Cluster Bean (Guar): The Drought-Tolerant Green Gold of India
Cluster Bean (Guar): The Drought-Tolerant Green Gold of India
Cluster bean, commonly known as Guar or Gawar ki Phalli, is one of the most versatile and nutrient-rich legumes cultivated in India. Belonging to the family Leguminoceae, its botanical name is Cyamopsis tetragonolobus. Originating from India, this crop has not only traditional value as a vegetable but also significant industrial importance due to its gum-yielding properties.
๐ฑ Botanical Agricultural Profile
- Botanical Name: Cyamopsis tetragonolobus
- Common Names: Guar, Gawar, Gawar ki Phalli, Guwar Phali
- Family: Leguminoceae
- Origin: India
- Chromosome Number: 2n = 14
- Edible Part: Pod and Seed
๐พ Climate Soil Requirements
Cluster bean thrives in a warm climate and is remarkably drought-tolerant. It performs best in areas receiving moderate rainfall and tolerates dry spells efficiently.
- Climate: Warm and arid to semi-arid
- Soil pH: 7.0 to 8.0 is ideal
๐ฟ Uses of Cluster Bean
This crop is a true all-rounder. Apart from being consumed as a green vegetable, it is:
- Cultivated for dry pods used in fodder
- Processed for guar gum extraction
- Used as a green manure crop due to its nitrogen-fixing ability
๐พ Recommended Varieties
- Pusa Sadabahar: A non-branching variety suitable for both summer and rainy seasons
- Pusa Mausmi
- Sharad Bahar
- Pusa Navbahar: A hybrid variety with better yield and adaptability
๐ฑ Seed Rate Yield
- Seed Rate: 9 to 10 kg per hectare
- Expected Yield: 5 to 7 tonnes of pods per hectare in approximately 90 days
๐ฆ Major Insect Pests
- Pod borer
- Ash weevils
- Leaf hopper
- Aphids
- Glasshouse whitefly
๐ฟ Common Diseases Their Causes
| Disease | Causal Organism |
|---|---|
| Powdery mildew | Fungus |
| Mosaic | Virus |
| Anthracnose (Bean) | Fungus |
| Bacterial blight | Bacteria |
๐ก Why Grow Cluster Beans?
Cluster bean cultivation is not only eco-friendly but also highly profitable. The plant's gum—guar gum—is used in various industries including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and oil drilling. Additionally, its ability to restore soil fertility makes it a preferred choice for sustainable agriculture.
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