Rajma, or kidney bean, is a popular pulse in Indian kitchens and fetches good prices in markets. In the northern plains, it is grown as a rabi crop, while in hill states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it is grown in the kharif season. Here is a general guide.
Climate and soil
- Rajma grows best in moderate temperatures. Very high heat and frost both harm the crop, especially at flowering.
- Well drained loam or sandy loam soils with good organic matter are ideal.
- Waterlogging damages roots, so fields must drain well.
- Slightly acidic to neutral soils are suitable.
Sowing time
- **Plains of north India:** generally from late October to early November, so that flowering escapes severe frost.
- **Hills:** in the kharif season, after the start of monsoon or as recommended locally.
Sowing dates vary by region, so follow your state agricultural university’s advice.
Varieties
Several improved varieties have been released by ICAR institutes and state agricultural universities, suited to plains or hills. Choose certified seed of a variety recommended for your area by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Also Read: Wheat Sowing Guide for Rabi Season: Best Time, Seed Rate, Varieties and Tips From ICAR | Mustard Farming Guide for Rabi: Sowing Time, Seed Rate, Irrigation and Pest Control Tips
Seed and sowing
- Use healthy, bold seed and treat it with a recommended fungicide.
- Rajma does not form root nodules well in many plains soils, so it usually needs more nitrogen than other pulses.
- Sow in rows with proper spacing, as recommended for the variety.
Fertiliser and irrigation
- Get a soil test done and apply fertiliser as per the Soil Health Card.
- Apply part of the nitrogen with phosphorus and potash at sowing, and the rest later as advised.
- Give the first irrigation a few weeks after sowing, and further irrigations at flowering and pod filling. Avoid heavy irrigation.
Weed and pest control
Keep the field weed free in the first month, with hand weeding or recommended herbicides. Watch for pests like aphids and pod borers, and diseases like anthracnose and mosaic. Use integrated pest management and spray only on expert advice.
Harvest
Harvest when most pods turn yellow and dry. Dry the plants, thresh, clean and store seeds with low moisture to prevent pest damage.
Marketing
Check prices on Agmarknet or e-NAM and sell through regulated mandis or FPOs.
Advice for farmers
Before sowing, selling or storing your crop, check the latest information with your district agriculture department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra or mandi committee.
Bottom line
Rajma can be a profitable pulse with the right sowing time, good drainage, enough nitrogen and careful frost protection.
Source / स्रोत: ICAR Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
