Summary of ICAR Agro-Advisory for Rabi

Introduction

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic second wave, Indian Agriculture has excelled with unprecedented production of food grains attaining the mark of 308.65 million tons (MT) during 2020-21, with record output of rice (122.27 MT), wheat (109.52 MT), coarse grains (51.15 MT) and pulses (25.72 MT) in the food grain basket (4th Advance Estimate, MoA, 2021). Much of this success has been possible owing to Governments’ efforts in reaching millions of farmers, making available the inputs, proactive actions and framing farmers’ friendly policies.

Technological options such as resource conservation and climate resilient technologies, promotion of hybrids, bio-fortified varieties, focussed approach on pulses and oilseeds, and crop diversification helped in addressing the challenges.

Major field crops of Rabi season

Major field crops cultivated in Rabi includes cereals (wheat, barley, maize); oilseeds (mustard, linseed); pulses (chickpea, lentil, and field peas); commercial crops like cumin, coriander, fenugreek, fennel etc. vegetables and fruit crops.

Proposed interventions

Sustaining pulses production can be ensured by demonstrating production, protection and improved technologies under different farming situation of Rabi pulses, judicious use of pesticides for control of insects, pests and diseases. Likewise, targeting oilseed production, will require adoption of planting techniques like Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) method, availability of seeds of improved varieties, participatory seed production, appropriate agronomic practices and targeting non-traditional areas. Impetus to horizontal coverage to oil palm in North Eastern states holds good for improving oil seed production.

The focus should also be on rainfed agro-ecosystem which requires holistic planning, prioritization of resources and operationalization of district agricultural contingency plan. If addressed comprehensively, it can help in sustaining/ enhancing production and productivity of pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals in the country apart from wheat during the ensuing Rabi season. Availability of seeds of multiple stress tolerant varieties, fertilizers, pesticides and supplement irrigation will add value to the production scenario. For ensuring the set targets, it is imperative to develop micro-level planning and its implementation at grass root level.

To cope with shortages of labour and timely availability of inputs at affordable prices, farmers need to enhance the use of on-farm inputs especially organic manures, adopt best practices for increasing resource use efficiency and reduce cost of cultivation. After harvest of paddy, crop residue management should be given top priority by farmers in order to protect the environment, soil health and its micro-organisms.

Zone-wise summary of ICAR advisory for Rabi season 2021-22

In view of this, ICAR has prepared agro-advisory for farmers for the early part of Rabi season across the country in all the 28 states and 8 UTs covering major crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries. The agroadvisory and its regional translations have been organized for respective states under ATARI Zones (Zones 1 to 11) of the Agricultural Extension Division of ICAR. The crop, livestock and fisheries advisories mainly deal with best practices to be adopted by farmers during ensuing Rabi season. The technical aspects covered in the advisories are related to seed, soil, water, nutrient and health management in crops, vegetables &fruits, and livestock enterprises. The zone wise advisory in brief are given below.

