Okra Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench), is an economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. This crop is suitable for cultivation as a garden crop as well as on large commercial farms. Okra is an upright annual, herbaceous 3 to 8 feet tall plant with a hibiscus-like flower. It is a tropical direct sown vegetable with duration of 90-100 days.

India stands at 1^st position in production of Okra in the world. (Source : Indian Horticulture Database – 2011 )

BOTANICAL NAME :- Abelmoschus esculentus FAMILY : Malvaceae

ORIGIN : Iran and adjoining countries

MAJOR COMMERCIAL VARIETIES: Pusa Makhmali, Punjab no. 13, Punjab Padmini, Pusa Sawani, Parbhani Kranti,and Arka Anamika.

MAJOR PRODUCING STATES/DISTRICTS IN INDIA : Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa.

TOTAL AREA IN INDIA: 509 Thousand Ha. (2017-18)

TOTAL PRODUCTION IN INDIA : 6095 Thousand MT (2017-18)

STORAGE CONDITIONS: Shelf life of bhendi can be extended upto 8-10 days by storing them at 7-10 C with 95% relative O humidity. Bhendi is chilling sensitive and exposure to temperatures below 7 C for a short time can O result in discolouration, pitting and decay. Similarly temperatures above 10 C causes yellowing, toughening and rapid decay.

HARVESTING: Mar-June, Aug-Sep

The fruits are ready for harvest in about 45-60 days after seed sowing depending upon variety and season. Size of the pod and stage at which it is harvested varies with variety/hybrid and market preference. Generally, medium sized (7-10 cm long) tender pods, which can be easily snapped from the plant, are harvested. As all the fruits do not mature at the same time, harvesting is carried out once in 3-4 days. Frequent picking promotes fruit development and prevents the pods from growing too large.

Okra is majorly exported it to London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Muscat, Singapore and Kuala Lampur.