FARMERS EXPECT BUMBER PROFIT FROM GREEN PEAS

FARMERS EXPECT BUMBER PROFIT FROM GREEN PEAS

27-OCT-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The cultivation of green peas has gained momentum in the block. Taking advantage of the favorable sowing window, farmers have been busy in their fields. It is estimated that green peas have been sown across approximately 3,000 acres over the last two weeks. In some fields, the seeds have already begun to germinate.

With floodwaters receding in a timely manner and the absence of rain during the 'Hasta Nakshatra' (a specific period in the traditional calendar), farmers have been able to begin cultivation right on schedule. Consequently, farmers are optimistic, anticipating an early harvest and better market prices for their produce.

According to the farmers, by the time the crop is ready for the market, prices are expected to range between ₹60 and ₹80 per kilogram. The green peas are projected to be ready for harvest by the first week of December—a period that also coincides with the wedding season ('lagan'), which typically drives higher demand.

For this reason, farmers are not only focusing on completing sowing on time but are also prioritizing the procurement of high-quality, improved seed varieties. Seeds are being sourced not just from local markets, but also from agricultural hubs in other districts. To ensure a better yield, farmers are specifically opting for certified, high-yield seed varieties.

Some farmers in the region even source seeds from cities in Uttar Pradesh, such as Varanasi, Etawah, Kanpur, and Agra. However, they occasionally face losses when the quality of the seeds does not meet their expectations.

Nevertheless, about 90 percent of the farmers purchase various seed varieties from local vendors. Popular varieties in the market include 'Haribhajan', 'Kashi Uday', 'M-7', 'Marchaiya', and 'PCM'. According to the farmers, the 'Haribhajan' variety matures and is ready for harvest in approximately 45 days. Peas are cultivated on a large scale in the Sahjauli, Suhiya, Bariswan, Bahoranpur, Hariharpur, Prasaunda, Devmalpur, Khutha, Bharauli, Dumariya, and Jhauwa-Belwaniya panchayats of the Shahpur block. Cultivation is particularly extensive in the areas surrounding the Dharmawati River, the Suhiya Bhagad region, and the Diara (riverine) belt.

Various varieties of peas are grown across approximately 2,000 to 3,000 acres in these areas. Due to the large scale of cultivation, the Shahpur region is considered a major pea-producing area.

Agricultural scientist Dr. Praveen Kumar Dwivedi has advised that farmers should treat their seeds 18 hours before sowing.

Additionally, for every *kattha* (a local unit of land area) of land, farmers should apply 1.5 kg of DAP, 0.5 kg of potash, and 0.5 kg of granular sulphur. To ensure a good yield, herbicides should be sprayed in the fields two days after sowing.