Buckwheat, or as it is popularly called “Kuttu”, is getting popular in India because of its nutritional value and climate flexibility. It grows in hilly areas with cooler climates and is widely grown in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and regions of the North-East. Farmers are favouring this crop more and more as it has a fast growth cycle and uses less water.
Here, we are going to describe the easy steps to grow buckwheat effectively.
Steps to Start Buckwheat Farming
There are multiple steps involved in the cultivation of Buckwheat. Below is a brief description regarding each of them, from land preparation to post-harvest.
1. Land Preparation
Buckwheat prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a ph of 5 to 7.5. The land should first be ploughed 2 to 3 times to loosen the soil. It boosts air and water to seep into the roots. After that, the field must be levelled by a harrow or leveller so that the seeds germinate evenly.
For this purpose, the Kubota MU4501 2wd tractor is extremely useful. It is equipped with a 45 HP engine, which is powerful enough to handle tasks such as ploughing and levelling. The tractor is easy to handle and consumes less fuel, and thus is appropriate for small and medium-sized farms. The Kubota tractor 45 hp price ranges from Rs 8.30 lakh to Rs 8.40 lakh.
2. Seed Selection and Sowing
High-quality seeds are a must for healthy yields. Select certified seeds from trustworthy sources to have improved germination and yield. Buckwheat is a short-day crop, and planting time varies with the region. In North India, sowing is done in the rabi season (October–November) or sometimes in kharif (July–August), depending on the climate.
In addition, seeds are usually sown directly into the field using a seed drill attached to a tractor or manually in small farms. The recommended seed rate is about 40–50 kg per hectare. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2–4 cm with a spacing of 15–20 cm between plants and 25–30 cm between rows.
3. Irrigation
The crop is drought-tolerant and does not require too much water. It usually depends on natural rainfall, but if the weather is dry, light irrigation is needed, especially during flowering and seed formation. Also, over-irrigation should be avoided as it can harm the roots and reduce yield. Farmers can use drip or sprinkler systems to save water and ensure efficient irrigation.
4. Weed Control
Buckwheat develops rapidly and forms a close cover, naturally suppressing most of the weeds. However, early weed control is necessary. Light cultivation work or hoeing may be done 15–20 days after sowing to kill weeds. Tractors fitted with cultivators may be used in big farms for weeding. Moreover, avoid using chemical weed killers as buckwheat is sensitive to herbicides.
5. Pest and Disease Management
In some cases, aphids and leafhoppers may attack the plants. Spraying neem-based organic pesticides can help control pests. Diseases like leaf spot or powdery mildew may appear in humid conditions. Spacing and crop rotation reduce disease possibilities. Additionally, farmers must inspect crops regularly for early signs of diseases or pests and act accordingly.
6. Flowering and Pollination
The Buckwheat flower is cultivated 3 to 4 weeks from sowing and needs proper pollination for achieving maximum grain output. Bees and other insect pollinators primarily pollinate the crop. Hence, developing a bee-population-friendly surroundings around the farm is beneficial. Avoid using chemicals during flowering to avoid pollinators.
7. Harvesting
This is done 10 to 12 weeks from planting, when about 75% of the seeds turn dark brown and leaves begin to dry. This process, if delayed, can lead to the shattering of the seeds and loss. Harvesting is done by hand with sickles or with the help of a reaper drawn by a tractor.
8. Post-Harvesting
After harvesting buckwheat, farmers need to take good care of the crop to keep the grains in good condition. First, the crop should be dried in a place with fresh air so that extra moisture goes away. Then, threshing is done to separate the grains from the plants. After that, the grains are cleaned to remove dust and dirt. Finally, they should be kept in a cool and dry place to stop insects and spoilage.
In addition, farmers can use the Mahindra 575 tractor to run threshing equipment and carry the crop easily after harvest. The 45 HP engine and 1600 kg lift capacity suit the process best. Other than that, the Mahindra 575 price is between Rs 7.27 lakh and Rs 7.59 lakh.
Conclusion
In general, the cultivation of Buckwheat is an ideal crop for Indian farmers in hilly and poor soil areas. It takes less water, fewer chemicals, and grows fast. As healthy and gluten-free food demands have been rising lately, production has been highly profitable with minimal input. With light farm equipment to prepare the soil, sow and harvest, this makes the task easier and improves productivity.