Performance Evaluation of Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus L.) Variety ‘Arka Amogh’ for Growth, Yield and Economic Traits under Semi-Arid Agro-Ecosystems of Telangana

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the improved Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) variety ‘Arka Amogh’ with respect to its growth, yield, and profitability under semi-arid conditions of Telangana during the rabi seasons of 2021–22 to 2023–24. The trials were carried out under the supervision of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangareddy, using frontline demonstration plots established in farmer fields across representative locations. The performance of ‘Arka Amogh’ was compared with the local cultivar commonly grown in the region. Results revealed that ‘Arka Amogh’ exhibited superior vegetative growth with an average plant height of 115.4 cm, 12.8 primary branches per plant, and 59.2 leaves per plant, contributing to vigorous canopy development and enhanced pod formation. The variety recorded a significantly higher number of pods per plant (82.6), pod length (10.4 cm), and average pod weight (7.8 g), leading to a mean pod yield of 142.3 q ha⁻¹ compared to 104.6 q ha⁻¹ in the local check as an increase of 36.0%. Economic analysis revealed that ‘Arka Amogh’ achieved higher net returns (₹2,38,700 ha⁻¹) with a benefit–cost ratio of 3.05, demonstrating its profitability and suitability for semi-arid rainfed systems. The improved varietal traits, including earliness, high pod yield, and good market acceptability, make ‘Arka Amogh’ an ideal choice for small and marginal farmers in Telangana. The findings suggest that the large-scale adoption of this variety can substantially enhance income, resource use efficiency, and resilience in Dolichos bean production under changing climatic conditions.