Introduction

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a versatile crop grown for its leaves (vegetable) and seeds (pseudo-cereal). Known for its nutritional value, it thrives in varied climatic conditions, making it a staple in many regions worldwide. Amaranth is renowned for its resilience, fast growth, and high tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions.

Botanical Information

• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Common Names: Amaranth, pigweed, chaulai (India), callaloo (Caribbean)
• Species:
  • Amaranthus hypochondriacus: Grain amaranth.
  • Amaranthus cruentus: Dual-purpose (leafy and grain).
  • Amaranthus tricolor: Popular for leafy vegetable use.

Origin and History

• Origin: Believed to have originated in Central and South America, especially in Mexico and Peru.
• Historical Significance: Cultivated by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans for food and ceremonial purposes.

Global and Indian Distribution

1. Worldwide:
   • Countries: Mexico, USA, China, Peru, and African nations.
   • Usage: Grain and leafy production.
2. India:
   • Grown widely in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
   • Used as a leafy vegetable and occasionally for grain.

Nutritional Benefits

1. Seeds:
   • Rich in protein (12–18%), dietary fiber, and essential amino acids, including lysine.
   • Gluten-free and high in calcium, magnesium, and iron.
2. Leaves:
   • Excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
   • Contains iron, calcium, and folate.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

• Climate:
  • Warm climates with a temperature range of 22–30°C.
  • Can tolerate drought and high temperatures due to its C4 photosynthetic system.
• Rainfall: Moderate rainfall (500–800 mm).
• Soil:
  • Prefers well-drained sandy loam with organic matter.
  • pH range: 6.0–7.5.
  • Tolerates poor and saline soils.

Varieties of Amaranth

• Grain Amaranth: Suvarna, GA-1, GA-2.
• Vegetable Amaranth: Pusa Lal Chaulai, Arka Suguna, CO-1.
• Dual-Purpose Varieties: Annapurna, Arka Arunima.

Sowing

• Seed Rate:
  • Grain: 1–1.5 kg/ha.
  • Leafy: 2–3 kg/ha.
• Time of Sowing:
  • February–March (spring).
  • June–July (monsoon).
• Method:
  • Direct sowing or transplanting.

Spacing

• Grain: 30–40 cm between rows, 10–15 cm between plants.
• Leafy: 20 cm × 20 cm.

Fertilizer Requirements

• Basal Application:
  • 10–12 tonnes/ha of FYM.
• NPK Fertilization:
  • 40:20:20 kg/ha (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
• Top dressing: 20 kg/ha nitrogen during vegetative growth.

Irrigation

• Requires 3–4 irrigations.
• Critical stages: Germination, flowering, and grain filling.

Weed Management

• Manual weeding twice: at 15 and 30 days after sowing.
• Mulching helps suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Management

1. Pests:
   • Aphids: Control with neem oil or insecticides.
   • Leaf Miners: Use yellow sticky traps.
2. Diseases:
   • Leaf Spot: Managed with fungicides like mancozeb.
   • Downy Mildew: Prevent with proper aeration and systemic fungicides.

Harvesting and Yield

• Leaf Harvesting:
  • 25–30 days after sowing for tender greens.
• Grain Harvesting:
  • When seed heads turn golden brown, typically 90–120 days after sowing.
• Yield:
  • Grain: 800–1200 kg/ha.
  • Leaves: 15–20 tonnes/ha.

Uses

• Food: Grain used in cereals, breads, and snacks. Leaves consumed fresh, cooked, or in salads.
• Animal Feed: Nutritious fodder for livestock.
• Industrial Uses: Grain for starch and gluten-free products.
• Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.

Physiological Disorders

• Bolting: Premature flowering due to high temperatures or water stress.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Stunted growth or yellowing leaves due to nitrogen or iron deficiencies.

Economic and Environmental Significance

• Economic: A low-input crop with high returns. Provides livelihood in arid and semi-arid regions.
• Environmental: Contributes to biodiversity and sustainable farming systems. Drought tolerance makes it suitable for climate-resilient agriculture.