isabgol crop maturing, scared of losing seed to wind and dew, want correct harvest timing
When to harvest isabgol and how to avoid seed shattering losses?
BBhanwar Lal6mo ago · 225 views
6 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
Isabgol shatters easily, so harvest at the right moment and in the right weather. Cut when the crop matures and spikes turn brownish but before they over dry and start shedding seed on their own. Harvest in the cooler morning when slight dew makes the spikes a little less brittle, which reduces shattering during cutting and handling, but do not harvest in actual wet or rainy weather as that damages the husk. Handle the cut crop gently, dry it on a clean floor, and thresh carefully. Avoid windy hot afternoons for cutting. Watch the forecast closely since one unseasonal shower at this stage can ruin the husk. Confirm local timing with your KVK.
PPukhraj5mo ago
I cut in the early morning when there is a little dew, the spikes are less brittle then and far less seed falls. In the dry windy afternoon it shatters as you touch it. Morning cutting saved a lot of my seed.
CChiman Lal5mo ago
Watch the weather forecast like a hawk near maturity, one unseasonal shower and the husk is gone. The year it rained at my harvest the whole value dropped. If a shower is coming, get the ready crop in.
SSukha Ram5mo ago
Handle the cut crop gently and thresh carefully, rough handling drops the seed everywhere. I spread a clean sheet and move the bundles softly. The seed is so loose at this stage that careless work loses you weight.
MMoti Lal5mo ago
Do not leave it standing too long hoping it dries more in the field, once the spikes over dry they shed on their own in the wind. I cut as soon as the spikes turn brown and the seed is set. Over waiting cost me seed on the ground one year.
HHari Ram4mo ago
Avoid the hot windy afternoon for cutting, that is when it shatters worst as you handle it. Morning with a touch of dew, then dry on a clean threshing floor. The KVK in our area gives the rough harvest window each year, worth a call.