**4. Seed and sowing methods**

### **4.1 Land preparation**

One deep plowing is advised with a mold-board plow in the months of April or May. Before sowing, smooth seedbed preparation with secondary tillage using a cultivator and multiple tooth hoe is required. Therefore, appropriate seed and land preparation aid in better germination, reduce weed issues and effectively save soil moisture. Small seeds take about 5–7 days to germinate. In Uttaranchal, where it is difficult to carry out frequent plowing operations, efficient soil turning and digging, weed removal from perennial plants, land smoothening, and the provision of an inward slope with a shallow drain all help in draining surplus rainwater [20].

### **4.2 Seed rate and sowing**

The recommended seed rate for sowing a one-hectare field is 8–10 kg of seed and 4–5 kg of seed sufficient for transplanting. To avoid infections, seeds should be treated with Thiram @ 2.5 g/kg of seeds. The best time for sowing is between June and July for the *Kharif* and September and October for the rabi. Usually, crops are grown during the *Kharif* season. In some areas, the crop is cultivated in irrigated conditions during the rabi season.

The line sowing is advantageous because it promotes inter-cultivation and provides efficient weed control and sowing with a seed drill and keeping space 22.5–30.0 cm between rows and 7.5–10.0 cm between plants, it is help in to maintain an ideal plant population of 4–5 lakh/ha (**Tables 1** and **2**) [20, 21].


#### **Table 1.**

*Finger millet is grown in all the cropping seasons in different parts of the country.*