Zone I 

• In Zone-I (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand), major crops cultivated during Rabi are- wheat, mustard and chickpea.
• Farmers of these States/UTs are advised to use improved and high yielding varieties for cultivation of these crops along with other crops.
  • The high yielding wheat varieties advised for sowing are Unnat PBW 343, Unnat PBW 550, PBW 869, PBW 824, PBW 803, PBW 1 Chapati, PBW 1 Zn, PBW 725, PBW 677, HD 3086, WH 1105, HD 2967, PBW 621, WHD 943, PDW 291, PBW 752 (Biofortified), PBW 658, HS 542, HPW 360, HPW 155, HPW 349, HPW 249, HPW 236, VL 907, HS 507, HPW 368, VL 892, HPW 373, Saptdhara, Him Pratham (DH 114), JAUW 584, HD 3226, RSP 561, DPW 50, DBW 222, WB 02 (Biofortified), DBW 173 (Biofortified), WH 1124, DBW-90, HD 3059, WH 1021, Raj 3077, PBW 660, PBW 664, WH 1080, PBW 175, RSP 81, HD 3237, HI 1620, WH 1142, HD 3043, HS 562, VL 832, HS 490, HS 420, VL 804, HS 375, Shalimar Wheat -1, VL 738, HS 240, UP 2903, UP 2938 UP 2855, UP 2784, UP 2628, UP 2554, DPW 621- 50, PBW 502, WH 542, UP2944, UP 2844, UP 2865, UP 2526, UP 2565, PBW 590, DBW 71, Raj 3765, PBW 396, PBW 644, PBW 299,  UP 2572, UP 2584, VL 953, VL 829, HPW 42, HS 365, HPBW 01(Biofortified), PBW 771 (Biofortified), DBW 303 (Biofortified) and HD 3298 (Biofortified).
  • Rapeseed and mustard varieties advised for sowing are KBS 3, HPBS 1, HPN 3, ONK 1, Shalimar Brown Sarson-1, Shalimar Brown Sarson-2, Shalimar Brown Sarson-3, TL 17, TL 15, RCH 1, PHR 126, RLC 3, PBR 357, PBR 97, PBR 91, RLM 619, PGSH 1707, GSC 7, GSC 6, Hyola PAC 401, PC 6, TMLC 2, Pusa Bahar, Pusa Basant, Pusa Mustard-25, Giriraj (DRMRIJ-31), RH-749, RSPR-69, NRCDR-2, RSPR-01, RSPR-03, RL-1359, Kranti, Varuna, Pusa Bold, RH-406, RH-30, NRCHB-101, KOS1, KS-101 (Gulcheen), GSL-1, GSL-2, DGS-1, RSPN-25, RSPT-l, RSPT-2, RSPT-6, VL Toria 3, Pant Hill Toria 1, Uttara, Pant Pili Sarson 1, Pani Swela, Pant Girja, Pusa Mustard 27, Pant Rye 19, Pant Rye 20, Pant Rye 21, Ashirwad, Vardan, Pusa Mustard 30 (Biofortified), Pusa Double Zero Mustard 31 (Biofortified), and Pusa Mustard 32 (Biofortified).
  • Farmers are advised for sowing of following chickpea varieties - Himachal chana -1, Himachal chana-2, GPF-2, Palam chana-1, HPG 17, K-468, C-235m, Gaurav, GNG 1581, CSJ-515, Pant G 114, DCP 92-3, RSG 963, Pant G 186, Pusa 547, Pant G3, Pant G4, Pant G5, PBG 8, PBG 7, PBG 5 and PDG 4. Kabuli channa varieties of gram are L 552, Pusa 1003, Pusa 1053, Pant Kabuli Channa 1, Pant Kabuli Channa 2 and Shubra for higher production & returns.
  • Along with selection of suitable crop cultivars farmers are also advised to adhere to optimum sowing time for achieving higher productivity.
• Fruits cultivation is important source of income for farmers in these states and hence, farmers are advised to grow seasonal fruits with improved practices and integrated nutrient management, IPM and general management of fruit orchards have been advised for higher yields and income.
• Similarly, cultivation of Rabi vegetables with suitable cultivars are recommended for farmers of these states. Also, proper management of livestock for higher production is advised with improved practices.

Zone II

• In Zone-II the farmers of states of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi are advised for selection of suitable crop cultivars in different crops and adhering to optimum sowing times for achieving higher productivity. The important Rabi annual crops in these states are wheat, mustard, and chickpea.
• The suitable cultivars suggested for
  • wheat are - Raj-3765, Raj-3777, Raj-4037, Raj-4120, Raj-4079, Raj4238, KRL-210, DBW-303, DBW-48, WH 1105, WH 1184, WH 283, WH 542, HD 2967, HD 3086, DBW 88, DBW 187, DBW 222, PBW 550, WH 1080, WH 896, and HD 943;
  • for mustard NRCDR-2, DRMRIJ-31, NRCHB-101, RH-30, RGN-73, Bio-902, Aravali, RH-725, PM-32 (Bio-fortified), RGN-48, RGN-145 are advised; and
  • for chickpea GNG-1581, GNG-2144, GNG-2171, GNG-1958, GNG-663, Pratap Chana-1, GNG-1969, KAK-2, Shubhra, Ujjaval, HC-1, HC- 3, HC- 5, CSJ-515, GNG-2144, GNG-2171, and RSG501 varieties are recommended.
• Seed treatment, nutrient management and fertilizer application in all crops based on soil test to save on input use and reduce cost of cultivation is advised.
• Livestock is important component of agriculture for the farmers in these states hence, proper management of livestock viz. cattle, buffalo, goat& sheep is advised with improved practices for enhanced production.

