The optimum sowing time for the nursery is 15th to 30th May. At the time of field preparation mix 12-15 ton well rotten farmyard manure per acre. Fertilizers that are applied at the time of sowing are 12 kg nitrogen, 10 kg phosphorus, 13 kg zinc per acre. Treated seeds with recommended fungicides are spread on a thick layer of 7-8 cm wet gunny bags and are also covered by wet gunny bags. This helps in pre-germination. Keep the gunny bags wet by sprinkling water on them. Seeds germinate in 24 to 36 hours. Sow these germinated seeds by the broadcast method of sowing. The seed rate is 8 kg per acre for nursery raising. To prevent weeds use Butachlor or soft herbicide. After 15 days of sowing apply 12 kg nitrogen per acre. Seedlings are ready when they are 20-25 cm tall or have 6-7 leaves.
