In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Origin and Distribution of Horse Gram 2. Climate, Soils and Tillage of Horse Gram 3. Varieties and Seasons 4. Seeding and Plant Population 5. Quality Considerations.
Origin and Distribution of Horse Gram:
India is considered as primary center of origin of horsegram. There is also considerable evidence to consider Africa as primary center and India as the second center of origin. It is known by different names such as ulavalu, kavam, huruli and kulthi in different parts of India.
Its cultivation, by and large, is confined to southeast Asian countries. In India, it is almost confined to Peninsular states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa states also have considerable area under horsegram. In India, horsegram is cultivated in around 0.738 M ha with a production of 0.279 M t accounting for a productivity of 0.378 t ha-1 (2005-2006). Karnataka ranks first in area (0.283 M ha), production (0.119 M t) and yield of cowpea (0.420 t ha-1).
Horsegram (Dolichos biflorus or Macrotyloma uniflorum) is predominantly a south Indian crop under subsistence forming. It is used for human consumption as well as animal feed. When environment is not ideal for any other crop, horsegram is the only option under rainfed conditions.
Climate, Soils and Tillage of Horse Gram:
Horsegram is well adapted to harsh environments in the arid and semiarid tracts. It comes up well under scanty rainfall conditions receiving less than 750 mm. It is grown on all types of soils, essentially, not profitable for other rainfed crops. The crop is grown with minimum tillage of one or two ploughings.
Varieties and Seasons of Horse Gram:
A number of varieties yielding around 2.0 t ha-1 have been developed. The duration ranges from 80 to 125 days. Traditional varieties, generally, sown mixed with cereals have more than 150 days duration. Varieties recommended for different states have been given in Table 8.19.
Horsegram is limited to drylands as rainfed crop both during rainy and post-rainy seasons. Kharif cowpea is largely sown mixed or intercropped with other crops in June-July. As a sole crop, it is sown during August. Postrainy season crop is usually sown around mid-November after regular short duration kharif crop. On light shallow soils, cowpea is sown in November after the harvest of groundnut. If pigeonpea and groundnut are grown as intercrops during kharif, cowpea is sown between pigeonpea rows after groundnut harvest.
Seeding and Plant Population of Horse Gram:
Horsegram as a sole crop is, generally, sown by broadcasting and the seed covered by planking. Optimum seed rate is 25 kg ha-1. If sown in rows, the ideal spacing for short duration varieties is 30 x 10 cm and for medium and long duration varieties 45 x 10 cm with a seed rate of 20 kg ha-1. The crop may receive one or two intercultivations, depending on weed infestation.
Quality Considerations of Horse Gram:
Horsegram is commonly termed poor man’s legume. The average protein content is 22 per cent, fat 1.0 per cent, carbohydrate 62 per cent and ash 4.5 per cent.
Cooked seed and soups are nutritious. Roasted grains are salted and consumed as confectionary items. Horsegram finds greater use as animal feed, particularly for horses and cattle. Green foliage is an excellent fodder source in south India.