Black Gram Season and Varieties (Rice Fallow)
Black gram, also known as urad dal, is an important pulse crop that is widely cultivated in India. It is a popular food item that is used in a variety of dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. Black gram is not only delicious but also a rich source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Black gram is cultivated in both kharif and rabi seasons. However, in rice fallow areas, black gram is grown mainly during the rabi season. The rice fallow areas are those where rice is cultivated during the kharif season and left fallow during the rabi season. Black gram cultivation in rice fallow areas has several advantages, such as the availability of residual moisture, reduced weed infestation, and better soil fertility.
There are several black gram varieties that are suitable for rice fallow areas. Some of the popular varieties are:
1. T-9: This variety is suitable for cultivation in rice fallow areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It has a high yield potential and is resistant to diseases and pests.
2. KU-4: This variety is popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It has good resistance to pests and diseases and is suitable for cultivation in rice fallow areas with residual moisture.
3. Narendra Urd-3: This variety is developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur. It is suitable for cultivation in rice fallow areas of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. It has a high yield potential and is resistant to diseases and pests.
4. PU-31: This variety is suitable for cultivation in rice fallow areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It has a high yield potential and is resistant to diseases and pests.
5. K-1: This variety is popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is suitable for cultivation in rice fallow areas with residual moisture and has good resistance to pests and diseases.
In conclusion, black gram cultivation in rice fallow areas is an important practice that can contribute to the overall income and food security of farmers. With the availability of suitable varieties, farmers can maximize their yields and profits. It is essential to choose the right variety based on the local climatic conditions and pest and disease prevalence.