Fenugreek Farming Profit Per Acre

Fenugreek Farming 

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a versatile annual legume grown primarily for its aromatic seeds (used as a spice and medicine) and fresh leaves (as a vegetable/herb). Fenugreek farming profit per acre can be derived from both leaf and seed production, each offering good returns. However, seed production tends to yield a slightly higher profit, with net earnings of NRs. 67,000 per acre compared to NRs. 62,000 from leaf production. As a result, fenugreek seed farming is marginally more profitable per acre and may be the preferred choice, especially when market demand and harvesting conditions are favorable.

Land Preparation

For successful fenugreek cultivation, land preparation should ensure a well-pulverized, weed-free seedbed to facilitate good germination and establishment, as the seeds are small. Begin with deep ploughing to a depth of 20–25 cm to break hardpans and improve soil aeration and drainage, followed by 2–3 harrowings or discings to break down soil clods. The field should be leveled meticulously to ensure uniform irrigation. During the final tillage operations, incorporate well-decomposed Farmyard Manure (FYM) or compost to enrich soil fertility. Conclude with light planking or rolling to create a fine, firm tilth ideal for sowing.

Soil Type

Fenugreek prefers well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter, with sandy loam to clay loam being ideal for optimal growth. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including moderately saline and alkaline conditions. The optimal pH range for fenugreek is between 6.0 and 7.0, though it can grow in soils with pH ranging from slightly acidic (5.5) to moderately alkaline (8.0). However, heavy clay soils prone to waterlogging and extremely sandy soils with poor water and nutrient retention should be avoided.

Climatic Requirements

Major Cultivars

Availability of fenugreek cultivars varies significantly by country and region, so it is essential to choose varieties that are specifically recommended for your local agro-climatic zone to ensure optimal performance and yield. Cultivars are often categorized by use and regional adaptation. Common types include:

Seed rate per acre

Always use certified, disease-free seeds obtained from a reputable source and treat them with fungicides such as Thiram or Captan at 2–3 g per kg of seed, or with bio-agents like Trichoderma, to ensure healthy germination and minimize the risk of seed-borne diseases. Seed treatment with Rhizobium culture specific for fenugreek is highly beneficial for nitrogen fixation.

Planting

a). Planting Season

Fenugreek is primarily planted during the Rabi season from October to November, but it can also be grown during June to July in cooler highland areas (Kharif season) and in February to March for the spring or summer season in the plains.

b). Spacing

A spacing of 25 cm is maintained between rows.

c). Planting Method

Intercropping

Fenugreek is exceptionally well-suited for intercropping due to its short stature, rapid growth cycle, and beneficial nitrogen-fixing ability. Common companion crops include taller, slow-growing Rabi season staples such as Wheat, Barley, Sugarcane (during its early stages), and Mustard; it is also effectively paired with other winter vegetables and legumes like Onion, Garlic, Potato, and Chickpea.

Typically, fenugreek is sown in 2-3 rows between the rows of the main crop. This practice offers significant advantages: it maximizes land and water use efficiency, generates additional income from the same field, naturally suppresses weed growth through ground cover, and enriches soil nitrogen levels for the primary crop.

Irrigation

Fertilizer and Manure

Fertilizer and manure applications should be adjusted according to soil test recommendations to ensure balanced nutrient supply and optimal crop growth.

Weed Control

The critical period for weed control in fenugreek is the first 30–40 days after sowing, until canopy closure. During this time, maintain a weed-free field by conducting one or two hoeing operations—first weeding at 25–30 days after sowing and the second around 30 days later. For chemical control, apply Fluchloralin at 800 ml per acre before planting, or spray Pendimethalin at 1.3 liters per acre mixed with 200 liters of water within 1–2 days of sowing when adequate soil moisture is present. Additionally, when plants reach about 4 inches in height, they perform pinching to promote branching.

Flowering and Fruit Management

Flowering in fenugreek begins 30–45 days after sowing, depending on the cultivar and season, with yellow-white papilionaceous flowers forming in the leaf axils and continuing to bloom over several weeks. The crop is primarily self-pollinated, though some insect-mediated cross-pollination may occur. These flowers develop into slender, pointed pods measuring 10–15 cm in length, each containing 10–20 seeds, with pod maturation progressing from the bottom upwards. Proper management during this stage involves maintaining adequate moisture and nutrient levels, avoiding water stress and excessive nitrogen, and regularly monitoring for pests and diseases to ensure healthy flowering and fruit development.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

a). Aphids

If an aphid infestation is observed, it can be controlled by spraying Imidacloprid at 3 ml per 10 liters of water or Thiamethoxam at 4 grams per 10 liters of water.

b). Pod Borers

Pod borers damage fenugreek by boring into pods and seeds, reducing yield. Control measures include pheromone traps, neem or Bt sprays, and insecticides like spinosad or chlorantraniliprole, applied at 4 kg per acre for effective management.

c). Whiteflies

Whiteflies damage fenugreek by sucking plant sap and transmitting viral diseases. They can be managed using yellow sticky traps, neem oil, or insecticides such as spiromesifen and pymetrozine. Additionally, spraying Imidacloprid at 3 ml per 10 liters of water or Thiamethoxam at 4 grams per 10 liters of water is effective in controlling their population.

d). Cutworms

Cutworms damage fenugreek by severing seedlings at the base, often causing significant stand loss. They can be effectively controlled by soil drenching around the seedlings with a mixture of Profenofos and Cypermethrin at 2 ml per liter of water.

Common Diseases

a). Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew appears as patchy, white, powder-like growth on the upper surface of fenugreek leaves. If symptoms are observed, apply a spray of water-soluble sulphur at 20 grams per 10 liters of water. If necessary, repeat the spray after a 10-day interval. Additionally, spraying Penconazole 10% EC (Topas) at 200 ml per acre mixed in 200 liters of water can provide effective control.

b). Root Rot/Damping Off

To prevent root rot in fenugreek, apply neem cake to the soil at 60 kg per acre and treat seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 grams per kilogram of seed. If root rot infestation is observed in the field, control it by drenching the affected soil with Carbendazim at 5 grams per liter of water or Copper Oxychloride at 2 grams per liter of water.

c). Leaf Spot

Leaf spots in fenugreek, caused by various fungal pathogens, can be managed by spraying Mancozeb at 3 ml per liter of water or Chlorothalonil at 2 ml per liter of water to effectively control the disease and protect the foliage.

d). Yellow Mosaic Virus

Yellow Mosaic Virus in fenugreek is transmitted by whiteflies and leads to stunted plant growth and yellow mosaic patterns on the leaves. Effective management includes controlling the whitefly population, removing and destroying infected plants, and using resistant varieties to prevent the spread of the disease.

Harvesting

Yield

Cost of Investment Per Acre for Fenugreek Farming

Income from Per Acre Fenugreek Farming

Analysis of Fenugreek Farming Profit Per Acre

Both leaf and seed production of fenugreek are profitable ventures, but seed production yields a slightly higher profit of NRs. 67,000 per acre compared to NRs. 62,000 from leaf production. Therefore, fenugreek seed farming is marginally more profitable per acre and may be preferred if market demand and harvesting conditions are favorable.

Crop Calendar for Fenugreek Farming (Rabi Season Focus)

Sources

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

National Horticulture Board (NHB)

Nepal Agricultural Research Coucil (NARC)

Punjab Agriculture University (PAU)

Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) – Agritech portal