Zone III

• The ATARI-Zone-III covers state of Uttar Pradesh and major Rabi crops of the state include Wheat, Mustard, Chickpea, lentil, and Pea.
• The farmers are advised to sow suitable cultivars of these crops on time to get the optimum production.
  • The recommended varieties of wheat include DBW-187 (Karan Vandana), DBW-222, 252, 47, HS 542 (Pusa Kiran), K 8804, Deva, Indra, DBW 48, DBW 303, and HD 3298 (Biofortified), while that of
  • mustard varieities include Varuna, Rohini, Vaibhav, Vardan, Basanti, and Urvashi. 
  • Farmers are advised to use following improved varieties of chickpea- JAKI 9218, Alok, Karnal Chana-1, Surya, Udai, Pusa 372, and Subhra, Ujjwal, Pusa 1003, JGK 1 and KAK 2,
  • Lentil varieties include PL 639, NDL-2, IPL-81, IPL-316, L 4076, HUL-57, and IPL 220
• Farmers are also advised for production of fodder (Berseem, Oats) to support livestock (dairy animals, poultry, goat & sheep) management during Rabi season.
• Rabi vegetables production is important source of income of farmers in the UP state, hence, farmers are advised to grow Rabi vegetables like Potato, Onion, Tomato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Vegetable Pea, Carrot and Brinjal etc. using improved and suitable cultivars.
• Advisory is also given for growing of fruit (Aonla, Papaya, Guava) and spice crops (Garlic, coriander, fenugreek, and fennel) adopting improved practices.

Zone IV

• Bihar and Jharkhand states are covered under Zone-IV and wheat, Rabi maize, chickpea, lentil, rapeseed and mustard, are important Rabi crops in these states.
• Sowing of improved varieties of these crops has been advised to the farmers viz.,
  • DBW 187, HD 2967, K1317, DBW 39, CBW 38, PBW 343, Sabour Samridhi, HD 3118, HI 1563, DBW 107, HP 1633, HUW 234, PBW 373, Sabour Shrestha, HD 3171, K 8027, and Sabour Nirjal, DBW 48, DBW 303, and HD 3298 (Biofortified) of wheat;
  • Ganga 11, DHM 103, Rajendra hybrid makka-1, ICI 705, Dhawal, Laxmi, Devaki, Saktiman 1, Saktiman 2, of Rabi maize; RSG 44, Pusa 329, DCP92-3, GCP105, KWR108, Pant gram3, Birsa chana 3, Pusa 372 of chickpea;
  • PL 406, K 75 (Mallika), HUL 57, WBL 58, PL 777-12 (Arun), Narendra Masoor 1 of Lentil;
  • Sej 2, Pusa Mahak, Rajendra Rai Pichheti, Rajendra Anukool, Ashirvad, RGN 73, NRCHB 101, DRMR 150-35, NRCYS-05-02 and PM 32 (biofortified) of rapeseed and mustard.
• Farmers are also advised for growing of various vegetable (tomato, chilli, bitter gourd, French bean and Dolichos bean, cabbage, cauliflower, knol-khol, brinjal, beet, carrot, and radish) and fruit (Mango, Guava, and litchi) crops by adopting various improved practices for better yield and remunerative price.
• Advisory for management of livestock viz. dairy animals, poultry, and fisheries by adoption of various improved practise is also been given to the farmers in the state of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Zone V

