Drip Irrigation with Mulching: A Technique to Raise Okra in Arid Ecosystem

Okra is grown throughout India as an important rainy season vegetable. But, due to negative moisture index and poor soil quality, the sustainability and profitability of vegetable production system is still a distant dream in arid and semi-arid areas. Moreover, due to low rainfall and high temperature, water in soil also lost through evapo-transpiration. Therefore,an efficient water management system is required. Drip irrigation, with water saving up to 80% has the potential to use scarce water resources most efficiently for vegetables. Besides, in-situ moisture conservation through mulching also regulates soil moisture and temperature. Another aspect of improved productivity of okra is the selection of suitable cultivars to arid regions. Thus, growing of adaptable cultivars with use of drip irrigation along with mulch saves water resulting in higher yield per unit of water applied. This book would be useful to the professionals of okra research, policy makers and any one interested.