Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. Krishna Kurubetta, Dr. Sourabh Munnoli and Dr. Kumar CJ

Abstract:
Our country's economy relies heavily on seed spices due to high internal consumption and rising export demand. Nigella (Nigella sativa L.) is a relatively unknown seed spice that goes by the names kalonji (Hindi) and kalajira (Urdu). The seeds of this annual and biennial (winter) herbaceous plant are cultivated for their commercial value. It has great value to humanity as a spice, medicine, food, and agricultural input. Profitable development of this crop across India requires research into agricultural practises along scientific lines to maximise yields per acre and harvest season. Recent years have seen remarkable growth in the production, productivity, and quality of seed spices thanks to the use of better verities, best agronomic practises, and horticultural and agricultural-based cropping methods. Midway through October to the first week of November is ideal for seeding nigella; a 25-30 cm distance between rows and a 10-15 cm distance within rows has been shown to produce the highest seed production. With a nutrition ratio of 30:40:45 kg NPK ha^-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha^-1 + Azophos 25g kg^-1 seeds, we were able to achieve a 922 kg ha^-1 seed yield, which was the greatest of any treatment. The maximum seed yield of 881 kg ha^-1 and the highest net returns of Rs. 60,728 ha^-1 were achieved with the herbicide oxadiargyl at 75 g ha^-1 (PE) + hand weeding at 45 DAS.