Seeds are used as propagating material. Seeds are broadcast in the nursery just before the onset of rainy season. 5Kg of seeds are sufficient to provide seedlings for a hectare.

Transplantations

When the seedlings are sufficiently tall they are planted in the field at a distance of 15cm in a row.

Irrigation

Just after transplanting the seedling, watering should be done in the field. After that irrigation is hardly required in the field.

Manuring

Manuring is not done. Nitrogenous fertilizers (15kg N/Ha) promote heavy leaf growth with less yield of roots.

Weeding

Weeding should be done as needed during rainy season.

Harvesting

The crop becomes mature with in 150 to 180 days. The plants flower and fruit in December. Harvesting starts from January and continues till March. The entire plant is uprooted for roots, which are separated from the aerial parts by cutting the stem 1-2 cm above the crown. They are then transversely cut into smaller pieces for drying.

Yield

The yield of roots is 500kg per hectare when fresh and 150 kg per hectare when dried.

Economics