• In Zone-V (West Bengal, Odisha, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Boro/Rabi paddy, maize, lentil, summer green gram and rapeseed-mustard, are the major crops of Rabi season.
• The farmers of the zone are advised to use seeds of suitable improved varieties for higher production and return.
  • For Boro & Rabi Paddy farmers are advised to grow IET-4786 (Satabdi), WGL-20471 (Lal minikit), IR-36, CR-126-42-1, IET-1444, IET-4094 (Khitish), CR Dhan 310, Hiranyamayee, improved Lalat, Manaswini, MTU1010, Naveen, Rajlaxmi (Hybrid) and Ajay (Hybrid) varieties.
  • For Rabi Maize improved varieties advised are- P 3396, Deccan 105, P 3546, Rajkumar, All-Rounder, 900 M Gold, PAC-740, Vijaya, Navjot, Madhuri, Naveen, Ganga-5, Kargil-633.
  • For Lentil sowing of suitable varieties like WBL-77 (Moitree), L-4717 (PusaAgeti), KLS-09-3, PL-8, and IPL-316 are advised.
  • For summer green gram improved varieties IPM-02-14 and IPM-205-7 are recommended.
  • The following improved varieties of Rapeseed-Mustard are advised for sowing during Rabi season- Binoy, PM 32, Bhagirathi, PM-2- 3, PM-99-125, PM-5, PM-28, PM-30, YSH-0401, NRCHB-101, TBM-204 and Tapeswar.
• Advisory for cultivation of vegetable crops viz. tomato, chilli, bitter gourd, French bean and Dolichos bean, cabbage, cauliflower, knol-khol, brinjal, beet, carrot, and radish by following improved practices is also being given along with various fruit crops viz. Mango, Guava, and litchi.
• The animal husbandry, poultry and fisheries are also important component of agriculture in the zone and hence, advisory for management of these livestock enterprises is also given to the farmers.

Zone VI

• In Zone-VI (Assam, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) Ahu/Rabi Rice, buckwheat, maize, lentil, rapeseed & mustard/toria, potato are the major Rabi crops.
• High yielding hybrids (F1 hybrids) like HQPM-1, C-1415, PAC-705 and composite varieties like Vijay, VL Makka-88, of maize are advised for sowing by the farmers.
• Recommended varieties of Lentil are HUL 57 (small seed lentil variety), Axom Masur 1 (SL 2-24) and Axom Masur 2 (SL 2-28).
• Improved varieties of Rapeseed & mustard/Toria advised for sowing are -TS 36, TS 38, Jeuti, TS 46 and TS 67, NRCHB-101, PM 26, PM 27, Pant Pili Sarson-1, Pant Sweta, Uttara and Benoy-9.
• Suitable varieties of Potato advised for sowing are- Kufri Sindhuri, Kufri Pukhraj, Khufri Bahar, Khufri Alankar, K. Jyoti, and K. Kanchan (red-skinned).
• Farmers of the zone are advised to grow various vegetable and fruit crops following all the improved practices for better yield and income.
• Poultry, piggery, cattle, goats, and fisheries are important livestock enterprises in the zone and farmers are advised to manage all these following recommended improved practices.
• Advisory is also given for mushroom cultivation and various community science based enterprises/activities.

Zone VII

• In zone-VII (Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura) Boro paddy, maize, rapeseed & mustard/ toria, chickpea, field pea and lentil are important Rabi crops.
• The improved varieties of Boro paddy recommended are- Navin, MTU 1010, Tripura Chikon, Gomati, Bisnuprasad, Joymati, KRH 2, DRRH 1, and Swarna Ganga Red. Maize varieties suitable for Rabi in the zone are- HQPM-1, HQPM-5, Hybrid 4558, Hero 22, DA61, RCM 76, and Vivek Hybrid.
• For Field pea, varieties Aman, Prakash, Rachna and Aparna are advised for sowing. For Chickpea varieties like JG-14 and JG-16 are recommended for sowing.
• For Rapeseed & Mustard/ toria varieties such as M-27, TS-36, TS-46, PM 27, PM 28, NRCHB 101, TRC-t-1-1-5-1, TRS-Y-01-5-1-1, SCRT 1-2-1, SCRT 1-2-3
• Lentil variety like WBL-77, WBL-58, HUL-57 are advised for sowing.
• The farmers of the zone are also advised to grow various Rabi vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, chilli, tomato, onion, garlic, radish, carrot, beet root etc.) and fruit crops by adopting the improved practices for better yield and economic returns. The recommended varieties of Cabbage (Green Hero, Rare Ball), Cauliflower (White Excel, Sweta, Pusa snowball etc.), broccoli (Green magic, Harumi 88, Puspa etc.), tomato (Arka Rakshak, Arka Samrat), Onion (Arka Lalima, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Kiran, Prema) are advised to be used.
• The farmers in the zone are also advised for proper management of livestock including cattle, goat, pigs, poultry, and fisheries during the Rabi season by following all the recommended practices.
• Advisory is also given for mushroom production and various home science-based enterprises

