Black Gram Production Technology

Black gram (Vigna mungo), also known as Urad Dal, is a high-protein, nitrogen-fixing legume that plays a crucial role in sustainable farming. With modern production techniques and scientific management, farmers can achieve higher yields, better quality, and improved profitability.

Key Steps for Profitable Black Gram Cultivation

Ideal Climate & Soil Conditions

Temperature: 25-35°C – Requires warm and dry conditions

Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soil (pH 6.0-7.5)

Water Requirement: Drought-tolerant, but needs light irrigation at key stages

High-Yielding Black Gram Varieties

Popular varieties: T 9, PU 31, Pant U 19, CO 5, LBG 20

Disease-resistant types: IPU 2-43, UG 218 – Best for areas prone to disease outbreaks

Short-duration varieties: Suitable for multiple cropping systems

Smart Sowing & Seed Treatment

Seed rate: 15-20 kg/ha for line sowing, 25-30 kg/ha for broadcasting

Best sowing time:

✔ Kharif (Monsoon crop): June-July

✔ Rabi (Winter crop): October-November

✔ Zaid (Summer crop): February-March

Seed treatment: Treat with Rhizobium & PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) to enhance nitrogen fixation and root development

Nutrient & Water Management

Balanced fertilization:

• Nitrogen (N): 20-25 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P): 40-50 kg/ha
• Potassium (K): 20-30 kg/ha

Irrigation schedule: Key stages – Flowering & pod formation

Weed, Pest & Disease Control

Weed management: Use Pendimethalin (pre-emergence herbicide) for weed-free fields

Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, pod borers – Managed using Neem-based bio-pesticides

Disease control: Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV), Powdery mildew – Prevent with resistant varieties & fungicides

Harvesting & Post-Harvest Management

Harvest when pods turn dark & moisture content drops below 14%

Proper drying ensures longer shelf life & higher market value

Average yield: 1.2-1.8 tons per hectare.