Season : RABI , September – October

. General information;

Carrot herb belongs to family of Umbelliferae. It is a major source of Vitamin A. Carrot is major vegetable crop of central Punjab, Pakistan. Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Jhang, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan are major carrot growing cities.

. Climate

Temperature: 7-23°C

Rainfall: 75-100cm

Sowing Temperature: 18-23°C

Harvesting Temperature: 20-25°C

. SOIL;

As soil has major role in root development. For good root development carrot required deep, loose loamy soils. Heavy soils as well as very loose soils are not suitable for carrot cultivation. For optimum yield pH of soil should be in range of 5.5 to 7 (pH of 6.5 is ideal for better yield).

. Land Preparation

Plough land thoroughly and make land weed and clods free. Add well decomposed cow dung of 10 ton/acre and mix well in soils at time of land preparation. Avoid use of undecomposed or free cow dung as it will leads to forking of fleshy roots.

. SOWING:

Time of sowing
August-September is best time for sowing local (desi) varieties of carrots whereas October is also suitable for some imported varieties in different regions.
Spacing
Use row to row spacing of 45 cm and plant to plant spacing of 7.5 cm.
Sowing Depth
For good growth, sow seeds at depth of 1.5 cm
Methods of sowing
For sowing use dibbling method and also use broadcasting method.

. SEED

Seed Rate
For sowing of one acre land seed rate of 4-5 kg is more than enough.
Seed Treatment
Before sowing soak seeds in water for 12-24 hours. It will increase germination percentage.

. FERTILIZER;

Along with well decomposed cow dung, apply Urea @25kg/acre, DAP @50kg/acre and Sulphate of Potash (SOP) @25kg/acre in soil at time of sowing. Potash is required for good development of roots and helps in yield improve.

. Irrigation

After sowing, apply first water, it will help in full germination. Depending upon soil type and climate, apply remaining irrigations at interval of 6-7 days in summer and 10-12 days interval in winter month. Overall carrot required three to four irrigations. Avoid excessive irrigation as it will leads misshape of roots and numerous hair growth. Stop irrigation two to three weeks before harvesting, It will help in increase in sweetness and taste of carrot.

. Harvesting

Carrots are ready for harvesting in 90-100 Days after sowing depending on variety. Harvesting is done manually by uprooting plants or sometimes with machinery. After harvesting remove green leaf from carrots and then wash with water.