Zone VIII

• In Zone-VIII (Maharashtra and Gujarat) wheat, chickpea, Rabi sorghum, safflower, mustard, cumin, onion, and sugarcane are important Rabi season crops.
• Sowing of improved wheat varieties Tryambak, Godawari, Tapowan, Parbhani-51, PDKV Washim, PDKV Sardar, AKAW-4647, AKAW-1071, GW-366, GW-496 and GW-451, GW-173 and GW-11 has been advised to the farmers.
• For mustard, sowing of recommended improved varieties Shatabdi (CAN-9), TPM-1, GDM-4, GDM-6 is advised.
• For cumin, sowing of recommended varieties GC-4 and GC- 5 is advised.
• For chickpea, advisory for sowing of improved varieties Akash, Phule Vikram, Phule Vikrant, JAKI-9218, PKV Kabuli-2, Virat, BDNGK-798 is given.
• Improved varieties like Parbhani Moti, Parbhani Super Moti, Phule Vasudha, Phule Revati, and PKV Kranti is advised for sowing for higher yield of Rabi sorghum. Improved varieties PBN12, PBN-46, PBN-40 (non-spiny), PKV Pink (AKS-311), NARI6 (non-spiny), NARI NH-1 (non-spiny) is advised for Safflower.
• Improved varieties of onion viz. Baswant-780, N-2-4-1, Agri Found Light Red, Phule Samarth, Bhima Super, Bhima Red, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Shubhra, GJWO-3, GAWO-2, Bhima Shweta, Bhima Safed, and Nasik-53 is recommended for Rabi onion cultivation.
• For sugarcane GNS 11 (Co N 13072), GNS 10 (Co N 13073), GNS 9 (Co N 9072), GNS 8(Co N 7072), MS-10001, VSI-08005, Co-86032, Co-8014 (Mahalaxmi), and CoM-0265 varieties are suggested for sowing.
• The farmers of the zone are also advised for adoption of improved practices for cultivation of major vegetable (brinjal, tomato, okra), fruit (pomegranate, citrus, mango, banana, and grapes) and floricultural (Gaillardia, Marigold, Chrysanthemum, Tuberose, Gladiolus, Jasmin, Rose) crops for higher yield and income.
• Advisory has also been given to the farmers of the zone for management of Dairy cattle, Goat, Poultry, Fodder and, Fisheries during the coming Rabi season.

