Varanasi: Benefits can be reaped effectively by sowing summer crop of moong (lentils) immediately after wheat harvest, using a zero-tillage machine. Experts from International Rice Research Institute advised farmers to adopt the practice to enhance cropping intensity, improve soil health and increase farm income sustainably.Areas in which sufficient soil moisture is available, short-duration moong varieties (60-65 days) can be cultivated successfully. Around 10-12 kg seed per acre should be used. Timely sowing right after wheat harvesting ensures better crop establishment, efficient utilisation of residual soil moisture and improved overall productivity. Moisture retained after recent rainfall may eliminate immediate need for irrigation; however, irrigation can be provided based on availability of soil moisture as required.According to advisory issued by IRRI, in addition to efficient field utilisation during the season, summer moong cultivation leads to value addition in terms of additional income from grain yield of moong as well as improvement in grain yield of rice crop that follows. After picking pods, remaining biomass of crop is used as green manure, which adds to soil fertility and improves its physical properties. Summer moong is alternate option of a third crop, which can help in improving profits and conserving resources. Fortunately, a short-duration variety of moong is available that fits well in niche between mustard/wheat harvesting and rice sowing and can be seeded up to Apr 10.In fields vacated by wheat, green manure crop like ‘dhaincha’ or summer moong can be sown. Crop matures in 60-65 days depending upon the weather conditions. The sowing can be done with zero-tillage machine and there should be sufficient moisture conditions for germination.
