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| Kalonji cultivation in Kashmir |
Kalonji (black seed) scientifically known as Nigella sativa is a cool-season rabi spice crop that can be successfully grown in temperate regions like Jammu & Kashmir, while Ladakh requires more controlled conditions due to extreme cold and short growing seasons.
Kalonji (black seed) is one of the most profitable low-input medicinal/spice crops for temperate regions like Kashmir and parts of Jammu. It has strong demand in Ayurvedic, Unani, spice, and export markets.
Prefers cool, dry climate
Ideal temperature: 15°C – 25°C
Frost-sensitive, especially during early growth
Needs low to moderate rainfall
Best suited for rabi season (Oct–Nov sowing)
Suitability:
Jammu: Highly suitable (best growing zone)
Kashmir Valley: Very suitable (excellent for rabi crop)
Ladakh: Limited/experimental (short season + frost risk)
Soil Requirements
Well-drained loamy soil
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Avoid waterlogging (very important)
Light sandy soils also perform well
Sowing Details
Time: October–November (J&K plains and valley)
Seed rate: 1 kg/per kanal
Spacing: 20–30 cm rows, 10–15 cm plant spacing
Depth: Lightly covered (0.5–1 cm)
Irrigation
First irrigation after sowing if soil is dry
Then every 10–15 days depending on weather
Avoid excess water (causes root rot)
Growth & Harvest
Germination: 10–14 days
Flowering: 40–60 days after sowing
Harvest: 90–120 days (when pods turn brown)
Yield: 300–800 kg/20 depending on management
Region-wise Notes
Jammu
Best conditions in irrigated plains
Higher yield potential
Suitable for commercial farming
Kashmir Valley
Excellent rabi crop after paddy/vegetables
Cooler climate improves seed quality
Common in small traditional farms
Ladakh
Only possible in:
Greenhouses
Trial plots
Short protected summer season
Open-field cultivation is risky due to frost
Key Advantages for J&K Farmers
Low input crop
Medicinal + spice market demand
Good price for organic seeds
Can fit into crop rotation (after cereals/vegetables)
Availability : 50,100,1000 Seeds pkt
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
POB 40 GPO Srinagar, Kashmir-J&K 190001
