Brinjal (Eggplant) Farming: Complete Information, Method, Season, Fertilizer, and Benefits

Brinjal (Eggplant) is one of the most popular vegetables in India. From villages to cities, it is found in every household kitchen. Brinjal farming is highly profitable for farmers because it can be cultivated throughout the year. Different varieties such as round brinjal, long brinjal, white brinjal, and hybrid brinjal provide farmers with higher yields and better prices in the market.

In India, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are the leading producers of brinjal. This crop is useful not only for the domestic market but also for export.

1. Field Preparation (What kind of soil is suitable?)

Proper field preparation is the first and most important step for successful brinjal cultivation.

1.1 Selection of Soil

• Loamy and sandy loam soils are most suitable for brinjal cultivation.
• Waterlogging should be avoided as it causes root rot.
• The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5.

1.2 Ploughing

• Plough the field 2–3 times before brinjal cultivation.
• After each ploughing, level the soil by harrowing to make it friable and smooth.

1.3 Use of Manure and Compost

• During field preparation, apply 20–25 tons of well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost per hectare.
• Organic manure improves soil fertility and provides long-term nutrition to the crop.
  👉 For agricultural schemes – check government websites.

2. Seed Treatment and Selection

Seed treatment and proper seed selection are essential for good brinjal yield.

2.1 Seed Requirement

• About 400–500 grams of seed is required per hectare.

2.2 Seed Treatment

• Treat seeds with fungicides such as Thiram or Carbendazim (2–3 gm per kg of seed).
• For organic treatment, use Trichoderma viride.

2.3 Improved Varieties

• Round Brinjal: Pusa Purple Round, Arka Nidhi.
• Long Brinjal: Pusa Anmol, Pusa Purple Cluster.
• White Brinjal: Kalash White, Pusa White.
• Hybrid Brinjal: F1 Hybrid, Pusa Hybrid.

3. Planting: Sowing Time and Method

3.1 Suitable Season

• Kharif Season: June–July
• Rabi Season: October–November
• Summer Season: January–February

3.2 Nursery Preparation

• Sow seeds first in a nursery.
• Seedlings are ready for transplantation after 30–35 days.

3.3 Spacing

• Row to row distance: 60 cm
• Plant to plant distance: 45 cm

4. Irrigation: Frequency and Methods

Brinjal requires regular moisture.

• In summer: Irrigate every 7–8 days.
• In winter: Irrigate every 12–15 days.
• Do not allow moisture deficiency during flowering and fruiting stages.
• Drip irrigation is the best method.

5. Fertilizer Management (Which Fertilizers to Use in Brinjal Farming)

5.1 Organic Fertilizers

• Farmyard Manure: 20–25 tons/ha
• Vermicompost: 2–3 tons/ha
• Neem cake and green manure

5.2 Chemical Fertilizers

• Nitrogen (N): 100 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P): 60 kg/ha
• Potash (K): 60 kg/ha
• Apply half dose at transplanting and the remaining after 30–40 days as top dressing.

6. Pest and Disease Management in Brinjal

Brinjal crop is attacked by several pests and diseases which affect yield and quality. Timely control is necessary, otherwise the crop can be destroyed.

6.1 Major Insects in Brinjal Farming

1. Shoot and Fruit Borer

• Most dangerous insect in brinjal.
• The larvae bore into shoots and fruits and feed inside.
• Fruits get rotten and lose market value.

Control Measures:

• Destroy affected shoots and fruits immediately.
• Spray neem oil (5 ml per liter of water).
• For severe infestation, use Spinosad or Emamectin Benzoate.

2. Whitefly and Aphids

• These insects suck sap from leaves, making plants yellow and weak.
• They also spread viral diseases like leaf curl.

Control Measures:

• Install yellow sticky traps.
• Spray neem oil at an early stage.
• Use Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam if necessary.

