TAG: GS-3: GEOGRAPHY
CONTEXT: Recently, a multi-environment-based experiment was conducted to assess the yield and nutritional potential of an underutilized legume, horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam. Wardc.) mutants.
EXPLANATION:
- Horse gram is an important crop of south India.
- Its grain is used for human consumption as ‘dal’ as well as in preparation of so called ‘rasam’ and also as a concentrated feed for cattle. It may also be used as green manure.
- As usual with other kharif pulses of Vigna group, clean seed should be sun dried for 3-4 days to bring their moisture content at 9-10% to be safely stored in appropriate bins
- This crop is generally grown when the cultivator is unable to sow any other crop for want of timely rains and grown in vacant space of citrus orchard.
- Botanical Name: Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam) Verdi.
Climate requirement:
- Horse gram is extremely drought-resistant crop. Moderately warm, dry climatic conditions are suitable for its optimum growth. It does not grow well on higher altitudes because of cool and wet climate. Horse gram can be cultivated up to an altitude of 1000 m above the sea level.
- The temperature range of 25-30°C and relative humidity between 50 and 80% is optimum for its growth. Heavy rains during the initial stages of crop growth affect nodule formation owing to poor aeration in the soil. A well-distributed rainfall of about 800 mm is sufficient for its successful cultivation, but it performs well even under low rainfall areas.
Nutritional Powerhouse:
- High Protein Content: Horse gram is rich in protein (18-20%), making it an excellent source of nutrition, especially in rural areas where protein malnutrition can be prevalent.
- Rich in Micronutrients: It contains essential minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus, and is a good source of dietary fiber. It also has antioxidant properties.
- Low Glycemic Index: Its low glycemic index makes it a suitable food for diabetic patients, helping in blood sugar regulation.
Environmental Benefits:
- Soil Enrichment: Being a legume, horse gram fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Soil Organic Carbon: It increases soil organic carbon, which improves soil structure, water retention, and the growth of succeeding crops in crop rotation.
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