Certainly, here’s an article on the varieties of Bengal gram crop:
Bengal gram, also known as chana or chickpeas, is a pulse crop that is widely grown in various parts of India. In fact, India is the largest producer of Bengal gram in the world. This crop has several varieties, each with unique characteristics that make them suitable for different agricultural conditions and purposes. In this article, we will discuss some of the popular varieties of Bengal gram crop.
1. Desi chana: This is the most common variety of Bengal gram grown in India. It has a small, dark seed with a rough coat and is usually consumed in the form of split lentils after removal of the skin. Desi chana is well adapted to hot and dry conditions and is often grown as a rain-fed crop in areas of low rainfall. It is also a good source of protein and fibre.
2. Kabuli chana: This is a larger variety of Bengal gram, with a cream-colored seed that is smooth and more rounded than desi chana. Kabuli chana has a comparatively higher yield potential and fetches a higher market price than desi chana. It is often used in the preparation of chana masala and other dishes.
3. Pusa 372: This is a high-yielding variety of Bengal gram developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. Pusa 372 has a shorter duration and is resistant to wilt and other common diseases. It is mostly grown in the northern parts of India and has shown promising results in increasing yield and productivity.
4. Annigeri-1: This is a variety of Bengal gram developed by the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, Karnataka. It has a higher yield potential and is resistant to wilt and other major diseases. This variety is well-suited for cultivation in the dryland regions of the Deccan Plateau.
5. JG-11: This is a newer variety of Bengal gram developed by the Junagadh Agricultural University in Gujarat. JG-11 has a shorter duration and is resistant to wilt and other diseases. It is well-suited for cultivation in the medium to high rainfall regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
In conclusion, there are several varieties of Bengal gram crop available to farmers. Each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages, and farmers need to carefully choose the variety that suits their local conditions and market demands. With proper cultivation practices and good-quality seeds, Bengal gram can be a profitable and sustainable crop for farmers.