6.2 Major Diseases in Brinjal Farming

1. Wilt Disease

• Caused by Fusarium fungus.
• Infected plants suddenly wilt and die.
• Common in waterlogged conditions.

Control Measures:

• Treat seeds with fungicide before sowing.
• Avoid waterlogging.
• Spray Copper Oxychloride (3 gm/liter of water).

2. Leaf Spot Disease

• Appears as brown/black spots on leaves.
• Severe infection causes leaf drying and stunted growth.

Control Measures:

• Remove infected leaves from the field.
• Spray Carbendazim (2 gm/liter water).
• Use Mancozeb in case of severe infection.

👉 Regular monitoring, healthy crop management, and the use of neem products or bio-fungicides in organic farming can protect brinjal from pests and diseases.

7. Weed Management in Brinjal Farming

Weeds grow rapidly in brinjal fields and compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, reducing yield by up to 25–30%.

7.1 First Weeding

• Carry out first weeding 20–25 days after transplanting.

7.2 Number of Weedings

• Perform 2–3 weedings during the crop period.
• First after 20–25 days, second after 40–45 days, and third after 60–65 days.

7.3 Use of Mulching

• Plastic mulching (black polyethylene sheet) is effective for weed control and moisture conservation.
• In organic farming, use paddy straw, sugarcane trash, or dry grass as mulch.

7.4 Chemical Control (Only if Necessary)

• Some farmers use Pendimethalin (1 liter/ha) as pre-emergence herbicide.
• Spray immediately after transplanting and before weed germination.

8. Harvesting and Storage

8.1 Right Time for Harvesting

• First harvest starts 60–70 days after transplanting.
• Harvest when fruits are shiny, tender, and medium-sized.
• Over-mature fruits become hard and seedy, reducing taste and market value.

8.2 Harvesting Method

• Harvest by hand or with scissors/knife.
• Leave a small stalk attached to maintain freshness.
• Morning or evening harvesting is better.

8.3 Storage Process

• Do not keep fruits in direct sunlight.
• Store in shade and pack in clean baskets/crates.
• Keep in a cool, ventilated place (10–12°C).
• Can be stored for 8–10 days.

8.4 Market Preparation

• Grade fruits before sending to the market.
• Fresh and shiny brinjal fetches higher prices.
• Use plastic crates or cardboard boxes to prevent damage during transport.

9. Cost and Profit in Brinjal Farming

• Cost: ₹50,000–70,000 per hectare
• Production: 300–350 quintals/hectare
• Net Profit: ₹1.5–2 lakh per hectare

10. Government Schemes for Brinjal Farming

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
• Farm Mechanization Scheme
• National Horticulture Mission
  👉 For more details, visit official government websites.

11. FAQ on Brinjal Farming

1. Which soil is best for brinjal farming?

Loamy and sandy loam soils with pH 5.5–6.5 are best.

2. What is the best season for brinjal cultivation?

Kharif (June–July), Rabi (October–November), and Summer (January–February).

3. How much seed is required for brinjal nursery?

About 400–500 gm per hectare.

4. What should be the plant spacing for brinjal?

Row to row: 60 cm, Plant to plant: 45 cm.

5. Which fertilizers are used in brinjal farming?

Farmyard manure (20–25 tons/ha), Nitrogen (100 kg), Phosphorus (60 kg), Potash (60 kg).

6. How often should brinjal be irrigated?

Every 7–8 days in summer and every 12–15 days in winter, especially during flowering and fruiting.

7. Which pests attack brinjal?

Fruit borer, whitefly, and aphids. Controlled by neem oil and suitable insecticides.

8. When should brinjal be harvested?

60–70 days after transplanting, when fruits are shiny and tender.

9. How long can brinjal be stored?

8–10 days at 10–12°C in a cool, ventilated place.

10. What profit can farmers get from brinjal farming?

Around 300–350 quintals per hectare with net profit of ₹1.5–2 lakh.