Cluster beans, also known as “guar”, are a valuable crop grown in India. They are in demand because of the high gum quantity, which is used in making food, medicine and different products. Also consumed as a vegetable, this crop grows in hot, dry climates. With proper care and practices, cluster bean farming can be a profitable option for Indian farmers.
Here, you will get a brief overview of the steps involved in cultivation.
7 Methods to Grow Cluster Beans Successfully
Growing cluster beans requires careful attention from the very beginning. The following are 8 methods to ensure healthy plants and a better harvest.
Land Preparation
To prepare the field for farming, plough the land 2-3 times to soften the soil and break clumps. Level the field and apply farmyard manure like cow dung or compost. This improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients, helping plants grow better and increasing the chances of a good yield.
For this task, many farmers prefer using the Mahindra 265, which has a 30 HP engine. Its 25.5 PTO HP offers strong performance and can handle implements. You can lift upto 1200 kg and easily transport heavy objects. Moreover, the Mahindra 265 price starts from Rs. 5.49 lakh and goes up to Rs. 5.66 lakh.
Method of Sowing
Farmers can sow the beans directly in the field by spreading the seeds or planting them in lines. This planting works better because it gives enough space and makes it easier to care for the crop. In this method, seeds are placed in rows with about 30 to 45 cm between each row and 15 to 20 cm between each plant. Proper spacing ensures that plants get enough sunlight and air, which helps in healthy growth.
Irrigation Needs
Cluster beans do not need much water. They grow well in dry areas because they can live with less water. Still, after sowing the seeds, give light water to help them sprout. One time watering in a week is usually enough during dry weather.
When the plants start flowering and forming pods, you must give water to support good growth. Too much water can damage the roots and cause diseases. If your area gets good rain, you may not need to give extra water.
Fertilizer & Weed Management
Even though cluster beans are a legume crop and add nitrogen to the soil, a small amount of extra nutrients helps them grow better. You can apply nitrogen and phosphorus during sowing time. You can also use organic manures like compost or bio-fertilizers to improve the soil.
It is very important to control weeds, especially when the plants are young. Weeds take away water, sunlight, and nutrients from the main crop. You can remove weeds by hand or use a weeder tool to keep the field clean and healthy.
Diseases & Pest Control
Cluster beans are usually strong and less prone to pests and diseases. However, a few pests, such as aphids, jassids, and pod borers, can affect the crop. They feed on the plant sap and destroy the pods. Spray neem oil or the suggested pesticides in such situations.
Additionally, treat the seeds with fungicide or bio-fertilizer before sowing to prevent early diseases. These types of diseases tend to develop in damp weather. Farmers should monitor their fields on a regular basis. If they detect any disease, treat it immediately with the right fungicides or herbal remedies so that it will not spread.
Harvesting
Harvest cluster beans 45 to 60 days after planting, depending on weather and type. To harvest as a vegetable, pick the pods when green and tender because they are sweeter and sell well. If planting for seeds or guar gum, then allow the pods to dry on the plant completely. Farmers harvest by hand and process the beans immediately to maintain freshness for the market.
Post-Harvest
Farmers clean, sort, and pack cluster beans based on whether they will be used as vegetables or for guar gum processing. They should arrange transportation on time to keep the beans fresh and maintain their quality.
Tractor like the Swaraj 744 XM are best for this process. It features a 45 HP engine and a strong lifting capacity of 1,700 kg. The Swaraj 744 XM HP is sufficient for handling post-harvest tasks and quickly transporting the task to market or a storage unit.
Conclusion
Cluster bean cultivation is best suited for dry and semidry areas, as it needs less water and inputs and provides fair returns. It is suitable to grow using modern techniques and improve the soil through nitrogen fixation. With a good variety, proper management, and an early harvest, farmers will gain fair returns, and hence, it is a sustainable and profitable crop for Indian agriculture.
