Gram (chickpea) is an important pulse crop widely grown in India, especially in dry and semi-dry regions. It is valued for its nutritional content and is a good source of protein. Farmers often prefer gram because it requires less irrigation and can grow even in poor soils. However, the crop sometimes faces growth problems due to weather changes, pests, diseases, and nutrient imbalance. Understanding these issues helps farmers take timely action and protect their yield.
1. Poor Germination
One of the first problems farmers notice is poor germination. This may happen due to:
Use of old or low-quality seeds
Sowing in dry soil without proper moisture
Sowing seeds too deep or too shallow
To avoid this, farmers should use good quality seeds, ensure proper soil moisture at sowing time, and sow seeds at a depth of around 5 to 7 cm.
2. Yellowing of Leaves
Yellowing of leaves is a common issue in gram fields. This is often caused by:
Lack of nitrogen
Zinc deficiency
Waterlogging in early growth stage
Applying recommended doses of fertilizers and ensuring proper drainage can help reduce this problem. Using well-decomposed organic manure improves soil health and prevents nutrient deficiency.
3. Stunted Growth
Sometimes the plants do not grow properly and remain short. This stunted growth can be due to:
Low soil fertility
Root damage from pests like gram cutworm
Early weed competition
To avoid this, land should be well-prepared, and weeding should be done in the early stage. Seed treatment before sowing also helps in preventing root diseases and pest attacks.
4. Wilting and Sudden Drying of Plants
One of the most damaging problems in gram crop is wilt disease. In this condition, plants suddenly dry and die. This disease spreads more in fields where gram is grown repeatedly. To manage wilt:
Practice crop rotation
Use wilt-resistant varieties
Do not over-irrigate
Treat seeds with Trichoderma or other bio-agents before sowing
5. Pod Borer Attack
Pod borer is a major insect pest in gram. The caterpillars feed on leaves and later bore into pods, damaging the seeds. Signs include holes in leaves and droppings on the plant. To control pod borer:
Use pheromone traps for early detection
Encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic insects
Spray recommended biopesticides or pesticides only when necessary
6. Fungal Diseases
Fungal infections like Ascochyta blight and rust cause spots on leaves and stems. These diseases spread quickly in cool and humid weather. Regular field monitoring is important. If the disease appears, farmers may use neem-based sprays or fungicides as per recommendation.
7. Poor Flowering and Pod Formation
Sometimes plants grow well but produce fewer flowers and pods. This may be due to:
Moisture stress during flowering
Excess nitrogen application
High temperature or cold waves
Timely irrigation at flowering and pod formation stages is very important.
Conclusion
Most growth problems in gram crop can be managed with timely field observation and proper farming practices. Good seed selection, soil health improvement, balanced fertilizer use, seed treatment, pest monitoring, and appropriate irrigation play key roles in achieving a healthy and productive gram crop. By taking preventive steps and acting early, farmers can protect their crop and secure a good yield.
