Linseed is an important oilseed and fibre crop grown both for its seed as well as fibre which is used for the manufacture of linen. The seed contains a good percentage of oil varying from 33 to 47 per cent in different varieties. The oil is edible and also due to its quick drying property is used for the preparation of paints, varnishes, printing ink, oilcloth, soap, patent leather, and waterproof fabrics. The oil cake left after the oil is pressed out is a most valuable feeding cake, perhaps the most favourite cattle feed. It is good in taste and contains 36 per cent protein, 85 per cent of, which is digestible. It is fed to both milch and fattening animals. It is also used as organic manure. It contains about 5 per cent nitrogen, 1.4 per cent phosphorus and 1.8 per cent potash. Straw from seed varieties are used in the manufacturer of upholstery two, insulating material, rugs, twine, and paper.

Linseed is extensively grown in the countries of the Temperate Zone as well as in those of the tropical zone. In India, Madhya Pradesh leads in yield and acreage, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Bihar, Rajasthan, Karnataka and West Bengal also grow linseed in large areas. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh together contribute to the national linseed production to the extent of about 70 per cent.

Season

Linseed is a cool season crop, grown in the range of latitudes between the 10th and 65th parallels, both north and south. Its cultivation is confined to low elevations, but it can be successfully grown up to 770 metres. Areas with the annual rainfall ranging from 45-75 cm are best suited for its cultivation. The seed crop does well under moderate cold, but the fibre crop grows best in cool moist climates. In India, the crop is grown in the rabi season from September-October to February-March. The temperature during the vegetative development of the crop should be moderate or cool. High temperature above 32°C accompanied with drought during the flowering stage reduces the yield, the oil content of the seed and the quality of the oil. Moderate temperatures (21-26°C) are ideal.

The plants are susceptible to frost. At the time of flowering, frost is very harmful to the crop. Most of the crop grown in India is raised after the rainy season is over, the water requirement of the crop being met from the moisture stored up in the soil. It is also grown under irrigation in dry climate. It is a long day in photoperiodic response. Time of sowing plays an important role in successful harvest of linseed. Its optimum time of sowing differs from region to region. In the peninsular region, it is generally sown early, whereas in the north, it is generally sown somewhat late. Linseed could be planted from first week of October to first week of November. Delay in sowing beyond this time adversely affects the plant growth and the ultimate yield. If linseed has to be planted in standing crop of paddy, the system is called `utera’ in Madhya Pradesh and `paira’ in Bihar. Under this system the sowing time is earlier by about a month.

Linseed can be grown in almost all types of soils where sufficient moisture is available, but it will do better on heavier soils having more water retention capacity. It is tolerant to fairly wide ranges of pH values. It grows best on well-drained loam to clayey loam soils rich in humus. In Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra linseed is grown largely on the black cotton soils having high clay and lime content. It is also grown on the light alluvial soils of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.

Rotation

Linseed is grown either as the single crop of the year or is preceded by one of the Kharif season crops. Linseed is usually grown in rotation with hybrid maize, jowar, bajra, groundnut, cowpea, soybean, etc. Mixed cropping is extensively practiced with linseed. It is sown as mixed crop with wheat, barley, gram, mustard, etc. It is also broadcast in between the rows of standing paddy and taken as 'paira’ crop.

Cultivation

Linseed requires a well-prepared field for good germination. The field should be prepared by giving one ploughing by soil turning plough followed by two to three harrowing. For good germination, sufficient moisture should be ensured in the soil at the time of sowing.

Sowing

For pure crop, planting in rows is better. Row to row distance should be 30 cm and plant 5 cm. For planting one hectare about 20-30 kg seed is required. When sown as `utera’ or `paira’ the seed rate does not exceed 10 kg per hectare. Sowing could be done either with seed drill or behind the plough with a `pora’ at a depth of 4 to 5 cm.

Harvesting

The linseed crop takes 130-150 days to mature. Usually the crop is ready for harvest when stems of plants turn yellow and capsules and leaves begin to dry. The leaves at the lower portion of the stem, at that stage, wither away. After harvesting, bundle the plants and leave them on threshing floor for four to five days for drying. The seed is taken out by beating the plants with sticks or by trampling under the feet of bullocks.