Package of Practice on Guar Cultivation
Guar, also known as Cluster Bean, is a drought-tolerant leguminous crop primarily cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Punjab. India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of guar and its derivatives, especially guar gum, which is widely used in food, textile, and oil industries. Guar thrives best in well-drained sandy to loamy soils and requires minimal irrigation. It is usually sown during the kharif season (June–July) with the onset of monsoon. The crop matures in 3 to 4 months, making it suitable for rainfed conditions.
Soil Selection
Guar grows best in well-drained sandy to loamy soils. Proper drainage is essential for healthy plant development.
Sowing Time
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Irrigated Areas: Second fortnight of June
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Rainfed Areas: Immediately after the onset of monsoon
Seed Rate
Use 5–6 kg of seed per acre for optimal plant population.
Seed Treatment
Seeds from Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds are pre-treated with essential fungicides, insecticides, and bio-fertilizers, eliminating the need for further treatment.
Sowing Method
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Maintain row spacing of 45 cm and plant spacing of 10–15 cm for healthy growth and ease of intercultural operations.
Fertilizer Application
Apply fertilizers based on soil test results. If soil testing is not available, use the following general recommendation per acre:
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Urea: 15 kg
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DAP: 35 kg
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Arboit Zinc: 3 kg
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Potash (MOP): 16 kg
Apply all fertilizers at the time of sowing.
Weed Management
To control broadleaf weeds, spray 700 ml Pendimethalin 30 EC (Stomp) mixed in 200 liters of water per acre immediately after sowing.
Irrigation
In areas with timely monsoon rains, additional irrigation is usually not required. However, provide 1–2 irrigations during flowering and pod formation if rainfall is insufficient.
Insect Pest Management
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Aphids (Tela): Control with a spray of 200 ml Malathion 50 EC mixed in 200 liters of water per acre.
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Gall Midge: Causes malformed pod clusters. Spray 200 ml Malathion 50 EC or 250 ml Dimethoate 30 EC (Rogor) in 200 liters of water per acre.
Disease Management
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Bacterial Leaf Blight: After 45 days of sowing, spray a mix of 30 g Streptocycline and 400 g Copper Oxychloride-50 (Blitox) in 200 liters of water per acre. Repeat the spray after 10–15 days if symptoms persist.
