Cultivation of Urd Bean (Black Gram / Vigna mungo). Urd Bean Cultivation .

Origin:

Urd bean, commonly referred to as black gram, is believed to have originated in India and has been cultivated for centuries. It is one of the oldest cultivated pulses in the Indian subcontinent and plays a vital role in Indian agriculture. Historical references to black gram are found in ancient Sanskrit literature, showcasing its long-standing cultural and agricultural significance.

Geographical Distribution in India:

Urd bean is widely grown across various parts of India. The major producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Among these, Uttar Pradesh leads both in cultivation area and production. Its adaptability to various agro-climatic conditions makes it suitable for cultivation across different regions of the country.

Economic Importance:

Urd bean is valued for its high protein content, averaging around 25%, and is a staple in the Indian diet, often consumed as dal, sprouts, dosa batter, and other traditional dishes. It also plays an essential role in enhancing soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through its symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. Urd bean fits well in multiple and intercropping systems and is also used in green manuring, fodder production, and as a cover crop to reduce erosion and improve organic matter.

Soil and Climatic Requirements:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy to sandy loam soils. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5) is ideal. Avoid waterlogged and saline soils.
• Climate: Warm and humid conditions favor growth. Optimal temperature ranges between 25°C to 35°C. Annual rainfall between 600 to 750 mm is suitable. Sensitive to heavy rain during flowering and waterlogging conditions.

Land Preparation:

One deep ploughing followed by 2-3 harrowings is recommended to achieve a fine tilth. The addition of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost at 10–15 tons per hectare improves soil health. Field leveling is essential to avoid water stagnation and ensure uniform germination.

Varieties Developed in India:

• PU 31
• T 9
• Pant U 19
• LBG 17
• Mash 114
• TAU 1
• Vamban 2 and Vamban 3 (suitable for Tamil Nadu)

Seed Requirement:

• Sole cropping: 15–20 kg/ha
• Intercropping: 10–12 kg/ha

Sowing Time:

• Kharif season: June to July
• Rabi season (Southern India): October to November
• Summer season: March to April (after harvesting rabi crops)

Cropping Systems:

• Intercropping: Urd + maize, urd + cotton, urd + sorghum
• Sequential cropping: Urd followed by wheat, mustard, or chickpea
• Relay cropping: Often used in rice-based systems where urd is sown before rice harvest

Fertilizer Requirements:

Apply fertilizers based on soil testing. Recommended basal dose per hectare:

• Nitrogen: 15–20 kg
• Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 40–50 kg
• Potash (K₂O): 20 kg (only if the soil is deficient)

Seed inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB (phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) enhances nutrient uptake and nitrogen fixation.

Water Requirements:

Urd bean is primarily a rainfed crop, but irrigation can improve yields. Provide 1–2 protective irrigations during dry spells. Critical growth stages requiring moisture include flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging at all stages.

Weed Management:

Weed control is essential during the initial 30–40 days.

• First weeding: 20–25 days after sowing (DAS)
• Second weeding: 40 DAS
• Pre-emergence herbicide: Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha

Timely hoeing improves aeration and reduces weed competition.

Diseases and Their Management:

• Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV): Use resistant varieties such as PU 31, Pant U 19; manage whiteflies using Imidacloprid @ 0.3 ml/litre.
• Leaf Spot and Anthracnose: Use Mancozeb or Carbendazim @ 1.0 g/litre; maintain field hygiene and crop rotation.
• Powdery Mildew: Apply wettable sulphur @ 2.0 g/litre; avoid dense planting.

Insect Pests and Their Management:

• Aphids and Whiteflies: Use systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam.
• Pod Borer: Spray Spinosad or Emamectin benzoate during flowering to pod formation.
• Thrips and Jassids: Use neem oil-based sprays or Fipronil in recommended doses.

Harvesting and Threshing:

Harvest when 80–85% of the pods turn black and dry. Plants are uprooted or cut close to the ground and sun-dried for 4–5 days. Threshing is done either manually by beating with sticks or using threshers. Clean seeds before storage.

Yield:

• Rainfed conditions: 8–10 quintals/ha
• Irrigated with improved practices: 12–15 quintals/ha

Post-Harvest Operations:

After threshing, seeds are cleaned and dried to a safe moisture level of 10–12% to prevent spoilage. Properly dried seeds are stored in airtight, insect-proof containers such as metal bins or polythene-lined gunny bags. Fumigation or neem leaf storage may be used to protect from storage pests. Urd dal is obtained after milling in processing units. Packaging in moisture-proof and food-grade bags ensures long shelf life and better market value.