Chia seed farming is becoming popular since it has nutritional value, and the market for chia seeds is growing. Growing chia seeds involves proper planning and adequate tools to avoid poor yields or harvest.
Let’s learn more about the cultivation process and market demand for chia seeds in India and across the world.
Land Preparation
The process of chia seed farming starts with land preparation. Chia plants prefer soil rich in organic matter and with good drainage. First, Farmers need to remove weeds, unnecessary debris, and stones from the soil. Tractors like Farmtrac Powermaxx help in soil preparation by ploughing and tilling the soil efficiently. It comes with a powerful build and high performance, making it useful in working through the soil and preparing an excellent seed bed.
Sowing
After soil preparation, let us proceed with the sowing process for chia seeds. Chia can be planted directly on the field or by using seed trays and then transplanted when growing. A tractor with precision seed drill attachment is ideal when sowing directly to the soil. The Kubota A Series Tractor is ideal for this purpose as it has integrated highly efficient seeding technology. It enables the placement of seeds at the proper distance in the soil. This is important in regard to the sowing depth and the distance between plants so that they do not overlap each other.
Maintenance and Harvesting
Some common practices that need to be followed for the sustainability of chia crops include controlling pests, diseases, and weeds. Chia seed plants are not demanding, but they need sufficient water and nutrients to grow properly. The Mahindra Yuvo 585 MAT can help in the irrigation and fertilization of crops, which will improve crop health. Due to its flexibility and strength, it is ideal for performing several farming activities effectively.
Harvesting of chia plants is normally done when the seeds are ripe, and the whole plant has turned yellowish-brown. The seeds are then separated from the chia seed plants using threshing machines.
Conclusion
Chia seed farming could be an extra income source for farmers who are willing to diversify their income. With the right equipment for planting, tilling, weed control and harvesting, farmers can have a successful chia seed farming business. Farmers can use government subsidies and initiatives to save initial investment in chia seed farming.
