Nagpur district braces for a deficient monsoon, the Agriculture Department is placing renewed emphasis on dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), a green manure crop that officials believe, can improve soil health, reduce fertiliser dependence and lay the foundation for successful crop diversification. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Ravindra Manohare, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer, said soil nourishment must precede diversification. “The first step towards crop diversification is soil nourishment.

 

If the soil is not healthy, introducing different crops can further weaken productivity,” he said. To improve soil quality, the department is promoting dhaincha cultivation across the district. Seeds supplied by Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Limited (MAHABEEJ) are available at around Rs 175 per kg, with approximately 20 kg required per acre. The crop requires comparatively little rainfall and is harvested after about one-and-a-quarter months, after which, the green biomass is buried under the soil as green manure. According to Manohare, the decomposing biomass increases organic carbon content and creates a rich biological ecosystem beneath the surface. This encourages nitrogen-fixing bacteria and other beneficial microorganisms that improve soil fertility and soil structure. The practice significantly enhances the soil’s water-holding capacity, enabling fields to retain moisture for longer periods during dry spells and potential El Nino conditions.

 

Dhaincha has shown particularly good results in paddy cultivation, though its benefits extend to several other crops. Officials say, the practice can substantially reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers such as urea and DAP. In some cases, urea application can be reduced from three bags per acre to just one. Manohare noted that, chemical fertilisers often become a recurring expense for farmers, while a significant portion of nutrients eventually leaches from the soil. The increase in organic carbon and biological activity also helps improve long-term soil productivity. 

 

Manohare said, crop diversification plans cannot be implemented uniformly across Nagpur district, as rainfall and cropping patterns vary considerably between talukas. Parseoni, Bhiwapur and Kuhi are among those receiving the highest rainfall in the district and therefore, require different advisories from relatively drier regions. If rainfall remains deficient during the current kharif season, the area under pulses such as moong, urad and tur is expected to increase as contingency crops due to their lower water requirement. Cotton is likely to retain its prominence owing to the Kapas Kranti Mission, while soybean acreage may decline in some areas due to lower-than-expected returns.