Black Gram Cultivation

Black bean is a variety of soybean (Glycine max), is cultivated as a food crop in the Kumaon region (Uttaranchal state, northern India), and in the bordering states and countries in the Himalayas. It is used as a green manuring crop.

  • All India

    15 July - 31 July
Black gram is one of the most important pulses of India.
Black gram is one of the most important pulses of India.

Local Names:

HINDI- Urad dal, TELUGU- Minumulu, TAMIL- Ulundu Paruppu, MALAYALAM- Uzhunnu Parippu, KANNADA- Uddin belle, BENGALI- Masakalai dala.

Introduction:

  • Black gram is one of the most important pulses of India.

  • Black gram is also known as “Urad” in India.

  • It is the main component of Papad, idly and Dosa.

  • It is used as a nutritive fodder for milch cattle.

  • Its deep root system and foliage cover competes with weed effectively and controls soil erosion.

  • It has 13% of total pulses area and 10% of total pulses production in India.

  • It is resistant to adverse climatic conditions.

  • This crop is mainly grown for its protein rich seeds.

LOCATION-

Black bean is a food crop cultivated in the Kumaon region in Uttaranchal and Northern India and in the bordering states and countries of Himalayas.

CLIMATE- 

  • Generally it is grown in Kharif /rainy and summer season.

  • But, it is best grown in hot and humid conditions with an ideal temperature between 25-35°c.

  • The main criteria to decide the time of planting is to tally the maturity crop period with the dry weather for higher yield and good quality seeds.

  • Heavy rains are harmful during the time of flowering.

  • Areas having annual rainfall between 60-75 cm are best suited to grow this crop.

Black gram cultivation
Black gram cultivation

Soil Requirement:

  • The crop must have a neutral pH.

  • It is best cultivated in Loam or clay loam soil.

  • Alkaline and saline soils should be avoided

  • Addition of higher organic matter in the soil will help in powerful seed production.

  • The soil must have a good water holding capacity and it should be well drained

  • Black gram grows well in heavy soils which have better moisture.

Land Preparation:

  • The field should be selected where black gram has not been sown in the previous years.

  • This is done to avoid volunteer plants which causes admixture.

  • The fields that are already cultivated with black bean gram will harbor root rot and wilt pathogen.

  • Ploughing should be done in summer with 2-3 harrowing on pre-monsoon for kharif season.

  • The land should be well leveled.

  • 5-6 tons of FYM or compost should be mixed at last harrowing.

 

Selection of Seeds:

  • The seeds used for sowing should be purchased from an authorized source.

  • Seeds should be naturally pure and should have a fine quality.

  • Seeds used for sowing should be effective for a good field stand.

  • Seeds should be checked thoroughly and should be free from insects, pests and diseases.

Urad Dal
Urad Dal

Time of Sowing:

  •  Second Half of June (15-30th June) is the perfect time for sowing the seeds.
  • Sowing should start from third week of Feb to First week of April in summers.

  • Avoid late sowing.

 

Seed Treatment:

 

  • Seed treating fungicide should be used to reduce infection which is caused by fungal pathogens in the soil.

  • Seeds should be treated with Bavistin & Thiram at 2.5 g/kg seed.

  • For atmospheric N fixation rhizobium culture should be adapted

 

Seed Rate and Spacing:

  • In kharif season, seed rate is 12-15kg / ha and spacing required is 30×10 cm.

  • In Summer season, seed rate is 20-25kg / ha and spacing required is 20-25×10 cm.

Varieties:

 

VARIETIES

DURATION

PRODUCTION (q/ha)

FEATURES

Pusa-1

80-90

12-15

Resistant to yellow mosaic virus

Azad-1

80-90

12-14

Medium Black Seed

TAU-2

70-75

10-12

Suitable for heavy soil, Seed is Bold

BDU-1

70-75

10-12

Bold Seed

FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT

The fertilizer dose recommended for black gram is 20:40:40 NPK/ha.

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT 

  • Irrigation is not needed in rainy season.

  • In Summer, irrigation is needed as per critical stages and as per availability of water for irrigation.

  • Frequency of irrigation depends on the soil type and weather.

  • After 10-15 days crops should get irrigation.

  • Moisture in the field is required 

 HARVESTING & YIELD 

  • Collect pods from the plants in 1-2 pickings and dry them on the floor.

  • At the time of harvesting, the crops should be cut and the plants should spread all over the floor to get dry.

  • Plants will turn black and dry and pods will start splitting.

  • Use pliable sticks for beating the plants to save the seeds.

  • After harvesting plants are used as fodder for animals.

  • Yield depends on the type of seeds selected and management of field.

  • 800kg-1100kg/acre of yield can be achieved with hybrid varieties.

 

FactCheck in Agriculture Project

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