Green gram, or mung bean, is one of the most widely cultivated legumes in the world due to its nutritional value, versatility, and ability to grow in varied agro-climatic conditions. Green gram is a short duration crop that takes about three months from sowing to harvesting. There are several varieties of green gram grown worldwide, but the most widely cultivated varieties are those that are high yielding, drought-resistant, and disease-resistant.
Varieties:
1. Pusa Vishal: This variety of green gram is one of the most popular varieties in India due to its high yield potential. It is a high quality, disease-resistant variety that is also resistant to lodging.
2. SML 668: This is another popular variety of green gram, especially in Southeast Asia. It is a high-yielding, early-maturing variety that is resistant to several of the common diseases of the crop.
3. BARI Mung-5: This is a high-yielding variety of green gram developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). It is a disease-resistant variety that can tolerate the high temperatures and low rainfall conditions that are common in Bangladesh.
Cultivation practices:
1. Soil preparation: Green gram requires well-drained, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be properly tilled and leveled before sowing.
2. Sowing time: Green gram is sown during the rainy season when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild. Sowing can be done either directly into the soil or through transplanting.
3. Seed rate: The seed rate for green gram is around 20-25 kg per hectare for direct sowing and 8-10 kg per hectare for transplanting.
4. Fertilizer application: Green gram requires a well-balanced fertilizer application with a nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium ratio of 20:30:10. The first dose of fertilizer should be applied at sowing time, and subsequent doses should be given at regular intervals.
5. Irrigation: Green gram requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and pod-filling stages. Watering should be done at regular intervals to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
6. Pest and disease management: Green gram is prone to several pests and diseases such as stem fly, aphids, powdery mildew, and yellow mosaic virus. It is important to adopt timely measures such as crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and application of pesticides and fungicides to manage these pests and diseases.
In conclusion, green gram is a high-yielding, nutritious crop that can be grown under a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. By following the recommended cultivation practices and using the appropriate varieties, farmers can ensure a good harvest and contribute to food security.