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.

ЁЯМ▒ 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

ЁЯМ╛ 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

ЁЯМ┐ 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

ЁЯМ╛ 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

ЁЯМ▒ 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

ЁЯжЯ Major Insect Pests

  • Pod borer
  • Ash weevils
  • Leaf hopper
  • Aphids
  • Glasshouse whitefly

ЁЯМ┐ Common Diseases Their Causes

DiseaseCausal Organism
Powdery mildewFungus
MosaicVirus
Anthracnose (Bean)Fungus
Bacterial blightBacteria

ЁЯТб 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.

“If you can believe it, your mind can achieve it.”
“Focus on being productive instead of busy.”

ЁЯФН People Also Search For:

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