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Bengal gram, also known as chana or chickpea, is a widely cultivated pulse crop that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an important source of food, fodder, and income for millions of farmers and consumers in India and other parts of the world. However, the growth and yield of Bengal gram can be affected by various biotic and abiotic factors, such as pests, diseases, water stress, and nutrient deficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt appropriate measures to increase the growth of Bengal gram and obtain higher yields. In this article, we will discuss some of the effective ways to promote the growth and productivity of Bengal gram.
Soil Preparation: The first step to ensure the healthy growth of Bengal gram is to prepare the soil properly. This involves plowing, harrowing, and leveling the land to create a loose and fine seedbed. The soil pH should be maintained between 6.0 to 7.5, which is the optimal range for Bengal gram. The soil should also be enriched with organic matter by adding compost, farmyard manure, or green manure before planting.
Seed Selection and Treatment: The quality of the seed is crucial for obtaining a good yield of Bengal gram. Farmers should select healthy and viable seeds that are free from pest infestation and disease infection. The seeds should be treated with appropriate fungicides or insecticides to protect them from seed-borne diseases and pests. The seeds can also be inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria that form symbiotic associations with the root nodules of the plant and fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Planting Time and Density: The timing of planting plays a significant role in the growth and yield of Bengal gram. The ideal time for planting is between mid-October to mid-November in most parts of India. However, the planting time may vary depending on the local climatic conditions and rainfall pattern. The planting density should be around 30-35 kg per hectare for desi varieties and 45-50 kg per hectare for kabuli varieties.
Water Management: Proper irrigation is essential for the growth and development of Bengal gram. The crop requires moderate to high moisture during the vegetative phase and lower moisture during the pod-filling and maturity stages. Overwatering or under-watering can lead to reduced yield and quality. Therefore, farmers should adopt appropriate irrigation methods like drip, sprinkler, or furrow irrigation depending on the soil type and water availability.
Nutrient Management: Bengal gram requires a balanced supply of macro and micronutrients for healthy growth and yield. The major macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The micronutrients are iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). The fertilizers should be applied based on the soil test results and the crop nutrient requirement. For example, the recommended dose of fertilizer for Bengal gram is 20-30 kg N per hectare, 40-50 kg P2O5 per hectare, and 20-25 kg K2O per hectare.
Pest and Disease Management: Bengal gram is prone to various pests and diseases that can cause significant damage to the crop. Some of the common pests are pod borer, gram pod borer, jassids, and aphids. The common diseases are wilt, blight, rust, and powdery mildew. Farmers should adopt integrated pest and disease management strategies that involve cultural, physical, chemical, and biological control measures. These include crop rotation, seed treatment, proper sanitation, spraying of biopesticides and fungicides, and use of resistant varieties.
In conclusion, Bengal gram is a valuable crop that can provide multiple benefits to farmers and consumers. To increase its growth and yield, farmers should follow proper soil preparation, seed selection and treatment, planting time and density, water management, nutrient management, and pest and disease management practices. By adopting these measures, farmers can improve the productivity and profitability of Bengal gram cultivation and contribute to food security and rural development.