Gram cultivation

Information and Features of the New Advanced Chickpea Variety: With the onset of the Rabi season, farmers are gearing up for chickpea planting. They are currently preparing fields, purchasing seeds, and buying fertilizers. The government is also encouraging farmers to cultivate pulses and oilseed crops to achieve higher production. In this context, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed a new advanced variety of chickpea, named 'Pusa Chana 20211 Desi (Pusa Manav).' This variety can yield up to 32.9 quintals per hectare.

Special Features of Pusa Chana 20211 Desi (Pusa Manav):

Agricultural scientists have developed Pusa Chana 20211 Desi (Pusa Manav) specifically for Central India. States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are deemed suitable for its cultivation. Here are some of the key features of this variety:

• Crop Duration: The Pusa Chana 20211 Desi variety matures in approximately 108 days.
• Disease Resistance: This variety exhibits high resistance to Fusarium wilt and moderate resistance to diseases such as dry root rot, collar rot, stunt, and pod borer.
• Protein Content: The seeds of this variety contain about 18.9% protein.
• Seed Weight: The weight of 100 seeds is approximately 19.5 grams.
• Yield Potential: On average, this variety can yield 23.9 quintals per hectare, with a maximum potential of 32.9 quintals per hectare.

Optimal Time and Method for Sowing the Advanced Variety:

To achieve higher yields in chickpea cultivation, it is essential to sow at the right time and using appropriate methods. In irrigated and rainfed areas, sowing should occur in the first or second fortnight of October. In regions prone to wilt disease, sowing should be delayed.

Soil Selection and Field Preparation:

Light loamy soil with good drainage is considered ideal for chickpea cultivation, with a pH level between 6.6 and 7.2. The first plowing should be done with a tractor-mounted plow, followed by a cross plowing and leveling of the field.

Sowing Depth and Spacing:

Seeds should be sown at a depth that maintains moisture for the roots. In irrigated areas, seeds should be sown at a depth of 5 to 7 centimeters, while in rainfed areas, the depth should be 7 to 10 centimeters. The spacing between rows should be maintained at 30 centimeters, whereas for Kabuli chickpeas, the spacing should be 30 to 45 centimeters.

Seed Treatment and Disease Control:

Before sowing, seeds should be treated with Thiram, Mancozeb, or Carbendazim for disease control. Additionally, seeds should be treated with Chlorpyrifos to protect against wilt disease and termites. Treating seeds with Rhizobium culture has also proven beneficial in chickpea cultivation.

Summary The Pusa Chana 20211 Desi (Pusa Manav) variety offers farmers an ideal option for enhanced yields. Its advanced features, disease resistance, and high protein content are making it popular among farmers. By sowing this variety at the right time and using the proper techniques, farmers can maximize production and increase their income.