Okra

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Climate and soil

Temperatures of 20-30 degrees celsius. Single monsoon season lasting four months from June to September. Rainfall amount 700 mm/year. Basaltic soil (black cotton soil).

Seed to plant

Packet of seeds Rs. 10/- . Pack gave good harvest but seeds from the fruit do not produce any new generation. Country seeds have a success rate of about 50% and produce new generations. Plant a seed at a time a few inches apart at one inch depth. Water once a day.

Timeline and harvest

Plant all year round (avoid peak summer). Ten days from seed to germination. Two months from seed to first harvest. Bhindi is self-pollinating.10 x 7 feet area gives 300 grams of bhindi once a week for 2 months. Market rate of total harvested produce is Rs. 160/-

Treatment

Jeevamrutha = 1 part cow dung + 1 part cow urine + 0.2 parts jaggery + 0.2 parts pulse flour and some soil. Cover, keep in shade, mix thrice a day.Incubate and use. Apply once a week in the first month.

Ecosystem function

Multiple insects feed on the leaves and the nectar.

Nutrition

High in fibre, protein, vitamins A and C and K, antioxidants.

Storage

Seeds - Dry bhindi completely and use seeds for planting again. Stored seeds will remain viable for 3 years. Bhindi - Soak chopped bhindi in buttermilk + salt + chilli powder + turmeric in the fridge for two days. Allow to sun dry till crispy (2-7 days) and store in a dry place. Fry and serve with rice.

Okra recipes

Godavari style bendakaya

Stuffed bhindi

View all recipes!