Black Gram (Urad) Farming in India: Varieties, Production & Cultivation Techniques

Table of Content

• Introduction to Black Gram (Urad)
• Which are the Popular Varieties of Black Gram/Urad?
• What is the Economic Scenario of Urad Cultivation in India?
• What are the Important Steps to Black Gram/Urad Cultivation?
  • Soil & Climate Requirements
  • Land Preparation
  • Sowing of Urad Crop
  • Intercropping of Urad Crop
  • Irrigation
  • Fertilizer Management
  • Disease and Pest Control
  • Harvest, Post Harvest & Yield

Introduction to Black Gram (Urad)

The black gram of Urad Bean (Vigna Mungo) is an important pulse crop grown throughout India and different parts of southeast Asia. It is known by many different names such as Urd or Urad bean, Black lentil, Black matte bean, Mungo bean in English, and Urad dal in Hindi. This lentil is consumed in the form of ‘dal’ (whole or split, husked and un-husked) or perched. It is highly priced, not only due to its rich and earthy flavor, but due to its high nutritional value. Urad beans are rich in protein, dietary fibers, and micro-nutrients. It contains 24% protein, 59.6% carbohydrates, and only 1% fat. This makes them a great option for daily intake.

Which are the Popular Varieties of Black Gram/Urad?

Here are some of the different varieties of Black Gram or Urad grown in India:

• Pant Urad
• Vamban
• Shekhar
• Azaad Urad
• Kharegone

What is the Economic Scenario of Urad Cultivation in India?

India is one of the largest producers as well as consumers of Black Gram. According to a Centre for Agriculture & Rural Development Policy report from 2023-2024, the country was able to produce around 2 million tonnes of black gram from 4 million hectares of area in one year. The average productivity for the year was 598 kg per hectare. Black gram area accounts for about 29 percent of India's total pulse acreage and contributes 10.25 percent of total pulse production. Here are some of the top Black Gram producing state in India:

Black Gram Production (2023-2024)

What are the Important Steps to Black Gram/Urad Cultivation?

In the section below, we have listed some important farming practices for Urad Cultivation, ranging from soil, climate requirements to land preparation, crop protection, and harvesting.

Soil & Climate Requirements

Urad can be grown on a different types of soils, ranging from sandy soil to heavy black soil. However, the most preferred soil should be well-drained loam with pH ranging from 4.7 to 7.5. Highly alkaline or saline soil can impede plant growth. A moderate temperature (25-35°C) and moderate to high humidity is required during vegetative growth. The crop requires well-distributed rainfall; however, excessive rainfall during pod-filling and maturity phase can damage the crop yield.

Land Preparation

Black gram does not require finely tilled soil, but the field should be leveled and free from weeds for proper growth. Land preparation typically involves 1–2 deep ploughings, followed by 2–3 harrowings and planking to break clumps and retain soil moisture. During the final ploughing, apply around 10 to 12.5 tonnes of FYM per hectare. Fertilizers should also be applied as a basal dose at this stage. The exact fertilizer requirement varies based on region, soil fertility, and season.

Sowing of Urad Crop

Sowing for Urad crop typically begins around late June to early July, usually at the onset of monsoon season. During this time, sowing needs to be done using about 12-15 kg of seed per hectare. Maintain a row spacing of 30-45 cm and a plant spacing of 10 cm. In some regions, sowing also takes place in the rabi season for upland fields in the second half of October (18–20 kg seed per hectare) and for rice fallow fields in the second half of November (40 kg seed per hectare).

Seed Treatment:

• To prevent soil and seed-borne diseases: Mix Thiram (2 g) + Carbendazim (1 g) per kg of seed or use Carbendazim @ 2.5 g/kg of seed.
• For pest control: Treat seeds with Imidacloprid 70 WS @ 7 g/kg seed.
• For better growth: Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium and PSB culture @ 5–7 g/kg seed.

Intercropping for Urad Crop

Here are some of the common intercropping combinations for Urad cultivation:

Kharif Season: Urad + Pigeonpea (1:1)

Spring Season: Urad + Sugarcane (2:1), Urad + Sunflower (2:6), Urad + Maize or Sorghum (3:2 or 1:2).

Other best suitable intercrops could include:

• Maize-Potato-Urd bean
• Maize-Toria-Urdbean
• Rice-Wheat-Urdbean
• Urdbean-Mustard-Mungbean/Urdbean
• Potato-wheat- Urdbean

Irrigation

In Kharif season, irrigation is usually not required. However, during the summer season 3-4 irrigations can be provided according to requirements. Generally, the crop should get irrigation at an interval of 10-15 days. From flowering to pod development stage, there is a need for sufficient moisture in the field.

Fertilizer Management

During the final ploughing, 15-20 kg/ha Nitrogen, 40-50 kg/ha Phosphorus, 30-40 kg/ha Potash, 20 kg/ha Sulphur should be administered. Phosphatic and potassic fertilizer should be applied according to the soil test. Fertilizer should be applied by drilling either at the time of sowing or just before sowing in such a way that they are placed about 5-7 cm below the seed.

Disease and Pest Control

Disease Management for Urad Crop

Pest & Insect Management for Urad Crop

Harvest, Post-Harvest & Yield

Urad is harvested 60-75 days after sowing. This is usually done when 70-80% of its pods have matured and turned black in color. The average yield for rainfed crops can go up to 700-800 kg/ha, whereas irrigated and well managed fields can reach 1000-1300 kg/ha. The preferred time for harvesting should be in the early morning as it minimizes seed loss. Post harvest, crops are dried on a threshing floor for several days, after which threshing is done with a thresher implement. The clean seeds are then sun dried for 3-4 days. The moisture level of the seeds should be below 10% as this helps prevent mold and ensures better storability.