Palamu. Today, gram cultivation is emerging as the main crop giving more benefits to the farmers at less expense. Not only is this crop ready with less water, but there is also less risk in its production. Agriculture experts say that in places where sufficient water is not available for wheat cultivation, farmers can earn better income by cultivating gram.
Generally, while wheat crop requires 5-6 times of irrigation, a good yield of gram is obtained with just 1-2 irrigations. This is the reason why gram is becoming a profitable option for farmers in areas with drought or less water.
Good way to produce more with less water
According to farming expert Dr. Pramod Kumar, farmers should cultivate gram instead of wheat in those areas where moisture is maintained properly. Gram makes full use of the natural moisture present in the soil, thereby significantly reducing the dependence on irrigation. This crop gives good production even in light loamy to medium soil.
Apart from this, gram also increases the strength of the soil, because its roots have the ability to store nitrogen, which also benefits the next crops. Due to low expenses, less water and proper care, farmers can get better economic stability from gram cultivation.
Crop handling and nutritional needs
The problem of grass growing in gram fields is common, hence it is important to do weeding of the field on time. By topping the crop, branches increase in the plant and its ability to fill grains increases. Experts say that after nipping the crop needs more nutrition. In such a situation, providing necessary nutrition in the form of spraying improves production.
Correct use of soluble nutrients like urea for spraying helps in plant growth. Maintaining adequate moisture in the field is also important for the quality of the crop. When nutrition is provided at the right time, the grain-filling capacity of gram increases, which improves the yield.
Seed preparation and disease control will increase yield.
It is considered very important to prepare seeds before sowing gram. This reduces the risk of seed borne diseases and increases germination capacity. Experts recommend seed preparation with bio-fertilizers like Rhizobium culture, which increases the ability to store nitrogen in the soil and provides more nutrition to the plants.
Also, preparation with recommended fungicides like Carbendazim provides protection from early diseases. With good handling and proper care, farmers can get production up to 18–20 quintals per hectare. Gram is such a crop which has the potential to give more profits at less expense if the right method is adopted.
