Entrepreneurship Skill Development in Quality Seed Production of Black Gram (Vigna mungo) cv. VBN 8
Abstract
Black gram (Vigna mungo) is a major pulse crop with significant nutritional and economic importance in India. This study focuses on entrepreneurship skill development through quality seed production of the black gram variety VBN 8. The experiment was conducted during the Kharif season at Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture farm under Randomized Block Design with three replications. Various concentrations of biofertilizers Rhizobium and Bacillus were evaluated for their effects on growth, yield parameters, and seed quality. Field inspections were conducted by Seed Certification Officers to ensure genetic purity and agro-management standards. Results indicated that 1% Rhizobium treatment significantly enhanced growth and seed yield. Certified seed production proved profitable with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.49. Neem seed kernel extract was used successfully as a biopesticide. This study demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of certified seed production as an entrepreneurial venture for rural farmers.
Keywords
Download Options
Introduction
Black gram (Vigna mungo), also known as Urd bean, is an important short-duration pulse crop contributing about 24.5 lakh tonnes of production annually in India. It accounts for 19% of India'stotal pulse acreage and 23% of pulse production, with Tamil Nadu leading in productivity (Dhanushkodi et al., 2022). The crop enriches soil fertility by nitrogen fixation through symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria (Peter Fernandes & Bhalerao, 2015). Despite its agronomic importance, productivity remains limited due to lack of quality seeds and poor crop management. Quality seed production under certified standards is critical for enhancing yield and securing farmer income (Katungi et al., 2011). This study aims to develop entrepreneurship skills by standardizing quality seed production technology for black gram cv VBN 8 in Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
Certified seed production of black gram variety VBN 8 using biofertilizer treatments is technically viable and economically profitable, offering a rewarding entrepreneurial opportunity for farmers. Adoption of recommended biofertilizer concentrations and integrated pest management can improve seed quality and yield. This study emphasizes skill development for sustainable seed production.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS Authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
