The cultivation of menthe is done by the farmers of district Badaun, Rampur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Barabanki, Faizabad, Ambedkar nagar, Lucknow etc. at large scale. In last few years, Mentha has become the main crop of Jayad in this district. The oil of menthe is used for fragrance and manufacturing of medicine.
Mint (Mentha sp)
Family: Labiatae
Soil and climate
For cultivation of mentha, soil having sufficient biological content, good water drainage, pH ranging between 6.0-7.5, sandy loam and alluvial loam soil is suitable.Sub-tropical areas receiving an annual rainfall of 100 – 150 cm are good. Plough well and level the land. After planting of mentha, give light irrigation so that it is planted well.
Recommended Variety
- Mentha spykata M.S.S-1(indigenous pudina)
- Kosa(best for timely and late sowing)(Japanese pudina)
- Himalaya Gomti(M.A.H-9)
- M.S.S-1 H.Y-77
- Mentha prepata kukrail
Time of sowing of roots in the nursery
Suitable time for timely sowing of mentha is 15th January to 15th February. In case of late sowing, oil content is reduced and results in low yield. For late sowing, prepare the plants in nursery and plant it between March to first week of April in the field. For late cultivation, select kosi variety of mentha.
Treatment of Suckers / Sowing Method
Suitable time for timely sowing of mentha is 15th January to 15th February. In case of late sowing, oil content is reduced and results in low yield. For late sowing, prepare the plants in nursery and plant it between March to first week of April in the field. For late cultivation, select kosi variety of mentha.
Treatment of Suckers
Before transplantation the ground level should be prepared after making 2 grams of carbendazim water per solution and after dipping for 5 minutes
Sowing Method
Keep the distance between row to row 30-40 cm in planting of Japanese mentha, 45-60 cm in deshi pudina and plant to plant 15 cm in Japanese pudina. The root should be sown 15 cm deep in ridges. Irrigate lightly immediately after sowing. For sowing/planting, 4-5 quintal roots of 8-10 cm piece are sufficient.
Quantity of Fertilizers
Generally, use of fertilizers on the basis of soil analysis report is beneficial. In normal condition, 120-150 kg nitrogen, 50-60 kg phosphorous, 40 kg potash and 20 kg per hectare sulphur should be used for good yield of mentha. Total quantity of phosphorous, potash and sulphur and 30-35 kg nitrogen should be used in ridges before sowing. Remaining quantity of nitrogen is to be used at 45 days, 70-80 days and 20 days after first harvesting.
Irrigation and Weed Control
Irrigation of mentha depends on type of soil, temperature and intensity of wind. Do first irrigation immediately after sowing/planting. Continue irrigation at an interval of 20-25 days. Irrigation is essential after every harvesting. For chemical weed control, spray at the earliest, 3.3 liter pendi methylene 30 EC dissolved in 700-800 liter water after sowing/planting.
Crop Protection
Insect
Termite
Termite harms the root as result germination is adversely affected. Afterwards, the plants die. In case of insect menace in standing crop, use 2.5 liter per hectare chlorpyrifos with irrigation water.
Caterpillar
This insect is found on the lower surface of the leaf and eats it due to which oil content is reduced. Spray 500 liter diclorvas or 750 ml fenvalrate per hectare dissolved in 600-700 liter water to protect the crop from this insect. Collect the eggs laid in clusters and caterpillars Leaf folder Insect This larva of this insect folds the leaves and eats them. To prevent it, spray monocrotofos 36 EC, 1.0 liter per hectare dissolved in 600-700 liter water.
Leaf folder Insect
This larva of this insect folds the leaves and eats them. To prevent it, spray monocrotofos 36 EC, 1.0 liter per hectare dissolved in 600-700 liter water.
Disease Root Rot
The infested root turns black and pink colored spot is seen on the roots. Treat the suckers with 0.1% carbendazim before sowing/planting. In addition to this, disease free suckers.
Leaf Blight
In the infested crop, dark brown colored spot is seen on the leaves. The leaves turn yellow and start shedding. To control this disease, spray 2 kg fungicide mancojeb 75% dissolved in 600-800 liter water.
Harvesting
The crop of mentha is often harvested twice. Flowering starts after 100-120 days of first harvesting. The plants should be cut t -5 cm height from the ground surface. Second harvesting should be done after 70-80 days of first harvesting. After harvesting, leave the plants in sun shine for 2-3 hours and extract the oil by distillation method at the earliest after drying it lightly in the shade.
Yield
Approximately 250-300 quintal vegetation and 125-150 kg oil per hectare is obtained in two harvesting.
