Sure, here’s an article on the sowing time of Bengal gram crop:
The Bengal gram crop, also known as chana or chickpea, is a popular legume grown for its nutritious seeds. In India, it is widely cultivated in the rabi season, which starts from October to December and lasts till March to April. The crop requires cool and dry weather conditions during the growing period, making it an ideal crop for the winter season.
Sowing time is very crucial for Bengal gram cultivation as it directly impacts the yield and quality of the crop. The best time to sow Bengal gram is from mid-October to mid-November. In some regions, farmers can opt for late sowing (mid-December) if the weather conditions are favorable and suitable for the crop’s growth.
Before sowing, the land needs to be prepared thoroughly to get rid of any weeds and to improve the soil texture and fertility. The seeds are sown in rows with a distance of 20-25 cm between them, and a spacing of 10-15 cm is maintained between two seeds. The seed depth should be about 6-8 cm, depending on the soil type and moisture levels.
After sowing, the crop needs to be irrigated regularly for the first three weeks until the emergence of the seedlings. During this period, care should be taken to avoid excess waterlogging, which can cause seed damage. Once the seedlings have sprouted, irrigation can be done at an interval of 15-20 days during the first two months and gradually increased to weekly irrigation during the flowering and pod setting stage.
In conclusion, sowing time plays a vital role in the success of the Bengal gram crop. Farmers should choose the appropriate time for sowing and ensure proper land preparation and irrigation to achieve optimum yield and quality. Timely sowing and careful management can help farmers achieve a good harvest and increase their income.