Radish is a common vegetable in the market in most parts of the country. Radish is well-established in most markets throughout India. The high demand for the vegetable, its versatility in cooking, and its ability to grow locally in various climatic conditions make these crops preferred and consumed in many states.
Most parts of India have suitable weather conditions for growing radishes. Therefore, radishes are considered valuable vegetables, just like potatoes and carrots.
Nevertheless, Radishes are consumed widely in areas where they are cultivated. A large amount also goes around to larger cities and towns where they are easily sold, considering the huge population.
States in which Radish is Cultivated
Haryana, West Bengal, Punjab, Assam, Chattisgarh, and Bihar are the 6 states with a prominent market for radishes. There are markets in other states, too, that sell radishes. For instance, Tamil Nadu has a moderate market. Orissa has a small requirement for radishes and is acquired in mandis and markets. But these 6 states have a wider market for radishes, and farmers can easily sell them. If you compare the demand of any of the 6 states above with a state which does not have a market, you would understand the difference in consumption. For instance, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Together couldn’t acquire the total consumption of radishes in any of the above states.
Climate for Cultivation
Radishes grow best in cool to mild climatic conditions. The temperature should be between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius for better root growth and yield. Hotter weathers are suitable for some varieties, but these varieties produce smaller roots and may become pithy and bitter. Radishes require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and can tolerate light frost. In the south, Nilgiri hills are suitable for radish cultivation. In northern India, there are plenty of places where radishes can be cultivated seasonally. Haryana, West Bengal, Punjab, Assam, Chattisgarh and Bihar are major radish-growing states in India12.
Ideal Soil for Cultivation
Radishes require soil with high organic matter and good drainage. Radishes do not like water logging and heavy clay soils. Sandy loam soil best suits radish cultivation as it allows for root development and easy washing after harvest.
Land Preparation
Till and loosen the land properly before starting the plantation process. A disc plough is best for tilling the land for radish plantation. The application of compost or well-rotted farmyard manure is beneficial. Make rows with trenches to remove excess water. The plants may require drip irrigation.
Planting, Spacing, and Density
Plant the seeds at a distance of 2-5 centimetres with row to row distance of 20-30 centimetres. Furthermore, sow the seeds 1-2 centimetres deep in well-fertilized soil.
Fertilizers
Radishes require moderate to low content of fertilizers and application is more focussed on basal. The initial 15 tonnes per hectare of farmyard manure or compost should satisfy most of the requirements for the crop but depending on your soil conditions you may need to add fertilizers. Commonly 50 kg of nitrogen, 50 kg of potash, and 50 kg of phosphorus are proper during the entire course. Half of the nitrogen with 50 kg of potash and 50 kg of phosphorus applied basally is ideal, while the remaining 25 kg of nitrogen you can apply in 2 splits, once during the initial root growth and the second during the development of root bulbs. Apply micronutrients at the rate of 1 kg per hectare. Specifically, boron, calcium and molybdenum. One or two sprays may be the right amount, depending on the soil condition.
Pests
Pesticides help you in controlling maggots, flea beetles, aphids and caterpillars. These are the most common pests in radishes.
Weed Control
Weeding twice is ideal for radish cultivation but sometimes it may require 3-4 weeding schedules depending on the weeds in your farm and the radish leaves’ growth. Once the radish leaves are big, they prevent weeds from growing, and you wouldn’t have to weed as often. The weeding also helps loosen the soil, enabling the radish roots to grow better.
Harvesting
You can start harvesting once the root reaches 2-5 centimetres or depending on market preferences. Start to harvest in the mornings or evenings to retain maximum moisture content and freshness. Farmers should thoroughly wash the produce and the side roots trimmed. While some markets prefer the leaves removed, others prefer the plants with leaves. Find the right way to pack the produce before shipping. Shipping the plants immediately to market is ideal. The radishes, once harvested, can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if stored properly. Delay in harvesting makes the roots tough and bitter. And after harvesting, you can use a cultivator to till the land again to make it easier to plant the next batch!
Post Harvest
Once you harvest the radishes, all that remains is to transport them to the market. Traders may opt to store the produce for future sales during the off-season. You can store the produce for up to 16 weeks in 90-95 % humidity at 0 degrees Celsius.
Conclusion
Radish is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that grows in various climatic conditions and soil types. It is a quick-growing crop that you can harvest in 25-60 days after sowing. Radish cultivation requires proper land preparation, planting, spacing, fertilization, irrigation, weed control, pest control and post-harvest management. The yield depends on the variety and season of cultivation. You can market the radishes fresh or stored for off-season sales. Radish is a valuable crop for both farmers and consumers as it provides income, food and health benefits.
