In this essay we will discuss about:- 1. Origin and Distribution of Niger 2. Area and Production of Niger 3. Climate and Soils 4. Varieties, Seasons and Seeding 5. Nutrient Management 6. Cropping Systems 7. Quality Considerations.
1. Origin and Distribution of Niger:
Niger is considered to be the native of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and originated from G.scabre and subspecies schimperi. From the place of origin, it migrated to East Africa and India through Persian Gulf traders along with other crops, popularly known as Savanna Complex.
In India (2009-10), niger is cultivated in an area of 0.36 M ha with a production of 0.10 M t. Average yield is around 266 kg ha-1. Among the major niger producing states, MP ranks first in area (0.12 M ha) followed by Orissa (0.10 M ha). Production is highest in Orissa (0.03 M t) followed by MP (0.02 M t). Highest yield is in AP (375 kg ha-1) followed by Orissa (324 kg ha-1).
2. Area and Production of Niger:
In India, it is grown (2005-06) in an area of 0.414 M ha with a production of 0.641 M t. The average yield is around 261 kg ha-1. Orissa with 0.119 M ha rank first in area and production (0.038 Mt). Yield is highest (660 kg ha-1) in WB.
Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is named after the French historian Guizot. It is known as Kalatil, Ramtil and Surguja in Hindi. Its seed resemble to sunflower seed in shape but dark and smaller in size. It is tolerant to drought and less susceptible to attack by animals, birds, insects and diseases. It gives reasonably good yield even with poor management. Niger oil is similar to safflower and sunflower oil in edible quality.
3. Climate and Soils Suitable for Cultivating Niger:
Climate:
Niger can grow in elevations from 2000 to 2500 m. However, high yields are obtained at elevations 500 to 1000 m. The crop comes up well in Indian plains and hill districts. It is mostly a rainfed crop. Optimum rainfall is 1000 to 1300 mm.
Niger needs moderate temperature of 18°C to 23°C. Above 30°C, growth and flowering are adversely affected and maturity hastened. Below 10°C, seed emergence is restricted leading to inadequate stand establishment.
Soils:
Niger is grown on all types of soils from sandy to deep clay loams. It is also grown on rocky and stony soils and hill slopes. Ideal soils for Niger are red loamy soil of medium depth. It can come up on stored soil moisture during post-rainy season. It produces reasonable yield on waterlogged soils and relatively with low fertility status. It comes up well on neutral soils (5.5 to 6.5 pH).
4. Varieties, Seasons and Seeding of Niger:
Varieties:
Recommended improved varieties for different states have been given in Table 14.1.
Seasons:
Niger is sown as rainfed crop from middle of June to the end of July.
Rabi crop on stored soil moisture is sown in September, as indicated below:
Seed Rate and Method of Seeding:
Seed rate depends on method of sowing. Generally, 8 kg ha-1 is adequate if the seed is sown by broadcast. If it is sown in furrows behind country plough or using seed drills, a seed rate of 5 kg ha-1 is optimum. Recommended spacing is 30 x 10 cm for Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar, 30 x 15 and 20 x 10 cm respectively for normal and heavy rainfall areas of Maharashtra and 20 x 20 cm for Orissa. Optimum plant population varies from 2,50,000 to 3,00,000 plants ha-1. Thinning should be completed within 20 DAS to maintain required plant density.
5. Nutrient Management for Niger:
NPK Requirement:
The crop is mostly grown on marginal and submarginal lands without manure or fertiliser application. However, results of experiment show good response to fertiliser application.
Recommended fertiliser schedules for different areas are given below:
Time and Method of Application:
Recommended fertiliser should be applied by placement using seed drill. Half of the recommended dose of nitrogen along with entire dose of phosphorus should be applied as basal dose at seeding. The remaining half of nitrogen should be top dressed around 30 DAS, preferably coinciding with adequate rainfall.
6. Cropping Systems of Niger:
Niger is grown as mixed/intercrop with cereals and pulses. Monocropping is most common. However, crop rotation is profitable.
Intercropping:
Intercropping is common in almost all the Niger growing states.
Profitable systems are indicated below:
Sequence Cropping:
Sequence cropping is followed when Niger is grown as post-rainy season crop on stored soil moisture, especially in heavy soils.
Common crop sequences are given below:
One hand weeding at around 20 DAS is adequate to maintain weed free environment since niger is a good competitor for weeds. Herbicide use may not be economical under several situations. Since niger is cultivated as rainfed crop, information on water management is limited.
7. Quality Considerations of Niger:
The crop should be harvested when the leaves dry up and the head turns blackish in colour. After drying in sun for about a week, it is threshed by beating with sticks. The seed is separated by winnowing.
Composition of Seed and Oil:
Niger seed, on an average, contains 40 per cent oil (30-43%) and 20 per cent protein (10-30%). Crude fiber content is 10 per cent and that of ash 4 per cent. Niger oil is pale yellow in colour. It is nutty in taste with sweet odor. The raw oil has low acidity and can be used directly for cooking.
The fatty acid composition of niger oil is similar to that of sunflower and safflower. Linoleic acid is the major fatty acid followed by oleic acid. Niger cake contains 24-34 per cent protein, 4-14 per cent oil, 8-24 per cent crude fiber, 20-28 per cent sugar and 8-12 per cent ash. The percentage contents of N, P2O5 and K2O are 5, 2 and 1.5 respectively.
Utilisation:
Niger oil is consumed in areas where it is produced. It is premium oil because of its high linoleic acid and its good taste and aroma. Low grade oil is used in the manufacture of soaps and paints. It is also used as lubricant and body massage oil.
Niger seed is fried in ghee and mixed with other foods to improve palatability and quality. A spicy preparation called chutney prepared by mixing the seed with red chili powder with roasted and pounded niger seed is a common preparation in rural areas where niger is produced. Niger cake is mostly used as animal feed.