GAON NASP Farmer Advisory – Zaid Moong Cultivation Guide

1️⃣ Suitable Sowing Time

• The best time for sowing moong in the Zaid season in Gaya region is 15 March to 10 April.
• After wheat harvest, do light tillage and sow immediately using available soil moisture for better germination.

2️⃣ Variety Selection

• For the Zaid season, select short-duration improved moong varieties (maturing in about 60–65 days).
• Using certified quality seeds helps achieve better yield and crop performance.
• For suitable variety guidance and certified seed information, contact GAON NASP.

3️⃣ Seed Rate and Spacing

• Seed rate: 15–18 kg per hectare
• Row spacing: 25–30 cm
• Plant spacing: 8–10 cm

4️⃣ Seed Treatment

For better germination and disease protection:

• Treat seeds with Rhizobium culture
• Use Trichoderma or Carbendazim (2 g per kg seed)

This helps in nitrogen fixation and strong root development.

5️⃣ Fertilizer Application

Per hectare:

• DAP – 100 kg
  or
• NPK (20:40:20)

Additionally, apply 5–7 tons of well-decomposed farmyard manure.

6️⃣ Irrigation Management

Due to higher temperatures in Gaya during Zaid:

• First irrigation – 12–15 days after sowing
• Second irrigation – at flowering stage
• Third irrigation – during pod formation

Generally 3–4 irrigations are sufficient.

7️⃣ Weed Management

• Carry out weeding and hoeing 20–25 days after sowing.
• If required, apply Pendimethalin (pre-emergence herbicide).

8️⃣ Pest and Disease Management

Major pests:

• Whitefly
• Thrips
• Pod borer

Control measures:

• Spray Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam as recommended.
• Neem-based bio-pesticides can also be used.

9️⃣ Harvesting

• Harvest when 70–80% pods turn brown or black.
• Timely harvesting prevents pod shattering and yield loss.

🔟 Expected Yield

• Average yield in the Gaya region: 8–10 quintals per hectare
• With good management, yields can reach up to 12 quintals per hectare.

🌾 Message to Farmers
Moong is a short-duration and low-cost pulse crop suitable for the Zaid season. It not only provides additional income but also improves soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation.