Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Importance

Red gram is rich source of protein (22.3%) and also rich in iron, iodine and the essential amino acids like lycine,tyrocene, cystine and arginine.
Red gram is mainly used as dal for preparing curries, sweets, etc. Green pods are used for extracting grains for vegetable purpose.

Fig: Green pods. Fig: Grains.

Fig: Tur dal. Fig: Sambar.

Fig: Dal fry. Fig: Holige (Sweet).

Green leaves of the plants may be used as fodder. The outer covering of its seed together with part of the kernel provides a valuable feed for milch cattle. The husk of pods and leaves obtained during threshing constitute a cattle feed.Woody parts of the plant are used for various purposes such asfuel,thatch and basket making.

Red gram being a leguminous plant is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and thereby restores lot of nitrogen in the soil. Its deep root system helps in extracting the nutrients and moisture from deeper soil layers. Deeper root system also help in breaking the plough pans and help in improving soil structure. Extensive ground cover of red gram prevents soil from wind and water erosion, encourages infiltration, minimizes sedimentation and smoothers weeds. It is also grown on mountain slopes to utilize the poor soils and protect it from erosion.