பயிர் வழிகாட்டி
When to sow, how long it takes, which soil and how much water – simple guides for Tamil Nadu farmers.
- Season
- Kuruvai (Jun–Sep), Samba (Aug–Jan), Thaladi (Oct–Feb)
- Duration
- Short 105–115 days · Medium 125–135 · Long 140–160
- Soil
- Clay or clay loam that holds water
- Water
- Shallow standing water; alternate wetting & drying saves water
Tip: SRI method: transplant young 14-day seedlings, one per hill, with wider spacing.
- Season
- Early (Dec–Jan), Main (Feb–Mar)
- Duration
- 10–12 months
- Soil
- Deep, well-drained loam or clay loam
- Water
- Regular irrigation; drip fertigation saves water
Tip: Mulch with dried cane trash to keep moisture and reduce weeds.
- Season
- Most of the year with irrigation; avoid peak summer and heavy rain
- Duration
- 11–13 months (depends on variety)
- Soil
- Deep, well-drained loam rich in organic matter
- Water
- Frequent irrigation; drip is ideal
Tip: Remove side suckers regularly and prop plants when bunches form.
- Season
- Plant at the start of monsoon (Jun–Jul or Sep–Oct)
- Duration
- Yields from ~4–5 yrs (dwarf/hybrid), ~6–7 yrs (tall)
- Soil
- Well-drained sandy loam, loam or coastal soil
- Water
- Basin or drip irrigation in dry months
Tip: Apply farmyard manure and grow green manure in the basin every year.
- Season
- Rice fallow after Samba (Jan–Feb) in the delta; also Kharif / Rabi
- Duration
- 65–75 days
- Soil
- Clay loam; rice-fallow fields with leftover moisture
- Water
- Low – often grown on residual moisture
Tip: Treat seeds with Rhizobium culture before sowing for better yield.
- Season
- Kharif (Jun–Jul), Rabi / summer (Dec–Jan)
- Duration
- 100–110 days
- Soil
- Light, well-drained sandy loam
- Water
- Critical at flowering and pod formation
Tip: Apply gypsum around 40–45 days for well-filled pods.
- Season
- Plant in May–June
- Duration
- 8–9 months
- Soil
- Well-drained loam or clay loam
- Water
- Regular irrigation; avoid waterlogging
Tip: Mulch with green leaves after planting to keep soil moist.
- Season
- Jun–Jul, Nov–Dec, Jan–Feb
- Duration
- Harvest starts ~60–70 days after transplanting
- Soil
- Well-drained loam rich in organic matter
- Water
- Light, regular irrigation; drip is best
Tip: Transplant 25–30 day seedlings and stake plants to keep fruits off the soil.
General guidance. Seasons and duration change with variety and district – for detailed practices see the TNAU Agritech Portal or your local agriculture officer.