Brinjal (Baigan / Vange / Ringan) Cultivation and farming in india

Among all the crops which are widely cultivated in India, the brinjal is one of the few crops which is consumer specific. What I mean is that the variety of brinjal grown in one state or even one district may not be preferred in another area. Farmers often make the mistake of cultivating a newer variety of brinjal for the market at a large scale to find that it’s impossible to sell their products unless they bring down the product price to below what is profitable.

When it comes to brinjal, there are hundreds of varieties. from the indigenous varieties to the hybrids and lately, the BT variety which is banned in India. Each variety is visibly different from the other so a person with some knowledge can determine the variety of brinjal they are looking at. as such there are at least 10-15 varieties of indigenous varieties which are all different. Some are green and long while there are others which are green striped, green round purple round, purple oval, purple long, etc. The hybrid varieties are an extension of the indigenous varieties with almost the same features but with a high yield or better size.

Brinjals are easy crops to cultivate and are usually one of the few horticulture crops which is [referred to by farmers. nevertheless, brinjals require a lot of attention in terms of pest and disease management, nutrition and irrigation. Fortunately, with the right variety, the profits in farming brinjal are high. Being a vegetable which is consumed regularly in India, the eggplant or aubergine or brinjal is one of the few vegetables on the grocery lists of most homes at least once a fortnight.

With that in perspective, let’s look at the international market. China is the largest producer of brinjals in the world. India stands second in brinjal production with a 23% market share worldwide. 7 Lakh hectares cultivate brinjal every year in India producing 12200000 metric tonnes of brinjal. That’s 1 crore 22 Lakh metric tonnes of brinjal a year. The productivity per acre remains at 17428 kg per hectare which is 17 and a half tonnes of produce per hectare.

Very few crops have the potential for that kind of yield. producing 17 tonnes of food from one hectare is usually an astonishing feat. that would be 7 tonnes of food per acre. in comparison, paddy is usually 2-3 tonnes per acre and wheat and wheat average about the same quantity.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Q: What is the best time to plant eggplants in India? A: Eggplants are typically planted during the warm season, between February and March.
  2. Q: Can eggplants grow in cold climates? A: Eggplants thrive in warm and tropical climates, and they are sensitive to low temperatures.
  3. Q: How long does it take for eggplants to mature? A: On average, eggplants take about 70-80 days to mature after transplanting.
  4. Q: Are eggplants a profitable crop for farmers in India? A: Yes, eggplants have a significant market demand and can be a profitable crop when managed effectively.
  5. Q: What are some common pests that affect eggplant cultivation? A: Common pests that affect eggplant cultivation include aphids, fruit borers, and mites.

Eggplant – Areas of Cultivation in India

Eggplant, also known as brinjal or aubergine, is cultivated in various regions across India. The favorable climatic conditions and agricultural practices in these areas contribute to successful eggplant cultivation. Here are some of the major regions where eggplants are extensively grown in India:

  1. Uttar Pradesh:
    • The state of Uttar Pradesh is one of the leading producers of eggplants in India.
    • Districts like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Meerut are known for their high-quality eggplant cultivation.
    • The fertile Gangetic plains and suitable weather conditions support the growth of eggplants in this region.
  2. Maharashtra:
    • Maharashtra is another significant state for eggplant cultivation.
    • Areas like Nashik, Pune, Solapur, and Satara are known for their commercial eggplant farming.
    • The moderate climate and availability of irrigation facilities make it ideal for eggplant cultivation.
  3. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
    • The states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have a substantial share in eggplant cultivation.
    • Districts like Kurnool, Guntur, Krishna, and Karimnagar are known for their eggplant production.
    • The warm and tropical climate, along with fertile soils, supports the successful growth of eggplants in these regions.
  4. West Bengal:
    • West Bengal is a prominent state for eggplant cultivation in eastern India.
    • Districts like Bardhaman, Hooghly, Nadia, and Murshidabad have a significant presence of eggplant farms.
    • The favorable climate, availability of irrigation facilities, and suitable soil conditions contribute to the success of eggplant cultivation in this region.
  5. Karnataka:
    • Karnataka is known for its diverse agricultural practices, including eggplant cultivation.
    • Districts like Dharwad, Belgaum, Chitradurga, and Tumkur are important for eggplant farming.
    • The moderate climate and well-drained soils make these areas suitable for eggplant cultivation.
  6. Tamil Nadu:
    • Tamil Nadu is another state where eggplant cultivation thrives.
    • Districts like Salem, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, and Erode are known for their eggplant farms.
    • The favorable climate, fertile soils, and availability of irrigation facilities support the growth of eggplants in this region.

These are just a few of the major regions in India where eggplants are cultivated. However, eggplant farming is practiced in various other states and districts across the country, contributing to its overall production and availability throughout the year. The diversity of regional practices and techniques adds to the richness and variety of eggplant cultivation in India.