Zone IX

• In zone IX (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) wheat, chickpea, lentil, linseed, mustard, and sugarcane are major crops.
• Sowing of high yielding varieties of wheat, viz.- JW 3382, JW 3465, JW 1201, GW 322, GW 273, GW 366, JW 3336, NI1633, HD 2864, HD 2932, Ratan, Chhattisgarh Gehun-2, CG Gehun-3, Chhattisgarh Amber wheat, Kanishka (CG-1029), Chhattisgarh Hansa Gehun, Chhattisgarh Gehun-1023, HW 2004, HD-4672, HL-8627, HI8713, MP-1215, HI-1531, HI-1544, MP-3336, MP-1203, HD-2332, HD-2864, JW-3288, DBW 48, DBW 303, and HD 3298 (Biofortified) advised to the farmers.
• For chickpea use of high yielding and pest tolerant varieties JG 14, JG 11, JG 130, JG 16, JAKI 92-18, JG 63, JG 412, JG 226, JG 36, PBG 1, BG 267, GNG146, RVG 201, RVG 202, JGK 1, JGK 2, JGK 3, KAK 2, GG-1 (Gujarat Gram-1), Vaibhav, JG-14, Indira Chana-1, JSC-55, JSC-56, BGD-128 (Pusa Shubhra), IPCK-2002-29, IPCK-2004-29, IPC-2066-77 and JGG 1 has been advised.
• For better yield and returns from Lentil cultivation of improved varieties Lens-4076, IPL-81 (Noori), JL-3, IPL-316, RVL 11-6, L-4717 (Pusa Ageti Masoor), RKL 14-20 (Kota Masoor-2), L-4727, Kota Masoor-1 (RKL-607-1), and Chhattisgarh Masoor-1 is advised.
• For more returns from Linseed cultivation, sowing of high yielding multiple resistant varieties viz., JLS 66, JLS 73, JLS 95, RLC 148, RLC 164, JLS 79, R-552, Kiran, T-397, Padmini, Shekhar, Indira Alsi-32, Kartika, Deepika, Indravati Alsi, RLC-133, RLC143, RLC-153 and RLC 167 is advised.
• Sowing of mustard varieties Pusa Tarak, Pusa Mahak, Pusa Agrani, Pusa Jai Kisan (BW-902), Pusa Bold, Kranti (PR-15), Vardan (RK 1467), Varuna (T-59), Chhattisgarh Sarson-1, Indira Toria-1 and Pusa Aditya are advised.
• High yielding and high sugar varieties viz. CoJN 86-600, CoJN 86-141, CoJN 9505, COC 671, Co 94008  (Shyama), CoM 88121 (Krishna), Co 86032 (Nayana) of sugarcane is recommended for cultivation.
• Farmers are advised to follow improved practices for cultivation of fruits (mango, guava, pomegranate, ber) and vegetable (Tomato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Onion, Vegetable Pea, Chilli, Potato) crops during Rabi season.
• Advisory for management of Animal Husbandry enterprises viz. dairy, poultry, fisheries, and sheep & goat during Rabi season is also given to the farmers of the zone.

Zone X

• In Zone-X (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry) Rice, maize, green gram, black gram, bengal gram, groundnut, sesame, and sugarcane are major crops.
• The major improved varieties of rice advised for cultivation during Rabi are- Pushkala, Cottondorasannalu, Nellore Mahsuri, Cottondorasannalu, Tarangini, Chandra, Nandyala Sona, Talanaga Sona (RNR 15048), Batukamma (JGL 18047), Kunaram Sannalu (KNM 118), Tellahamsa (RNR 10754), VGD 1, TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38, ADT 49, Improved White Ponni, ADT (R) 46, CR1009, ADT 53, CO 51, TPS 5, MDU 6, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, and TKM 9.
• The improved varieties of maize advised for sowing are- DHM 113, NK-30, Bio 9681, MCH 36, JKMH 2492, DHM 121, Kohinoor, JKMH 175, MCH 2, KH 510, KMH 25K60, S 6217, DHM 115, Pioneer 3342, KH 5991, DKC 7074 R, Bio 605, Sun Vaman, Sugar 75, Bright Gene, BPCH 6, Prakash, PEH-1, Madhuri, Win Orange, Almora sweet corn, Pearl popcorn, VL 42, JH 3459, VL Baby corn 1, CO 6, COH(M) 8 and COH(M) 9.
• The varieties advised for sowing of Bengal gram/chickpea are- Nandyal Gram 452, Nandyal Gram 49, Dheera, Nandyala Sanaga1, JG 11, JAKI 9218, Nandyala Gram 119, KAK 2, Vihar and LBeG 7 (Lam Sanaga).
• The major improved varieties of green gram, viz., LGG 460, LGG 407, TM 96-2, WGG 42, IPM 2-14, Co (Gg) 7, VBN(Gg) 2, VBN(Gg) 3, CO 8, and VBN 4; and of Black gram, viz., GBG 1, TBG 104, LBG 787, LBG 752, LBG 685, LBG 645, LBG 709, LBG 20, T9, PU 31, VBN 6, MDU 1, CO 6, VBN 8, VBN 10, ADT 6, KKM 1, VBN 6, and VBN 9 are advised for sowing.
• The improved varieties of groundnut viz. Dheeraj, Kadiri 6, Dharani, Narayani, ICGV 91114, Abhaya, Prasuna, Nitya Haritha, KadiriAmaravathi, KadiriHarithandra, Bheema, TAG 24, Greeshma and Rohini has been advised for sowing.
• Improved varieties of sesame advised for sowing are- Gouri, Madhavi, Varaha, Gowtham and Sarada, VRI(Sv) 2, TMV 7, and VRI 3.
• The major sugarcane varieties advised for sowing are- 85 A261, 84 A 125, Co 8014, 83 A 30, 87 A 298, 99 V 30, 86 V 96, 91 V 83, 2000 V 59, 2003 V 46, 93 A 145, 97A 85, 2001 A 63, 2003A 255, 2005A 128, 2009V 127 (Ranga) and 2005T 16.
• Advisory is also provided for all the major fruit (Mango, banana, guava, papaya, sweet orange, acid lime, cashew, coconut) and vegetable (Tomato, brinjal, bhendi, gourds, chilli, annual moringa, tapioca, small onion) crops.
• The farmers of the zone are also advised to follow all the recommendations related to feeding, breeding, management, and vaccination of livestock enterprises (dairy, poultry, goat & sheep, fisheries) in coming Rabi season.

