1. Climate Requirements

● Grows well in warm, dry, and semi-arid climates.
● Sowing seasons: Summer (Feb–March) and Kharif (June–July).
● Excessive rain or very high temperature can reduce yield.

2. Soil Requirements

● Well-drained sandy-loam or loamy soils are ideal.
● Soil must have good aeration.
● Soil health and quality of irrigation water (pH) directly affect productivity.

3. Sowing & Spacing

● Seed rate:

• Summer: 15–25 kg/ha
• Kharif: 12–20 kg/ha
• Recommended spacing: 50 × 60 cm
• Use treated seeds for better germination and disease resistance.
  

4. Manure & Fertilizer Requirements

● Apply 10–15 MT/ha Farm Yard Manure (FYM) before sowing.
● Recommended fertilizer dose: NPK 10 : 60 : 60 kg/ha.
● Micronutrients to be added as per soil test.

5. Irrigation

● Summer: 8–10 irrigations at intervals of 6–7 days.
● Kharif: Irrigate every 10–15 days, depending on rainfall.
● Avoid water stagnation to prevent root rot and pest attacks.

6. Crop Duration

● Crop maturity period: 115–120 days from sowing.

7. Factors Affecting

● High temperature
● Heavy rainfall
● Climatic fluctuations
● Poor soil health
● Improper water pH
● Pest & insect infestations