Okro Farming In Ghana – A comprehensive Guide On How To Start Okra Farming In Ghana 2022/2023 Guide

In today’s article, I am giving a comprehensive step by step manual for okra farming in Ghana. Yeah, that is how to farm okra

This guide may apply to zones with comparable climatic conditions to that of Ghana.  keep your eyes fixed and read to the end.

 Someone asked me, if growing okra profitable?
Yea, Okra can be a profitable crop when recommended production practices are followed. It can return an income over a 10- to 12- week period after harvest starts.

The Botanical Name for Okra is Hibiscus esculentus.

The appropriate varieties of okra are Lady’s Finger, Quim Bombo, Asutem, Clemson Spineless, Labadi Dwarf.

Always Buy certified seeds from legitimate seed companies.

READ ALSO: Onion Farming In Ghana – A Comprehensive Guide On How to Start A Profitable Onion Farm In Ghana

Climatic necessities/ requirements

Okra can be created with anyplace in Ghana however as a warm-season crop, it does best in warm damp soils. Low lying zones with an equitably appropriated yearly precipitation of up to 1000 mm and temperatures between 25-350c are generally reasonable. The yield can withstand extraordinary temperatures as happen in the dry season.

 

Site Selection

It is developed on sandy to clay soils however moderately light, all-around depleted, rich soils are ideal. Very much manured loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-6.8 (somewhat acidic) are suggested.

 

Land arrangement

The land ought to be freed from trees, grasses, and root stumps, twofold furrow, and harrow soil to a fine tilth. Fuse very much disintegrated fertilizer at 20 MT/ha to improve the dirt surface and air circulation. Plan edges and wrinkles divided 60cm separated.

 

Propagation

Soak seeds for 24 hours water or 30 mins in ethyl liquor and CH3)2CO. Sow legitimately into a wet soil at 20-40 cm inside columns and 60-90 cm between lines at a profundity of 2-5 cm. after germination, slim out to one plant for each stand.

 

Normal seed rate

3-5 kg/ha relying upon assortment and seed feasibility.

 

Nutrient Management

Test soil to decide fruitfulness level and change rates to meet the yield’s supplements prerequisites.

 

Compost Application

When in doubt, apply NPK 15-15-15 at 220 kg/ha at planting. During blooming apply 110-150 kg/ha of Sulfate of Ammonia or 75 kg of Urea.

 

Water system

Satisfactory soil dampness is fundamental for ideal development and yield. A customary water system timetable of 350 mm of water like clockwork is suggested for the greatest yields.

Weed Control

Keep the field liberated from weeds with between column cultivators, by applying affirmed pre and post-eminent herbicides, hoeing, or handpicking. Abstain from harming plant roots.

 

Pest and Disease Control

Normal pest of Okra incorporates Aphids, Diamondback moth Whitefly, Bollworm, Jassids, Cotton stainer and bollworm, Leafroller, Mealybug, Sting bug.

To control, embrace IPM rehearses. Apply Neem seed separate (700g-1kg of very much dried neem seeds/15L of water rucksack) and/apply EPA endorsed. Continuously follow the producers’ suggestions.

 

Root-knot nematodes

Nematodes feed on youthful roots causing shrink and produce huge nerves on the roots in this manner decreasing organic product yield. Apply neem cake at 250 kg/ha and/or EPA endorsed nematicides to control.

 

Significant diseases

Powdery mildew: Characterized by white dusty development on the leaves which turn earthy colored and vanish. To control, shower seedlings with Sulfur-based fungicides and eliminate weeds.

 

Leaf curl and Mosaic: Both sent by Aphids and Whiteflies.

 

Leaf curl: Leaves are little and cup-molded with unmistakable veins on the underside of the leaf. Plants become hindered.

 

Mosaic: Leaves are of typical size and shape however are mottled green or yellow in shading. Plants become hindered. To control, plant safe assortments. Control vectors with EPA endorsed bug sprays and additionally insecticidal cleansers before infections spread. Abstain from smoking or conveying cigarettes to the ranch when working or dealing with seedlings, maverick out influenced plants early. Practice crop pivot with non-powerless harvests.

 

Harvesting

Gather cases while still delicate, typically, 5-6 days after bloom opening. Reap okra 2-3 times/week. Normal picking builds yield. Cut or snap units from the plant in the cooler pieces of the day. Units ought to be kept in a cool spot. Gathered okra ought to be taken care of cautiously to abstain from wounding. Wounded cases will turn dark or earthy colored inside a couple of hours. Okra gatherers ought to consistently wear cotton gloves when reaping and dealing with cases to limit wounding.

 

Reviewing

Sort, evaluate, and pack in boxes, or bushels as indicated by market determination.

 

Packaging

For the fare markets, okra is pressed in 6kg boxes.

Yields

In okra creation, yields are reliant on the cultivar, time, and recurrence of reap. You can get a normal of 6-12 tons/ha

 

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