Optimizing the seed rate and method of sowing in groundnut in Telangana

The study was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station Farm, Palem to optimize seed rate in groundnuts with two different methods of sowing groundnut crops. The study's main objective was to reduce the excessive use of groundnut seed, which is very costly. Farmers are using a typical sowing method in Telangana called “Chikku sowing,” meaning zig-zag sowing, which increases the seed requirement per hectare. The experiment was carried out in split-plot design with two sowing methods (line sowing with seed drill and farmers practice) as main-plot treatments and three seed rates (200, 250 & 300 kg ha-1) during the rabi season in 3 consecutive years from 2018-19 to 2020-21. The study's results revealed that line sowing with seed drill recorded higher yields (3253 kg ha-1) among methods of sowing treatments and seed rate of 200 kg per hectare resulted in higher yields (3707 kg ha-1) with a low cost of cultivation (Rs. 46,383/- ha-1), high gross returns (Rs.1,93,685/-), net returns (Rs.1,47,302/-), and benefit-cost ratio (3.18). In conclusion, the seed rate 200 kg ha-1 line sowing method has recorded sustainable yield management without wasting valuable inputs.