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Other rainfed crops
 Jens Aune (Noragric) | 26.01.2007

Several other annual crops can be produced during the rainy season, including sesame, hibiscus, watermelon, okra, and tomatoes. 

Sesame and hibiscus (photo) could become new cash crops. They are well adapted to the agro-ecological conditions of the Sahel and hibiscus can grow on degraded soils. For hibiscus, it is the flowers that are harvested.

 


Watermelon is a species well-adapted to the conditions in the Sahel. The normal planting date for watermelon is around August 20th. Insect attacks are more severe if the planting is done earlier (source D.Pasternak ICRISAT). Prior to planting, it is recommended to do continuous weeding from the beginning of the rainy season in order to increase soil humidity. Watermelon reacts well to organic or mineral fertilizers. Watermelon is ready for harvesting in November. It is preferably cultivated as a pure crop. One of the problems with this crop is that protection is needed in the months of October and November when animals return to graze in the fields. The Malali variety, which originates from , is the most resistant to drought and more productive than Sahelian varieties.

Tomatoes are normally difficult to cultivate during the rainy season, but ICRISAT has identified a new tomato variety – the ICRIXINA – that may also be produced in the rainy season.



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