Capsicum, commonly known as “sweet pepper,” is a highly valuable crop extensively cultivated in greenhouses across India. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential minerals. Capsicum farming thrives particularly well in peri-urban areas due to easy access to urban markets, making it a popular choice among farmers seeking profitable cultivation options. In states like Goa, the demand for capsicum has been steadily rising, supported by its year-round market availability. Prices typically range from Rs. 80 to 150 per kilogram, depending on factors such as color, quality, and season. While open-field cultivation yields between 20-40 tons per hectare, greenhouse methods can boost yields dramatically, reaching 100-120 tons per hectare.
Process of Capsicum Farming in India
Capsicum farming offers significant profitability for farmers across India. To embark on this cultivation, it is important to understand the step-by-step process, including planting time, required equipment, and proper management techniques. Tractors play a critical role in preparing the land and maintaining the crop, and choosing a reputable tractor brand like the Eicher 380 or Farmtrac 60 can enhance efficiency and productivity in capsicum cultivation.
Climate Requirements for Capsicum
Capsicum thrives best in cool-season conditions with daytime temperatures below 30°C, which optimizes both plant growth and yield. However, thanks to the development of hybrids with broad adaptability, capsicum can also be successfully cultivated in warmer areas such as Goa. Excessively high temperatures can accelerate plant growth but negatively affect fruit set, while cooler night temperatures promote flowering and fruit development. In regions like Goa, September to October is considered the ideal sowing period to align flowering and fruiting phases with the mild climatic window from November to February. Summer shading in greenhouses is essential to prevent excessive heat buildup.
Capsicum Production – Selection of Planting Material
Selecting healthy, disease- and pest-resistant planting material is crucial for high yields. Ideal seedlings should be 35 to 40 days old, measuring 16 to 20 cm in height, and exhibit a strong root system. At transplanting, seedlings should have 4 to 6 mature leaves. Additionally, farmers should consider varietal traits such as fruit color, shape, vigor, production capacity, and quality to choose the best capsicum plants suited for their region.
Soil Sterilization and Growing Beds
Within polyhouse cultivation, the soil is first loosened before raised beds are constructed, typically 45 cm in height and 75 cm in width, leaving 45 cm walkways between beds. Prior to bed preparation, well-decomposed organic manure or vermicompost mixed with sand and sawdust is incorporated at approximately 10 kg per bed. Beds are then sterilized using 4% formaldehyde solution (4 liters per bed) and covered with polyethylene sheets for 3 to 5 days to eliminate pathogens. Afterward, the polyethylene is removed, and beds are raked daily to dissipate formaldehyde fumes, ensuring safety before transplanting.
Planting, Training, and Pruning of Capsicum
Seedlings are transplanted onto raised beds in paired rows, with a spacing of 30 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows. Prior to planting, seedlings are treated with 0.3 ml Imidacloprid to prevent sucking pests within the polyhouse environment. The beds should be kept moist during transplantation using daily watering, transitioning to drip irrigation that supplies 2-3 liters per square meter per day, adjusted for local climate conditions. Capsicum plants benefit from training to maintain 2-4 main stems, and weekly pruning should commence 15-20 days after transplanting to enhance airflow and improve fruit quality.
Pest and Disease Control of Capsicum
Mites and Thrips
Mites and thrips are common sucking pests that affect greenhouse-grown capsicum plants. Although capsicum is primarily self-pollinating, cross-pollination occurs, facilitated by pollinators such as honey bees and thrips. Introducing bumblebees or honey bees into greenhouses significantly improves pollination effectiveness and increases seed production in fruits. Use of electric bees or plant hormone sprays has limited impact compared to live pollinators.
Harvesting and Yield of Capsicum
Green capsicum fruits are typically ready to harvest about 60 days after planting, while red and yellow fruit hybrids take 80 to 90 days. Harvesting continues at 10-day intervals for 170 to 180 days for green peppers and up to 200 to 250 days for red and yellow varieties. Fruits are harvested when yellow fruits and mature green fruits reach 75% color change, and fully red and yellow fruits are picked when 100% color has developed. Post-harvest, the fruits should be stored in cool conditions to maintain freshness and quality.
Essential Equipment for Capsicum Cultivation
Efficient capsicum cultivation relies on proper agricultural equipment such as cultivators, rotavators, tillers, and tractors. Among these, tractors are indispensable for soil preparation, planting, and maintenance tasks. The Farmtrac 60 tractor is highly recommended for capsicum growers in India due to its reliability and suitability for greenhouse farming conditions.
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Expanding capsicum cultivation through improved greenhouse technology and hybrid varieties offers Indian farmers an excellent opportunity to meet increasing market demands while maximizing profitability. Sustainable farming practices combined with modern equipment and pest management techniques contribute to higher yields, better fruit quality, and extended harvesting seasons. Additionally, integrating drip irrigation and soil sterilization methods enhances crop health and resource efficiency. As consumer awareness about nutritious vegetables grows, capsicum cultivation stands poised to become a cornerstone of India’s horticultural production.
