Description
Broad bean, scientifically known as Vicia faba L., belongs to the Leguminosae/Fabaceae family and is commonly referred to by various names, such as faba bean, horse bean, and bakla bean. This versatile crop is predominantly cultivated in South America and Northern India, where it thrives in cooler temperatures. Recognized for its hardiness, the broad bean serves multiple functions beyond providing food; it is also valued as green manure and as a winter and autumn crop. The morphological structure of broad beans is distinctive, featuring square and erect stems that vary in height from 30 cm in dwarf varieties to about 100 cm in taller ones. The plants produce clusters of pods, typically containing five to seven pods, each about 15 cm long and 2 cm thick. These plants bear large and attractive flowers that are primarily pollinated by insects, contributing to their reproductive success. There are numerous varieties of broad beans, categorized based on seed color and pod size. Seed color varieties include white-seeded types that are less soft and green-seeded types that are suitable for freezing due to their softer texture. When considering pod size, large podded varieties yield higher, ranging from 80-90 q/ha, while small podded varieties display smaller, fleshy pods. Prominent improved varieties include Pusa Sumeet from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, along with Masterpiece White Long Pod and Imperial Green Windsor, among others. Certain local selections, such as Jawahar Selection 73-31 from Madhya Pradesh and BR-1 and BR-2 from Bihar, demonstrate adaptability to regional growing conditions. Broad beans are particularly suited to cool climates, being the only crop that can be cultivated during winter and autumn. They can withstand low temperatures, even approaching -4°C, and are tolerant of temporary water stress due to the accumulation of proteins within the plant. Ideal soil for cultivation is well-drained, rich loamy soil with an optimal pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Proper field preparation through repeated ploughing is essential to achieve fine tilth. Sowing of broad beans generally occurs between September to October and February to March, with a recommended seed rate of 70-100 kg per hectare. Seeds should be planted in shallow furrows spaced 75 cm apart, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Nutrient management is crucial, with a suggested application of 10 tons of farmyard manure per hectare, alongside nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. Management practices also encompass irrigation and weed control, where light irrigation is carried out every 12-15 days and weeding is conducted at critical growth stages—25 and 40 days after sowing. Harvesting takes place 3-4 months after sowing for spring crops and 6-7 months for autumn crops, ideally when the pods reach the green-shell stage. The yield of broad beans typically ranges between 70-100 quintals per hectare. However, growers should remain vigilant against pests such as aphids and pod borers, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose, which can threaten crop health. Overall, the broad bean stands out as a multi-purpose crop that contributes to food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
