KCEP - CRAL Green Grams Extension Manual

Abstract

Pulses, or grain legumes in general, are an essential source of supplementary protein. They also provide energy, protein, essential minerals, vitamins and several compounds considered beneficial for good health. Their cultivation enriches soil by adding nitrogen, and improves the physical, chemical and biological soil properties. They are also well suited to diverse environments and fit in various cropping systems owing to their wide adaptability, low input requirements, fast growth, nitrogen fixing and weed smothering ability. Their short growing period and photoperiod sensitivity make them suitable for crop intensification and diversification. Not withstanding their high production potential, their productivity is generally low as these are cultivated on poor lands, with no or little inputs, and are susceptible to several abiotic and biotic stresses.Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) also known as Mung bean and in Kiswahili Ndengu is one of the potential food and cash crop pulses that have been observed to perform well in the arid regions of Kenya. The crop is commonly grown in central, south Nyanza, eastern and coastal regions. Its edible grain is characterized by good digestibility, flavor, high and easily digestible protein content and absence of any flatulence effects (Ahmed et al., 2001). Its seed contains contain approximately 374Kcal, 23.9% protein, 1.2% fat, 16.3% dietary fiber, 4.5-5.5% ash, 63% carbohydrates on dry weight basis. It’s also a crucial source of vitamins A and B complex and generous amounts of micro-nutrients such as iron and zinc which are deficient in diets among the poor, particularly pregnant women and children in Africa (Swaminathan et. al., 2012).