Kidney Beans
⭐ Rajma Cultivation (Kidney Bean Farming) – Complete Guide for Indian Farmers
Rajma, one of India’s most popular protein-rich pulses, has become a profitable crop for both hill and plain regions. Over the past few years, winter-season (Rabi) cultivation of rajma in plain areas has increased significantly, thanks to its good market demand, low water requirement, and high profitability.
This comprehensive guide covers:
- When and where rajma is grown
- Best sowing months
- Suitable varieties
- Seed rate and fertilizers
- Irrigation, pest control, and yield
- Per-acre cost and income
- Farmer-friendly tips and FAQs
Let’s explore how farmers can successfully grow rajma and earn more profit with scientific practices.
🟩 Where is Rajma Grown in India?
Rajma thrives in cool climates and is grown in both hills and plains. Major producing states include:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Parts of Maharashtra
Himachal and Uttarakhand are known for premium-quality rajma, but plains are also now achieving excellent yields.
🟩 When is Rajma Grown? (Best Sowing Month)
The sowing time depends on the region:
| Region | Ideal Sowing Time |
|---|---|
| Plain areas of North India | 3rd–4th week of October |
| Eastern UP, Bihar | 1st week of November |
| Hilly regions | March–April |
Late sowing can reduce yield by 25–40%, so timely planting is crucial.
🟩 Climate Requirements
Rajma prefers:
- Cool weather
- Temperature between 15°C to 25°C
- Low humidity
- No waterlogging
The crop cannot tolerate standing water, making field drainage extremely important.
🟩 Soil Requirements
Rajma grows best in:
- Loam or light loam soils
- Well-drained fields
- Soil rich in organic matter
Standing water can damage roots, so maintaining a well-leveled field helps achieve better yield.
🟩 Land Preparation
For good crop establishment, prepare the land as follows:
- First plough with a soil-turning plough
- 2–3 ploughings using a desi plough or cultivator
- Level the field with a plank
- Ensure good moisture at sowing time
Moisture in the soil is essential for fast and uniform germination.
🟩 Recommended Rajma Varieties
Below are high-yielding varieties approved by agricultural institutes:
| Variety | Grain Color | Maturity (Days) | Suitable Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDR-14 (Uday) | Red spotted | 125–130 | Central & Eastern UP |
| Malviya-137 | Red | 110–115 | Plains |
| VL-63 | Brown spotted | 115–120 | Rabi in plains |
| Amber (IIPR-96-4) | Red spotted | 120–125 | Eastern UP |
| Utkarsh (IIPR-98-5) | Dark spotted | 130–135 | Eastern UP |
| Arun | — | 120–125 | All over UP; virus resistant |
These varieties offer better yields, disease resistance, and grain quality.
🟩 Seed Rate per Acre
The recommended seed quantity is:
- 48–56 kg per acre
Spacing
- Row-to-row: 30–40 cm
- Plant-to-plant: 10 cm
Seed Treatment
Before sowing, treat seeds with:
- Thiram or Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg
Benefits:
- Protects seeds from fungal diseases
- Ensures healthy germination
Sowing Depth
- Sow seeds 8–10 cm deep for proper moisture.
🟩 Fertilizer Requirements (Per Acre)
Rajma does not form nitrogen-fixing nodules naturally, so it needs more nitrogen than other pulses.
Per Acre Fertilizer Dose
| Nutrient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | 48 kg |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | 24 kg |
| Potash (K₂O) | 12 kg |
| Sulphur | 8 kg |
Application Method
- Apply half nitrogen + full phosphorus & potash at sowing
- Apply remaining nitrogen during top dressing (30–35 days)
Foliar Spray
Spraying 2% urea solution at 30 and 50 days increases pod formation and yield.
🟩 Irrigation Management
Rajma requires minimal irrigation:
- First irrigation – 4 weeks after sowing
- Second irrigation – 1 month later
- Third, if needed – during flowering
Important:
- Give light irrigation
- Avoid water stagnation
- Excessive water reduces yield and increases disease risk
🟩 Weed Control & Intercultivation
- Do one weeding and hoeing after the first irrigation
- Light earthing helps support the plant
- Pre-emergence weed control:
Pendimethalin @ 1.3 L/acre
This reduces weed pressure and saves labor cost.
🟩 Pest & Disease Management
1. Whitefly & Mosaic Virus
Spray any one of the following:
- Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1 L/ha
- Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 250 ml/ha
Use 500–600 liters of water to prepare the spray solution.
Remove Infected Plants
Uproot and destroy infected plants early to stop spread.
🟩 Harvesting & Storage
- Harvest when pods turn fully dry and mature
- Over-drying causes pods to crack
- Thresh the crop to extract grains
- Dry grains thoroughly before storage
🟩 Per Acre Cost & Profit Analysis
(Values may vary state-wise)
Cost of Cultivation
| Input | Cost (₹/acre) |
|---|---|
| Seed | 3500–4500 |
| Fertilizers | 2000–2500 |
| Irrigation | 1500–2000 |
| Pesticides | 800–1200 |
| Labor | 3500–4000 |
| Total Cost | ₹11,000–14,000 |
Average Yield
- 8–10 quintals per acre
Market Price
- ₹70–120 per kg
Total Income
- ₹56,000 – 1,00,000 per acre
Net Profit
- ₹40,000–80,000 per acre
This makes rajma one of the most profitable winter-season crops.
🟩 Additional Tips for Better Yield
- Ensure proper drainage to avoid root diseases
- Use certified seeds for better germination
- Follow crop rotation with wheat or vegetables
- Apply organic manure like FYM or vermicompost
- Perform timely weeding and pest monitoring
- Maintain optimum soil moisture during flowering
🟩 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to sow rajma?
The last two weeks of October are ideal for plains.
2. How much seed is required per acre?
Around 48–56 kg.
3. What is the expected yield?
8–10 quintals per acre.
4. Which soil is best for rajma cultivation?
Loam soil with good drainage.
5. How many irrigations are needed?
Only 2–3 irrigations are enough.
6. Which pests affect rajma?
Whitefly and aphids; whitefly spreads mosaic virus.
7. Can rajma be grown organically?
Yes, using organic fertilizers and neem-based sprays.
8. Why does rajma need more nitrogen?
Rajma plants don’t form natural nitrogen-fixing nodules.
9. Which variety is best for plains?
PDR-14, Malviya-137, and VL-63.
10. Can rajma be grown in rainy season?
Not recommended in areas with high rainfall due to waterlogging risk.
🟩 Conclusion
Rajma is a highly profitable pulse crop that requires low water and offers excellent market value. With the right sowing time, suitable varieties, balanced fertilizer use, and timely management, farmers can achieve high production with minimal investment.
Dear farmers, adopt improved scientific methods, focus on timely operations, and move towards higher income and sustainable farming.
🟩 For More Information
Visit: https://subsistencefarming.in/en/pulses-farming/
(Additional resources from Vikaspedia, Agricultural Departments & KVKs)