Black gram is a popular crop that is widely cultivated in India and other South Asian countries. It is a crucial ingredient in many traditional dishes and is also a significant source of protein for vegetarians. Farmers often have questions about the ideal sowing season and the best varieties to grow for good yields. In this article, we will address these queries and provide some useful information about black gram cultivation.
Sowing season for black gram
Black gram is predominantly grown during the kharif season, which is from June to September. The sowing time for black gram usually starts from the first week of June and extends until the last week of July. The ideal time for sowing black gram is when the soil moisture content is adequate, and the rainfall is consistent. Black gram requires moist and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Varieties of black gram
There are numerous varieties of black gram seeds available in the market, and selecting the right variety is crucial for good yields. Some popular varieties of black gram are:
1. VBN-3
VBN-3 is a high-yielding variety of black gram, developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It is known for its resistance to yellow mosaic virus and has a maturity period of around 95-105 days.
2. T9
T9 is another popular variety of black gram, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). It has a flowering period of 35-40 days and a maturity period of 85-90 days. This variety is resistant to powdery mildew and is suitable for irrigated as well as rainfed areas.
3. ADT-1
ADT-1 is a variety of black gram developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It has a maturity period of 80-85 days and is suitable for both irrigated and rainfed areas. It is resistant to yellow mosaic virus and has a high yield potential.
4. Co 5
Co 5 is a high-yielding variety of black gram developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It has a maturity period of around 95-100 days and yields 20% more than the local varieties. It is resistant to yellow mosaic virus and has a high protein content.
Conclusion
Black gram is an important crop for the Indian agricultural sector, and farmers need to select the right sowing season and variety to get good yields. The kharif season is the ideal time for sowing black gram, and farmers need to choose varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and have high yield potential. With the right cultivation practices, black gram can be a lucrative crop for farmers and help meet the growing demand for this nutritious crop.