Blackgram, also known as urad, is an essential crop in Indian agriculture. It is an annual crop, which belongs to the family Fabaceae and is cultivated predominantly in the Indian sub-continent. It is a nutritious pulse crop that provides food, feed, and income to millions of people. There are several suitable blackgram varieties available in the market. In this article, we will discuss some of the blackgram varieties and their characteristics.
1. T-9: It is one of the most popular blackgram varieties, and the seeds are medium-sized and provide high yields. The plant is short in height, and the seeds are oval in shape, with a shiny black coat. The crop matures in 70-75 days and is resistant to yellow mosaic and powdery mildew.
2. PDU-1: It is another popular blackgram variety that is suitable for cultivation in dry conditions. The plant is tall with dense foliage and larger seeds. The seed coat comes in a rough texture, which makes it resistant to pest and diseases. The crop matures in 75-80 days and provides high yields.
3. Mash-114: It is one of the bulkiest blackgram varieties, and the seeds are large and angular in shape. The plant is tall and provides the highest yields in favorable growing conditions. The crop matures in 80-90 days and is resistant to yellow mosaic and powdery mildew.
4. Mahatma Phule Mashakrant: This is a new blackgram variety, which is gaining popularity among farmers. It is resistant to yellow mosaic, powdery mildew, and leaf curl virus. The seeds are smaller in size and have a glossy black coat. The plant is medium in height and suitable for cultivation in both irrigated and rain-fed areas.
5. Pant U-35: It is a high-yielding blackgram variety that provides excellent returns to farmers. The plant is medium in height with a bushy appearance, and the seeds are medium in size and dark in color. The crop matures in 70-75 days and is resistant to yellow mosaic and powdery mildew.
In conclusion, the choice of blackgram variety depends on various factors such as soil type, climate, and pest and disease prevalence. The above blackgram varieties are suitable for cultivating in different conditions, and farmers can select a variety according to their specific requirements. With proper management practices, these blackgram varieties can provide high yields and contribute to food and income security.