thinking of isabgol in Mehsana, want to know if it suits my dry area and what returns to expect
Is isabgol (psyllium) farming worth it and what soil and climate does it need?
PPravinbhai10mo ago · 338 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓9mo ago
Isabgol is a rabi crop that suits cool dry weather and light, well drained sandy loam soils, which is why north Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan and MP are the main belts. It is very sensitive to unseasonal rain or even heavy dew at maturity, since wet weather at harvest causes the seed to shatter or the husk to spoil and can wipe out the value. It needs little irrigation and low input, making it attractive in dry areas, but the price swings a lot year to year and depends on the husk recovery and quality. Do not believe fixed income promises, returns vary with weather and market. Confirm a suitable variety, sowing time and current price trend with your KVK and local mandi before committing.
RRameshbhai9mo ago
The biggest risk is rain or heavy dew right at harvest, one bad spell and the seed shatters on the ground. In a dry year it is a cheap easy crop, but never count on a fixed price for isabgol.
MMaganbhai9mo ago
It is genuinely low input and low water, which is why it fits our dry belt. But the price went up one year and crashed the next, so I never plant my whole field on it. Keep it as part of your mix, not the whole bet.
DDahyabhai9mo ago
Light sandy loam with good drainage gave me the best crop, on the heavier patch it did poorly. Sow at the right rabi window so it matures before any late rain or heavy dew. The soil and timing decide a lot.