Moong dal rates sprial as production dips in UP

Lucknow, Apr 23 (UNI) 'Moong dal' once considered the poor man's food has now become an item of luxury, as its rates have shot up in Uttar Pradesh due to poor production.

Official sources said here that the production of moong variety of pulse has constantly dipped in the last five years. The pulse -- considered the most nutritous -- is available between Rs 55 and Rs 60 a kg in the retail market.

Agricultural experts claim that the production of moong can be increased if farmers accept the latest techniques of production and use advance quality seeds.

Sources said in the fiscal 2000-01, UP produced 24 Mt tonnes of moong pulse in an area spread across 53,000 ha. In 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 the production area of the pulse was 44,00, 25,000 and 38,000 ha respectively. In these years, the production dipped to 22,000, 20,000 and 18,000 Mt tonnes respectively.

The old varieties of moong has stagnated its per hectare production to 622 kg, whereas the 11 advanced varieties can increase the output to 1500 kg per ha.

Experts said while the pulse itself provides sufficient proteins, the plant of the pulse can work as as excellent 'green fertlizer' for the farm land.

Moong pluse is grown in Etah, Etawah, Aligarh, Deoria, Farookhabad, Mathura, Lalitpur, Kanpur and Ghazipur districts of the state and are ready for sale in 60 to 75 days.

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