Green gram (moong) is an important pulse crop in India because it fits well in different seasons, improves soil fertility, and gives good returns in a short time. To get high yield in green gram, the first step is maintaining proper plant population. This depends mainly on two things: seed rate and spacing. If plants are too crowded, they compete for sunlight and nutrients, and disease risk increases. If plants are too few, the field will have gaps and total yield will reduce. So choosing the right seed rate and spacing is a simple but powerful way to improve production.
Seed rate in green gram depends on the variety, seed size, sowing method, and season. In general, for line sowing under normal conditions, farmers commonly use about 8 to 10 kg seed per acre. In hectare terms, this is around 20 to 25 kg per hectare. If the seed is bold and big, seed rate may be slightly higher because seed count per kilogram is lower. If the seed is small, seed rate may be slightly lower. In summer green gram, farmers sometimes increase seed rate a little because germination can be affected by high temperature and fast drying of soil. In rainfed Kharif conditions, seed rate may also be adjusted depending on soil moisture and expected plant survival.
Spacing also changes slightly based on season and growth habit. For most green gram varieties, a common and practical spacing is 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants within the row. This spacing gives enough room for each plant to branch and form more pods. In Kharif season, where weed pressure is higher and the crop may grow more vegetatively, many farmers follow 30 cm row spacing. In summer, when the crop stays shorter and more compact, some farmers keep rows closer, like 25 cm, to get higher plant population and better yield. For spreading or long-duration varieties, slightly wider spacing helps. For erect and early varieties, closer spacing can work well.
Sowing method makes a big difference. Line sowing is always recommended because it helps maintain proper spacing, makes weeding easier, and improves uniformity. Broadcasting often causes uneven plant population, and farmers end up with both crowded patches and empty gaps. With line sowing, you can also use a hoe or wheel hoe for interculture, which reduces labour cost. If you have a seed drill, it gives even better placement and saves seed.
After sowing, thinning can be done where needed. Sometimes multiple seedlings emerge at one spot, especially if seed is dropped in clusters. Removing extra seedlings and keeping one healthy plant per spot improves branching and pod formation. This should be done early, around 10–15 days after germination, so plants do not get disturbed later.
Seed quality also affects seed rate and spacing success. Always use clean, graded seed with good germination. If the seed germination is low, farmers may increase seed rate to avoid gaps, but it is better to use good seed in the first place. Also, sow at proper depth—usually shallow sowing works best for quick emergence. If sowing is too deep, germination becomes uneven and plant stand suffers.
Spacing and seed rate should also match your weeding and irrigation plan. Wider rows make weeding easier and improve airflow, reducing disease. But if rows are too wide, weeds may grow more. So early weeding is important. In summer moong, irrigation is usually given, so uniform rows help in better water use. In Kharif, avoid waterlogging because green gram does not like standing water.
In simple terms, for most Indian conditions, follow about 8–10 kg seed per acre with spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm for green gram. In summer, row spacing can be slightly closer like 25 cm depending on variety. With proper line sowing, early weeding, and good seed quality, plant population will be ideal and green gram yield will improve.
