Sure, here’s an article on the sowing time and variety information of the Bengal gram crop:
Title: Sowing Time and Variety Information for Bengal Gram Crop
Introduction:
Bengal gram, also known as chickpea or Chana, is a popular legume crop widely cultivated for its nutritious seeds. This warm-season crop is known for its high protein content and versatility in various culinary dishes. To ensure a successful Bengal gram harvest, understanding the ideal sowing time and selecting the right variety is crucial. In this article, we will discuss the sowing time and provide valuable information about different varieties of Bengal gram.
Sowing Time:
The sowing time for Bengal gram differs depending on the region and prevailing climatic conditions. It is generally grown during the Rabi season (winter season) in India. However, the carefully selected sowing time can significantly affect the crop yield and quality. For most regions in India, late September to early November is considered the ideal time for sowing Bengal gram. This allows the crop to benefit from the cooler temperatures and sufficient moisture during its critical stages of growth. Sowing during this period ensures optimal vegetative growth and better pod formation.
Varieties of Bengal Gram:
Indian farmers have access to several varieties of Bengal gram to suit specific climatic and soil conditions. Here are a few popular varieties of Bengal gram:
1. Pusa 372: This variety is well-adapted to the Indian climate, particularly suitable for cultivation during the Rabi season. It exhibits excellent resistance to wilt and tolerance to blight, making it a favored choice for farmers. Pusa 372 matures early, usually within 110-120 days, with semi-erect growth and light yellow seeds.
2. JG 11: Known for its high yield potential, JG 11 is resistant to wilt and moderately tolerant to blight. This variety is mainly found in the north-western regions of India and matures within 110-120 days. It has a prostrate growth habit and produces beige-colored seeds.
3. BG 256: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), BG 256 is another popular variety suitable for various agro-climatic zones. It possesses excellent resistance to wilt and moderately tolerates blight. BG 256 matures within 135-140 days and displays an erect growth habit, with seeds ranging in color from beige to light brown.
4. Haryana Chana 1: Specifically bred for the Haryana region, this variety is known for its adaptation to unfavorable soil conditions and its resistance to wilt and blight. Haryana Chana 1 matures within 130-140 days and has a prostrate growth habit, yielding light brown seeds.
Conclusion:
Sowing Bengal gram at the right time and choosing the appropriate variety are vital steps in ensuring a successful and productive crop. Farmers should consider the regional climatic conditions, disease resistance, and the specific requirements of their farming systems when selecting the variety. With proper sowing and suitable variety selection, farmers can maximize yields and take advantage of the numerous nutritional and economic benefits offered by Bengal gram cultivation.