly over prepared soil.
• Cover lightly with soil and water.
• Easy but less uniform; thinning may be needed later.

(c) Raised Bed Method

• Raised beds 30–45 cm wide improve drainage and aeration.
• Mix compost or cow dung into soil.
• Helps prevent root rot in heavy soils.

(d) Pot / Container Method

• Use 10–12 inch deep pots.
• Sow 3–4 seeds per pot; thin to 2 healthy plants.
• Keep in full sunlight.

💧 4. Watering

• First irrigation: 25–30 days after sowing (branching stage).
• Second irrigation: flowering/pod formation stage.
• Chickpeas require very little water — avoid waterlogging.

🌿 5. Organic Nutrition

• Soil application of vermicompost or cow dung at sowing.
• Foliar spray: Jeevamrut or Panchagavya every 15–20 days.
• Avoid chemical fertilizers to maintain natural taste and quality.

🐛 6. Pest & Disease Control (Organic)

Common pests: Pod borer, aphids, and fungal wilt.

✅ Organic Remedies:

• Neem oil (5 ml per liter) spray weekly.
• Buttermilk + turmeric spray for fungal infections.
• Intercrop with coriander, mustard, or fenugreek to reduce pests.

🌼 7. Harvesting

• Green chickpeas: Harvest 90–100 days after sowing.
• Dry chickpeas: Harvest when pods turn yellowish-brown.
• Cut plants, dry in shade, then thresh seeds.
• Store in cool, dry, and airtight containers.

🌸 8. Extra Tips

• Rotate crops — wheat, maize, or barley can follow chickpeas.
• Mulch beds with dry leaves to conserve moisture.
• Keep soil weed-free to reduce competition.
• Avoid planting chickpeas after other legumes to reduce disease risk.