Okra is considered an ideal crop for all seasons, thriving particularly well in hot climates. As such, farmers in the West Godavari district often choose to grow it during the summer. In other seasons, when the crop area decreases due to lower yields, the market price typically rises. The crop grows best in black loam soils, red soils, and other well-drained fertile soils.
During the rainy season in West Godavari, local farmers focus more on okra than rice, even with the prevalence of rice cultivation. To prepare for planting, the soil for okra should be tilled 2-3 times. Additionally, 8-10 tonnes of cattle manure should be applied before the final ploughing. Okra can be sown using two different methods: the Salula method and the Bodela method, the latter being well-suited for drip irrigation. Farmers in the area also utilise mulching covers with this method to control weeds and conserve water.
Okra remains in demand year-round and is especially advantageous for local vegetable farmers, proving to be a resilient and profitable crop in dry seasons with minimal water requirements. The initial investment for cultivating okra ranges between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, with profits varying based on market conditions. This versatility and profitability have made okra a valuable crop for the farmers in the district.
On the other hand, a 69-year-old farmer, Aditya Tyagi, a resident of Merwani of Dehat has cultivated Red Okra. Tyagi said that he received information that a seed named ‘Kashi Lalima’ had been created by the Kashi Agriculture Institute. He directly contacted Kashi Agriculture Institute and ordered seeds from there.
Tyagi started farming in February and after some time the cultivation was good. When he took the Red Okra to the market, he found that it was more profitable as compared to Green Okra. After this, the demand for Red Okra increased rapidly.
Speaking to News18, Aditya Tyagi said, “If the cultivation is done properly, then lakhs of rupees can be earned per month. Profits are double for cultivating the Red Okra more than the green Okra. The price is much higher than that of the green Okra. It is the reason why it has not reached the kitchen of common people.”
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