Pusa 1641 Emerges as Game-Changer for Summer Moong Cultivation: Farmers Report High Yields and Profits
22 April 2025, New Delhi: As farmers across India increasingly look to diversify their cropping systems for better income and soil health, summer moong (green gram) cultivation has emerged as a profitable and sustainable option. A standout performer in this segment is Pusa 1641, a high-yielding, disease-resistant moong variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa.
Experts from IARI highlight that cultivating moong during the summer season—particularly in fields lying fallow post-rabi harvest—can significantly enhance farmers’ income while enriching soil fertility. This trend is gaining momentum in several states, with early adopters of Pusa 1641 reporting yields high enough to translate into earnings in lakhs per hectare under optimal management.
Pusa 1641: Tailored for Summer, Resistant to Key Diseases
Pusa 1641 has been specifically bred for summer cultivation in the Delhi-NCR agro-climatic zone and similar environments. Unlike traditional kharif or rabi moong varieties, which may take longer to mature and are less adapted to high summer temperatures, Pusa 1641 matures in just 55–60 days.
One of its key agronomic advantages is its strong resistance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV)—a major disease that typically affects productivity. The seed is readily available through Pusa-certified sources and has already seen adoption across parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and western Madhya Pradesh.
Optimising Agronomy for Maximum Returns
Soil Testing and Fertility Management
Experts advise conducting soil health assessments prior to sowing, especially in fields previously used for wheat cultivation. While residual nitrogen may be adequate in such cases, zinc deficiency is commonly reported and should be corrected based on soil test results to ensure proper crop establishment and yield.
Irrigation Protocols for Summer Moong
Efficient water management is critical. Pre-sowing irrigation, or paleva, should be used to prepare the seedbed. However, avoid irrigation during the first 20–25 days post-sowing, as early watering can harden the soil, negatively impacting germination and growth. Once the crop is established, irrigation can be applied based on need, but must be stopped around 50–55 days to allow proper maturation.
Pest Surveillance and Control Strategies
Moong crops grown in summer face higher pest pressure due to reduced crop cover in surrounding fields. Regular scouting at 20–25 day intervals is essential. Systemic insecticides can be used judiciously during early vegetative stages to control sucking pests and pod borers.
Using resistant varieties like Pusa 1641 also reduces the dependency on chemical inputs, thereby enhancing net profitability and environmental sustainability.
Recommended Package of Practices
- Sowing Window: April 10–15
- Seed Rate: 15–20 kg/ha
- Spacing: 30 cm between rows; 10 cm between plants
- Weed Control: Manual or chemical weeding at 20–25 days post-sowing
Moong cultivation during the summer is no longer viewed as merely a gap-filler between rabi and kharif seasons. With advanced varieties like Pusa 1641, farmers now have access to a reliable, short-duration pulse crop that delivers strong market prices, requires fewer inputs, and adds to soil nitrogen levels through biological fixation.
As climatic patterns shift and pressure mounts to optimise land use and farmer incomes, Pusa 1641 offers a scalable, climate-smart solution for both progressive and marginal farmers.
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