Zone XI

• The states of Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep Islands are covered under Zone-XI and the major crops cultivated during Rabi season are- paddy, sorghum, maize, chickpea, sunflower, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut & other plantation crops.
• Farmers are advised to grow improved hybrid maize varieties viz., MAH14-5, Hema and Nithyashree.
• In chickpea, early sowing and seed priming with CaCl2  (2%) to be practiced to induce drought tolerance. Use of wilt resistant variety Jaki-9218 (25 kg / acre) in wilt endemic areas.
• Sowing new hybrids RSFH -1887, KBSH42, KBSH-44 of sunflower is advised.
• In Rabi sorghum seeds to be treated with Calcium Chloride to get uniform emergence of seedlings and to induce drought tolerance.
• Farmers are advised to use onion varieties Bhima Dark Red, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Kiran, Bhima Light Red, Arka Nikitha, Arka Pragati, Arka Kirthiman, Arka Lalima and Arka Bheem (red onions) and Bhima Shubra, Bhima Shweta and Bhima Safed (white onions) for cultivation in Rabi season.
• Advised to follow modern methods of cultivation in watermelon like transplanting of seedlings against direct sowing, mulching, drip and fertigation and use of vegetable special (1g/lit) during fruit development stage.
• Paddy seeds may be soaked in a solution of Pseudomonas culture (10 g for 1 kg seed) to control sheath blight, sheath rot, leaf spot disease etc. as a prophylactic measure.
• Farmers are advised to go for mulching using dried leaves in existing pepper, ginger and turmeric plantations. Shade to be provided using coconut leaves to pepper vines planted last year. Spray Black Pepper special (micronutrient mixture) @ 5 gm per litre during September - October month in order to increase the yield. In coconut, mulch the crop with glyricidia and earthing up to be done after last application of fertilizer dose in the month of October. Farmers of plantation crops are also advised for adopting various plant protection measures, and irrigation and nutrient management in Rabi season.
• Farmers are also advised to grow various vegetable (Brinjal, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, knol-khol, bhendi, brinjal, ridge gourd, leafy vegetables, gourds) by adopting improved practices for better yield and income. Foliar spray of the multi-nutrient mix, vegetable sampoorna is advised to rectify nutrient deficiencies, if noticed.
• Advisory is also given to the farmers for management of various livestock enterprises viz. dairy, poultry, goat & sheep, and fisheries during the coming Rabi season. Maximum cattle and buffaloes show oestrus symptoms in winter season. Farmers are advised to look for oestrus signs in animals viz., bellowing, mounting on other animals, cervical discharge, anorexia, reduction in milk yield and do Artificial insemination / Natural service accordingly for assured pregnancy.

Source : ICAR Rabi Agro-Advisory for Farmers