**2.2 Land preparation**

Well prepared land aids in good germination and growth of the plant. Bring the soil to a fine tilth through 2–3 harrow ploughings and then level the field with a plank. At the time of third ploughing, incorporate FYM/compost in the soil. The beds of convenient size should be prepared with adequate placement of irrigation channels.

## **2.3 Sowing time**

Time of sowing while having no influence of cost of production, has immense influence on disease and pest incidence. Therefore, it is crucial to complete sowing at appropriate time so that flowering stage escapes the period of high atmospheric humidity. For better germination, optimum temperature required is 30o C. In order to achieve good and healthy growth of the crop sowing can be done between mid-November and first week of December.

## **2.4 Seed rate**

Optimum seed rate is essential in order to ensure ideal plant population which allows proper growth of plants leading to higher yield. Seed rate is determined by the type of variety and sowing method. Optimal seed rate ranges from 10–20 kg per hectare, where bold seeded varieties need higher seed rate.

*Cumin (*Cuminium cyminium *L.): A Seed Spice Crop with Adopted Production Technology… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109054*

## **2.5 Seed treatment**

In order to control seed borne diseases, treat the seed with *Trichoderma* culture (10 g/kg seed) or alternatively with Thiram/carbendazim @ 2.5 g/kg. Inoculation with *Azospirillum* or *Azotobactor* and seed priming for 8 hours and drying of seed in shade is known to enhance the germination [11]. While, Lal et al. [12] reported improved germination after seed treatment with Bavistin @2.5 g/kg, and *Trichoderma viride* @4 g/kg.
