How to Cultivate Capsicum (Bell Pepper): Important Techniques and Benefits


A Complete Guide to Capsicum Farming: Soil, Season, Drip Irrigation, Nursery, Basal Dose, Staking, Pest Control, and Profits

Capsicum farming is a profitable cash crop that opens new income avenues for farmers. Experience over the last 10 years shows that with the right techniques, understanding of soil, irrigation management, and disease control, both the production and profit of this crop can be doubled. In this blog, we will discuss every aspect of capsicum farming in detail, which will prove useful for farmers.

1. Introduction to Capsicum Farming

Capsicum, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is rapidly gaining popularity in the Indian agricultural sector. Its origin lies in South and Central America, and it was brought to India by Portuguese and Arab traders. This crop can primarily be grown year-round, and several regional types and varieties are available.

1.1 Cultivation Areas Capsicum is cultivated in many Indian states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, etc. It can be grown in open fields, polyhouses, or shade net houses, but common farmers mostly produce it in open fields.

1.2 Demand and Market for Capsicum There is a continuously increasing demand for capsicum in the market. Its prices remain quite stable in large cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Prior market research is essential to select the right variety and quantity.


2. Soil and Climatic Requirements

Like any successful crop, capsicum requires suitable soil and climate.

2.1 Soil Quality and Testing

  • Capsicum cultivation is not suitable when the soil has high water retention capacity.
  • This crop grows well in red loamy soil with a pH of 6 to 7.
  • Before starting cultivation, always perform a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies.

2.2 Climate and Temperature

  • The ideal temperature should be between 18°C to 35°C.
  • If the temperature falls below 15°C or rises above 35°C, crop growth is affected.
  • Humidity should be between 50% to 60%.
  • In areas with heavy rainfall or extreme heat, a polyhouse or shade net house is required.

3. Field Preparation and Drip Irrigation

3.1 Land Preparation

  • Clean the field and remove large stones.
  • Plow thoroughly to make the soil soft and even.
  • Add 5-6 trolleys of farmyard manure or organic fertilizer per acre to increase organic carbon in the soil.
  • Create beds approximately 1 foot high and 2-3 feet wide, leaving 2 feet for furrows in between.

3.2 Drip Irrigation System

  • Cultivating cash crops is not possible without a drip system.
  • When choosing drip pipes, select 16 mm or 20 mm based on the water pressure (discharge) from the well or pond and the distance.
  • Pipes providing 2 liters of water per hour per dripper will be suitable.
  • Maintain a distance of 5 to 6 feet between drip lines; 5 feet in summer and 6 feet in the rainy season.
  • Install drip irrigation with proper design and engineering to ensure uniform distribution of water and supplementary nutrients.

4. Nursery Preparation

4.1 Seed and Pro-Tray Selection

  • Obtain seeds from a reliable company and check their variety and calibration.
  • A 70-hole pro-tray is excellent for summer, and a 102-hole pro-tray is suitable for the rainy season.
  • It’s essential to disinfect the tray after germination in coco-peat.

4.2 Nursery Care

  • Use microbial fungi like Pseudomonas, Mycorrhiza, Beauveria bassiana, and Verticillium lecanii in the nursery.
  • Ensure the seeds are in a suitable fresh state; do not use overly old plants.
  • Maintain the nursery for 28-35 days, which can be adjusted according to the weather.

5. Planting and Staking

5.1 Correct Time and Method of Planting

  • Three days before planting, fill the field with water to soften and moisten the soil.
  • Gently loosen the roots of the seedlings and plant them in a zigzag pattern at a distance of 1 foot.
  • Press the soil firmly to ensure the root system is well-established and water does not accumulate.

5.2 Staking Technique

  • Tying plants using twine and pet wire is mandatory to support upward growth and prevent breakage.
  • Install 8-10 feet bamboo poles for the trellis, strengthening the system with wires.
  • In open fields, perform light staking to prevent fruit sunburning.
  • Perform the first staking after 25-30 days and repeat regularly two to three more times later.

6. Nutrition and Fertilization Management

6.1 Basal Dose

  • Determine fertilizer dosage based on soil testing.
  • Use fertilizers like DAP, 10-26-26, and Muriate of Potash.
  • 50 kg per acre of micronutrients (like calcium, magnesium, sulfur) is appropriate.
  • Spread the fertilizer evenly over the drip irrigation line.

6.2 Fertigation

  • Start fertigation when seedlings are established after 15-20 days.
  • Use water-soluble fertilizers like NPK (12-61-0, 19-19-19, 05-20-34), and calcium nitrate.
  • Provide micronutrients 1-2 times a month.
  • For each fertigation, mix 5 kg of fertilizer in 200 liters of water and apply through drip.

7. Disease and Pest Management

7.1 Major Pests: Thrips, Aphids, Mites

  • Thrips damage crop leaves, causing them to curl.
  • Install yellow, blue, and white traps to detect pests.
  • A combination of beneficial microbes like Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii, and low-residue insecticides is effective.
  • Use Imidacloprid 0.5 ml/liter and Pyriproxyfen chemicals.
  • Pay attention to the label’s waiting period when using insecticides.

7.2 Major Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose, Nematodes

  • For powdery mildew, spray wettable sulfur and hexaconazole.
  • To prevent nematodes, practice crop rotation and spray Trichoderma.
  • Combine organic measures with low-residue fungicides for disease control.

8. Harvesting and Market Management

8.1 Harvesting Process

  • The first harvest of capsicum occurs after 55-60 days.
  • Repeat harvesting every 10-12 days; 6-7 laborers are needed for each harvest.
  • After harvesting, grade and sort the fruits and pack them for the market.
  • Pack boxes according to quality – using polyethylene or large paper ply boxes.

8.2 Cost and Profit Assessment

  • Total Expenses: ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,20,000 (including land rent, fertilizer, labor, seeds, etc.)
  • Production: On average 40 tons per hectare, with an average price of around ₹40,000 per ton.
  • Net Profit: ₹3-5 lakh per hectare, if cultivated correctly.
  • Regular care, seed selection, and soil testing help control costs.

Conclusion

Capsicum cultivation, with careful attention, correct techniques, and proper management, can prove highly profitable. The right combination of soil, climate, nursery management, staking, and fertigation will lead to high production and increased income. For pest and disease management, a balanced use of organic options and chemical methods is essential. When investing in capsicum farming, select varieties based on market demand to ensure profitability.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: What is the best season for capsicum farming? Answer: Cultivation is best during periods with temperatures between 18°C and 35°C.

Question 2: Why is drip irrigation necessary? Answer: It conserves water and nutrients, providing highly effective irrigation that increases crop production.

Question 3: Which major diseases affect capsicum? Answer: Thrips, mites, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and nematodes are major diseases. Both organic and chemical control are necessary for these.

Question 4: When is the first capsicum harvest? Answer: The first harvest occurs after approximately 55-60 days, followed by subsequent harvests at intervals of 10-12 days.


By following this comprehensive guide, farmers can increase capsicum production and achieve profitable farming. Success is assured with caution and proper management at every stage of cultivation.


To succeed in capsicum farming, continuous practice, the use of correct techniques, and market knowledge are essential. This guide will help you on a path that will give new dimensions to your farming business. Good luck!

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