In Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri, Farmers Can Still Reap a Bumper Capsicum Harvest Despite Poor Rainfall, Says Expert Rainfall has been scarce in Shivpuri this season, but horticulture deputy director Nirmal Kumar Goyal says the right variety choice, modern nursery methods and drip irrigation can still deliver a bumper capsicum crop for farmers. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri region have seen far less rainfall than usual this year, but that does not mean their capsicum harvest has to suffer. Nirmal Kumar Goyal, deputy director of the Horticulture Department, has shared a set of practical tips to help growers still pull off a bumper capsicum crop this season. Four varieties suited to Shivpuri's soil and climate According to Goyal, farmers in the Shivpuri region mainly grow four specific capsicum varieties that are best suited to the local soil and weather. These four varieties have historically delivered strong yields, and officials expect the same varieties to bring good returns for farmers again this season. Farmers are moving from old nursery methods to modern ones When it comes to raising nursery plants, Shivpuri's farmers have largely moved past traditional practices. Most are now preparing their nurseries either under shade nets or by sowing seeds individually in pro-trays filled with cocopeat. This approach produces healthier, disease-free seedlings, which translates directly into better yields later in the season. Transplanting set to begin within two to four days The expert noted that this is exactly the right season for transplanting capsicum saplings into the fields across the Shivpuri region. Most farmers have already finished preparing their nurseries and are now getting ready to begin transplanting in their fields within the next two to four days. Drip irrigation to make up for the rain shortfall Because Shivpuri has recorded significantly less rainfall than usual this season, farmers have been advised to pay close attention to soil moisture in their fields. Adopting drip irrigation techniques can ensure plants get adequate moisture even with limited water use, so their growth and health are not affected. This is why the department is urging farmers to prioritise drip irrigation this season. The Horticulture Department says that if farmers get the timing of transplanting right, choose the correct varieties, and manage irrigation carefully, capsicum farming can still turn into a major source of profit this season, despite the challenge of low rainfall. What this means for you • Across India: Adopting the right technique and irrigation management can protect vegetable output even in a low-rainfall season, helping keep capsicum supply and prices stable in the market. • In Shivpuri: Local farmers stand to gain better yields and income by using the right variety, modern nursery methods and drip irrigation despite the rain shortfall. Questions & Answers 1. How many main capsicum varieties are grown in Shivpuri? According to the expert, farmers in the Shivpuri region mainly grow four specific varieties that deliver good yields. 2. What is the recommended way to prepare the nursery? Farmers are now raising nurseries under shade nets or sowing seeds individually in pro-trays filled with cocopeat, which produces healthier, disease-free plants. 3. When will transplanting begin in the fields? Most farmers have already finished preparing their nurseries and are expected to begin transplanting within the next two to four days. 4. How can farmers make up for the low rainfall? The expert has advised farmers to adopt drip irrigation so that fields retain adequate moisture even with limited water use. 5. Who gave this advice to farmers? The tips were shared by Nirmal Kumar Goyal, deputy director of the Horticulture Department. https://trendkia.com/en/business/madhya-pradesh-ke-shivpuri-men-kama-barisha-ke-bavajuda-shimala-mircha-ki-kheti-se-kisanon-ko-hoga-bnpara-phayada-eksaparta-ke-kha-8341 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.