Black Gram Cultivation

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.

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.

Time of Sowing:

•  Second Half of June (15-30^th 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:

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.