Lentil Farming (Masoor ki Kheti)
Lentil Farming (Masoor ki Kheti): A Complete Guide
Lentil farming (Masoor ki Kheti) is one of the major Rabi season pulses in India. It is not only profitable for farmers but also improves soil fertility as it fixes atmospheric nitrogen. In India, lentil cultivation is mainly practiced on a large scale in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand.
This article will explain how to do lentil farming, the right time for sowing, which fertilizers to use, irrigation, seed selection, pest & disease management, and profit-related details.
1. Field Preparation (What type of soil is suitable?)
1.1 Soil Selection
Loamy and light loamy soils are best suited for lentil farming. Slightly alkaline or mildly acidic soils (pH 6 to 7.5) give better results.
1.2 Soil Testing
Soil testing should be done before farming to identify nutrient deficiencies.
1.3 Deep Ploughing
One deep ploughing (with a soil-reversing plough) followed by 2–3 normal ploughings should be done.
1.4 Leveling
Leveling the field is necessary to prevent waterlogging and ensure uniform crop growth.
1.5 Use of Organic Manure
Apply 4–5 tons of well-decomposed cow dung manure or compost per acre.
1.6 Moisture Management
Lentil crops grow best in soil with light moisture. Excess moisture can damage plants.
1.7 Bed Formation
Prepare beds and channels to ensure proper irrigation and drainage.
2. Seed Treatment and Selection
2.1 Improved Varieties
Popular high-yielding varieties include – Pusa Vaibhav, Pusa-372, DPL-15, K-75, IPL-406.
2.2 Disease-Free Seeds
Seeds should always be clean and disease-free.
2.3 Seed Treatment
Treat seeds with 0.2% Bavistin or Thiram before sowing.
2.4 Biological Treatment
Treating seeds with Rhizobium and PSB culture enhances nitrogen fixation.
2.5 Storage Inspection
Store seeds in a clean and dry place before sowing.
3. Sowing: Right Time and Method
3.1 Right Season
The best time for sowing lentils is from late October to November.
3.2 Seed Rate
30–35 kg seeds per acre are sufficient.
3.3 Sowing Depth
Sow seeds at a depth of 3–4 cm.
3.4 Plant Spacing
Maintain 8–10 cm spacing between plants and 20–25 cm between rows.
3.5 Method of Sowing
For rainfed areas – ridge & furrow method is best.
For irrigated areas – bed method is preferred.
4. Irrigation: How Often and How to Do It?
- First Irrigation: 20–25 days after sowing.
- Flowering Stage Irrigation: Most important stage.
- Pod Formation Stage Irrigation: Last irrigation should be at this stage.
- Drip or Sprinkler Irrigation: Recommended for water-saving.
⚠️ Over-irrigation may cause root rot and weaken the plants.
5. Fertilizer Management (Which fertilizer to use in lentil farming?)
- Basal Dose: 15 kg Nitrogen, 40 kg Phosphorus, and 20 kg Potash per acre.
- Organic Fertilizers: Use cow dung manure, vermicompost.
- Micronutrients: Supply of Zinc and Sulphur increases yield.
6. Pest and Disease Management
6.1 Common Pests & Diseases
- Stem Borer
- Powdery Mildew
- Leaf Spot
6.2 Organic Control
Spraying neem oil is beneficial.
6.3 Chemical Control
Spray Carbendazim or Mancozeb when required.
6.4 Crop Monitoring
Inspect crops at 10–12 days interval.
7. Weed Control
- First weeding after 25–30 days of sowing.
- Second weeding after 45 days.
- Do manual or hoeing-based weeding.
- If necessary, spray Pendimethalin.
8. Harvesting and Storage
- Harvesting Time: When 80–90% pods mature and leaves start shedding.
- Harvesting Method: Plants are uprooted manually or cut with sickles.
- Drying: Dry harvested plants in the sun for 3–4 days.
- Storage: Store in a clean and dry warehouse.
9. Profit and Cost in Lentil Farming (Per Acre)
| Description | Quantity/Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Production | 7–9 Quintals |
| Market Price (₹6,000 per quintal) | ₹42,000 – ₹54,000 |
| Net Profit | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Profit Increasing Measures | Improved variety, timely irrigation, organic fertilizers |
10. Top FAQs about Lentil Farming
Q1: How to do lentil farming?
Ans: With proper field preparation, improved seed selection, balanced fertilizers, irrigation, and disease control, lentil farming can be done easily.
Q2: What is the right time for lentil farming?
Ans: The best time for sowing is from late October to November.
Q3: Which fertilizer should be used in lentil farming?
Ans: Use cow dung manure, vermicompost, and a balanced dose of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash.
Q4: What is the average yield of lentils?
Ans: 7–9 quintals per acre on average.
Q5: How much irrigation is required?
Ans: 2–3 irrigations, especially at flowering and pod formation stages.
Q6: What is the cost of lentil farming per acre?
Ans: Around ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 per acre.
Q7: What is the net profit from lentil farming?
Ans: Farmers can earn ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 per acre.
Q8: What are the improved varieties of lentils?
Ans: Pusa Vaibhav, K-75, IPL-406, and others.
Q9: How to control pests and diseases in lentil farming?
Ans: Use neem oil, Carbendazim, and timely crop monitoring.
Q10: Which soil is best for lentil farming?
Ans: Light loamy soil with pH 6–7.5.
Q11: What should be the plant spacing for lentils?
Ans: 8–10 cm between plants and 20–25 cm between rows.
Q12: How to increase profit in lentil farming?
Ans: Use disease-free seeds, timely irrigation, organic fertilizers, and improved varieties.
Conclusion
Lentil farming (Masoor ki Kheti) is highly profitable for farmers and improves soil fertility. With timely sowing, balanced use of fertilizers, and proper irrigation, farmers can achieve higher yield and profit.
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