Agriglance

Summary

Dolichos bean, scientifically known as Lablab purpureus, is a versatile and nutritious leguminous vegetable widely cultivated in India. Renowned for its tender green pods, the Dolichos bean can also be consumed in its mature seed form and is valued for its rich content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This plant thrives in various cultivation settings ranging from commercial farms to home gardens and is referred to by several names, including hyacinth bean and sem in Northern India. The cultivation of Dolichos bean extends across several Indian states, particularly in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and regions in Northeast India. Its popularity is not limited to India; it is also grown in various South Asian countries and parts of Africa. There are two primary varieties of Dolichos bean: the pole type (Lablab purpureus var. typicus), which has consumable pod walls, and the bush type (Lablab purpureus var. lignosus), known as field bean, where only the mature seeds are edible. Dolichos bean is predominantly a cool-season crop. The bush varieties, which are not sensitive to day length, can grow in all three seasons, while pole types are typically sown during June and July, with a fruiting period extending from November to February. The plant prefers well-drained, humus-rich sandy loam soil but can adapt to various soil types provided they have appropriate drainage. The scientific community has developed multiple high-yielding varieties for optimal cultivation. Notable examples of bush types include Arka Jay and Arka Vijay, both developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR). These varieties exhibit traits such as distinct leaf colors, flowering patterns, and pod yields ranging from 12 to 19 tons per hectare within a growing period of about 75 days. On the other hand, various pole types, including Arka Swagath and Arka Prasidhi, promise even higher yields, achieving up to 37 tons per hectare over approximately 120 days. Successful Dolichos bean cultivation requires careful land preparation, which includes amending the soil with organic and inorganic fertilizers and ensuring the right seed treatments to prevent diseases. The ideal conditions for sowing involve a warm, moist soil environment. Regular irrigation is necessary, particularly after sowing, to maintain sufficient moisture levels, alongside effective weeding practices. Plant protection is crucial due to common threats from diseases like rust, septoria, and infections transmitted by pests such as whiteflies. Appropriate fungicides and insecticides are recommended to mitigate these risks, ensuring a healthy yield of Dolichos beans. The harvesting phase occurs when pods are mature, and yields can vary significantly, with bush varieties averaging around 10-12 tons per hectare and pole varieties reaching up to 20 tons per hectare. The nutritional profile of Dolichos bean reinforces its culinary value, making it a highly sought-after crop in both domestic and commercial agricultural practices. In addition to Dolichos beans, curry leaves from the Murraya koenigii plant offer another avenue of agricultural interest, praised for their significant health benefits including high calcium and vitamin A content. The combination of these two crops illustrates the diversity and richness of leguminous vegetables in Indian agriculture, contributing to both nutritional needs and economic resilience in farming communities.