Cultivation of Fenugreek / Methi
Fenugreek/Methi belongs to the family Leguminosae. Fenugreek is a cool-season annual herb used as a leafy vegetable, pulses, and spices. It is the oldest known medicinal plant; its leaves and young pods are used as vegetables and seeds as condiments to improve the flavor and nutritive value of the food. Fenugreek is considered a native of Eastern Europe and Ethiopia, and it grows wild in northwestern India.
India has a major contribution to global fenugreek production. Rajasthan occupies more than 80% share of the total fenugreek production. Other major growing states are UP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and MP.
It is the oldest known medicinal plant due to its medicinal value. It prevents constipation, removes indigestion, stimulates the spleen and liver, and is appetizing and diuretic. The leaves are quite rich in protein, minerals, and Vitamin C
Major growing types of Fenugreek are:
- Common methi. (Trigonella foenumgraecum L ) produces upright shoots
- Kasuri or Champa methi (T. corniculata) is slow-growing initially and remains in a rosette condition during most of its vegetative period.
| Serving Size: 100 g | % DV | |
| Calories | 323 kcal | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58 g | 19% |
| Dietary Fiber | 25 g | 100.00% |
| Sugar | 0 | 0% |
| Protein | 23 g | 46% |
| Cholesterol | 0 | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 1.5 g | 7% |
| Sodium | 67 mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 770 mg | 39% |
| Iron | 186% | |
| Calcium | 17% | |
| Vitamin C | 5% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 30% | |
| Magnesium | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Cobalamin | 0% | |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | ||
Although it can be grown in nearly any soil with adequate drainage, fenugreek thrives in loamy soils that drain well. If sufficient drainage facilities are available, clay-loam soil that is rich in organic matter may also be utilized. Its yield can be somewhat compromised when grown on sandy or gravelly soils.
Variety | Developed By | Characteristics |
Hisar Suvarna | HAU , Hissar | A quick-growing, erect and tall, dual-purpose, medium maturity (130-140 days) , moderately resistant to percospora and powdery mildew.Wider adaptability, suitable for cultivation throughout the country Av. Yield 16 q/hac |
Hisar Madhavi | HAU , Hissar | A quick-growing, erect and tall, dual-purpose, medium maturity (130-140 days) , moderately resistant to powdery mildew and to downy mildew.A variety with under adaptability is suitable for both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Av. Yield 19 q/hac |
Hisar Muktha |
| A quick growing seed type variety, medium maturity (135-140 days) , moderately resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew. Erect and tall plants.Wide adaptability.Suitable for both irrigated and rainfed condition . Av. Yield 20 q/hac |
RMt 303 |
| Medium maturity variety (145- 150 days) seeds bold, with typical yellow color, less susceptible to powdery mildew Av. Yield 19 q/hac |
RMt305 |
| The first determinant type, is multipotent, early maturing, wider adaptability, resistance to powdery mildew, and root-knot nematodes. Seeds bold, attractive, and yellow, duration 120-125 days. Av. Yield 13 q/hac |
Guj Methi 1 |
| The first variety from Gujarat released for the state.Plant dwarf. Av. Yield 18 q/hac |
Pant Ragini | GBPU&T , Pantnagar | A dual-purpose tall bushy type resistant to downy mildew and root rots, medium maturity. Seed contains 2-2.5% essential oil. Av. Yield 12 q/hac |
Rajendra kanti |
| Medium-sized bushy plant; early maturity; suitable for intercropping in both kharif and rabi seasons; field-tolerant to Cercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew and aphids. Av. Yield 13 q/hac |
CO -1 |
| A quick-growing, dual-purpose, early-maturing variety tolerant to root rot disease. Seeds contain 21.7% protein. Av. Yield 6 .8q/hac |
CO 2 |
| Short-duration dual-purpose variety , field-tolerant to Rhizoctonia root rot disease, suitable for both kharif and rabi seasons. Early maturity, short duration. Av. Yield 4 q/hac |
(a) Sowing time. Desi methi is sown from the middle of September to the middle of November for seed production, and from the middle of September to the middle of March for green leaves, Kasuri methi is sown in the middle of December. The seed is generally sown by the broadcasting method.
(b) Seed rate. The seed rate is 10.0 kg per acre for common methi and 8 kg for Kasuri methi.
Manuring in the Fenugreek crop
Aftercare in the Fenugreek crop
One or two weddings may be given during the early stages of growth. Soil should contain sufficient moisture. The first irrigation is given just after sowing, and subsequent irrigations are given at a seven- to ten-day interval.
Harvesting of Fenugreek crop
The Kasuri methi and desi methi become ready for harvesting 25 to 30 days and 20 days after sowing respectively. The picking of leaves is done by nipping at the ground level, and subsequent cuttings are done at an interval of 12 to 15 days. Sometimes after taking two to three cuttings, the plants are
Vegetable crops in India are left to produce seeds or uprooted after 4 to 5 cuttings. The leaves, if allowed to overmature, may taste bitter.
The yield of common methi is 2800 kg and Kasuri type is 3600-4000 kg per acre.