Black gram cultivation in moist and marshy lands.
Black gram, also known as urad dal, is one of the widely grown pulse crops in India. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is consumed in various forms like dal, sprouts, and flour. The demand for black gram is increasing day by day, and farmers are looking for ways to increase the production of this crop. One way of achieving this is by cultivating black gram in moist and marshy lands.
Moist and marshy lands are characterized by high humidity and waterlogging. These lands are not suitable for most crops, but black gram is an exception. Black gram requires a high amount of water during the initial stages of growth, and when grown in moisture-rich lands, it will not face any water stress. Black gram roots can penetrate the soil deeply, creating airspaces that allow water and nutrients to move freely. During the rainy season, these airstrips provide a way for excess water to drain off the land, preventing flooding.
The first step in black gram cultivation is land preparation. The ideal time for sowing black gram in moisture-rich lands is during the rainy season. The soil should be ploughed twice, and then leveled with a harrow. After that, the land is divided into plots using ridges and furrows. These ridges and furrows will help in water conservation and prevent the water from flowing out of the land.
The next step is seed selection and treatment. High-quality seeds should be selected for sowing. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to increase their germination rate. This will ensure that the seeds grow into healthy plants that can withstand the harsh conditions of moisture-rich lands.
Sowing is done manually or mechanically, depending on the availability of resources. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and at a distance of 15-20 cm apart. After sowing, the land should be irrigated, and the crop should be monitored regularly for pests and diseases.
Black gram plants require a high amount of nutrients, and so, farmers should ensure that the crop is supplied with enough nutrients. This can be done by adding organic manure or fertilizers, depending on the soil’s fertility. The crop should be irrigated regularly to prevent water stress.
Harvesting of black gram is done when the pods turn yellowish-brown and start to dry. The pods should be picked manually or using a harvester, and then threshed to separate the seeds from the pods. The seeds should be dried in the sun, cleaned, and stored in a dry place.
In conclusion, black gram cultivation in moisture-rich lands is a good option for farmers. It is a profitable crop that requires less water and can withstand flooding, making it a suitable crop for areas with unpredictable rainfall. Farmers can increase their crop yields by following proper land preparation, seed selection and treatment, irrigation, and nutrient management practices.