Crop guide

Okra

Complete Crop Program for Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) 1. Soil Preparation Deep ploughing 2–3 times followed by leveling. Apply Farm Yard Manure (FYM): 3–4 tons per acre before the final ploughing.

Both Sowing Feb–Mar Harvest Jul–Aug 80–100 maund per acre

Soil Preparation

Deep ploughing 2–3 times followed by leveling.

Apply Farm Yard Manure (FYM): 3–4 tons per acre before the final ploughing.

Soil should be well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter.

Optimum soil pH: 6.0–7.5.

Sowing Time

Region Sowing Season
Punjab / Sindh February–March (Spring), July–August (Autumn)
KPK March–April (Spring), August–September (Late Crop)
Balochistan February–March

Okra grows best between 25–35°C temperature.

Seed Treatment

Treat seeds with PORTIBLE (Thiophanate Methyl) @ 2g/kg seed to protect against fungal diseases (damping-off, root rot).

For better germination, soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours before sowing.

Sowing Method & Spacing

Row-to-row spacing: 2.5 feet (75 cm)

Plant-to-plant spacing: 9–12 inches (22–30 cm)

Seed rate: 3–4 kg per acre (depending on variety and seed size).

Sowing depth: 1–2 cm.

Fertilizer Application

Fertilizer Quantity per Acre Time of Application
DAP (18:46:0) 1–1.5 bags (50–75 kg) At sowing
Urea (46% N) 1 bag (50 kg) Half at flowering, half after first picking
SOP (Sulphate of Potash) 1 bag (50 kg) At flowering stage

Balanced nutrition enhances fruit size, shine, and tenderness.

Irrigation Management

First irrigation: Immediately after sowing.

Subsequent irrigations: Every 6–8 days in summer, 10–12 days in winter.

Avoid over-irrigation to prevent root rot.

During flowering and fruit setting, ensure regular moisture.

Weed Management

Weed Damage Control Product
Horse Purslane (Itsit) Germinates in a thick flush with the first irrigation after sowing and takes the water and nitrogen through the first month, so fewer pods set. Pendimethalin 33%EC
Wild Amaranth (Jangli Chulai) Comes up with the crop and quickly stands above it, taking the light and the first fertiliser dose, so fewer pods set on the lower nodes. Pendimethalin 33%EC
Barnyard Grass (Swank) Comes up thick along with the crop and takes the water and nitrogen in the first 30 days, when okra decides its yield. Pendimethalin 33%EC
Purple Nutsedge (Deela) Comes up between the plants from the first month on and takes the nitrogen that sets the early pods, so every picking is lighter. Hoe between the rows and hand-weed inside the row at the same pass, lifting the tubers out — 2–3 times in early growth
Bermuda Grass (Khabbal) Takes the water and fertiliser out of the rows all season, so pods come fewer and every picking round takes longer. Dig the runners out at land preparation

2–3 manual hoeings during early growth.

Chemical control:

Use Agritas Pendimethalin 33% EC @ 1 liter/acre as pre-emergence herbicide.

Pest Management

Pest Symptoms Recommended Product
Aphids / Whitefly Leaf curling, sticky honeydew D-Pest 25% WP (Imidacloprid) or Coupraze 25% WG (Thiamethoxam)
Jassid / Thrips Leaf yellowing, curling Rancho™ 20 SP (Acetamiprid)
Fruit & Shoot Borer Holes in fruit and shoots Veento 1.9% EC (Emamectin Benzoate)
Mites Yellow specks on leaves Tueric 11% SC (Abamectin + Cyromazine)

Disease Management

Disease Symptoms Control Product
Damping-off Seedlings collapse Portible seed treatment
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus Yellow veins on leaves Control whitefly + remove infected plants
Powdery Mildew White powdery patches on leaves Vesant 80% (Sulphur 80%)
Leaf Spot / Anthracnose Brown spots on leaves and pods Cure Jet 72% WP (Cymoxanil + Mancozeb)