Mung Bean Farming and Production Guide

March 28, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

The mung bean, also known as mongo in the Philippines, is often overlooked as a nutritional powerhouse. This versatile legume boasts an impressive protein content, making it a valuable addition to any diet. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to cultivate your mung beans, from planting to storage – a complete guide to mung bean farming.

A Nutritional Champion

Mung beans are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids the body needs. With a 20-25% protein content, they are a budget-friendly alternative to meat, especially valuable in regions where animal protein might be scarce. But their benefits extend far beyond protein. Mung beans are rich in vitamins, calcium, and sodium, addressing deficiencies common in many diets. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, promoting gut health.

mung-bean-farming — Mung bean (mongo or monggo)

A Versatile Crop

Mung beans are not just nutritious; they’re also incredibly versatile. Their green seeds are enjoyed whole or sprouted in various dishes across Asia. Sprouts are a popular addition to salads and stir-fries, while mature mung beans are cooked with meat or seafood, used in soups and stews, or ground into flour for baking. In the Philippines, mung beans are a key ingredient in beloved delicacies like hopia (sweet pastries), butse-butse (dumplings), and halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert). Beyond culinary uses, mung beans are also used for animal feed and green manure, enriching the soil for future crops.

Mung Bean Farming: Planting Your Mung Bean Patch

Mung beans thrive in warm climates with moderate rainfall. They are drought-tolerant crops, ideal for regions with limited water resources. The Philippines, with its warm temperatures and distinct dry and wet seasons, is perfectly suited for mung bean cultivation.

There are two main planting seasons for mung beans: the spring window and the more common summer planting. Planting within the preferred window maximizes yield and ensures high-quality grains. However, mung beans can be adaptable, with a specific variety selection for off-season planting.

Preparing the Soil

Mung beans prefer well-drained soils with a medium to heavy texture. They struggle in waterlogged or compacted soil. If planting after rice, ensure proper drainage to prevent root damage. Depending on your soil’s fertility and yield potential, a basal application of fertilizer (20:20:15 N:P2O5:K2O) with trace elements is recommended.

Planting Methods

Mung beans can be planted using two methods: row-seeding or broadcasting. Row-seeding offers better control over plant spacing and facilitates weed management. Broadcasting, however, is a faster method suitable for larger fields.

Seeding rates depend on germination rates. For a germination rate of 90-95%, use 30 kilograms of seeds per hectare. Adjust the seeding rate as needed based on the germination percentage of your chosen variety.

Inoculation for Enhanced Nitrogen Fixation

Like other legumes, mung beans have a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. These bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by the plant, promoting healthy growth and reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizer. Inoculate your seeds with Rhizobium before planting for optimal results.

Sprouts for Home Kitchens

While this guide focuses on growing mung beans for dried seeds, sprouting them for home consumption is a simple and rewarding process. Here’s a quick guide:

Wash and soak the desired mung beans in water overnight (10-12 hours).
Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
Place the beans in a jar covered with a breathable cloth.
Rinse and drain the beans twice daily (morning and evening).
Sprouts will appear within 2-3 days; longer sprouts take about five days.

Nutrient and Pest Management

For optimal yields, consider foliar fertilization with a potassium—and phosphorus-rich fertilizer at specific growth stages. Compatible insecticides can be combined for efficient application.

Mung bean crops are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Early monitoring and intervention are crucial. Insecticides can control beanfly, leaf folder, and pod borer infestations. Fungicides are effective against powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot. Maintaining good weed control is also essential for healthy plant growth.

Harvesting Your Mung Beans

Mung beans are ready for harvest 65-72 days after planting, indicated by brown or black pods and yellowing leaves. Harvesting is done by handpicking mature pods, a process called “priming.” Depending on the maturity of the pods, this can be repeated several times at intervals.

Drying, Threshing, and Storage

After sun-drying the pods on a clean surface, thresh them to separate the seeds. Traditional methods involve beating or trampling on the dried pods. Mechanical rice threshers can expedite the process of larger-scale mung bean farming.

Following threshing, clean the seeds by sieving or winnowing to remove debris. Now comes storage. There are several options for storing your mung beans:

Jute or nylon sacks: These are traditional and affordable storage solutions, but they must be properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
Airtight containers: Metal cans with tight lids are excellent for long-term storage, protecting the beans from moisture and pests. Cool the seeds overnight before storage to prevent condensation.
Empty cement sacks: These can be used for short-term storage, but be mindful of potential moisture issues.

To deter pests during storage, consider adding natural repellents like dried neem leaves, hot peppers, or mothballs to the containers.

Additional Tips

Consider crop rotation to maintain soil health and minimize pest and disease problems.
Research mung bean varieties best suited to your specific climate and growing conditions.
Regularly monitor your crop for signs of pests or diseases and take action promptly.
Experiment with different culinary uses for your homegrown mung beans!

By following this guide and incorporating these additional tips, you’ll be well on your way to successfully cultivating and enjoying your mung beans. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at the satisfaction and reward of growing your food!

Conclusion

Mung beans are a nutritional powerhouse within reach for any home gardener. Their adaptability, ease of cultivation, and versatility make them a valuable addition to any growing space. With some planning and effort, you can enjoy the bounty of homegrown mung beans, adding a nutritious and delicious element to your diet.