Rabi Chickpea Crop:
Botanical Name: Cicer arietinum.Chromosome Number: 2n = 16.
Origin:
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), commonly known as gram or Bengal gram, is believed to have originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is an important food crop in many countries around the world.
Geographical Distribution:
Chickpea is grown in various regions across the globe. Major producers include India, Pakistan, Turkey, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Iran, and Australia. It is adaptable to different climatic conditions and can be grown in both tropical and temperate regions.
Economic Importance:
Chickpea is a significant pulse crop with high economic importance. It is not only consumed as a staple food but also used as an ingredient in various dishes and processed foods. Chickpea cultivation contributes to food security, income generation, and employment opportunities for farmers.
Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Chickpea thrives well in well-drained, loamy to sandy loam soils. It prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimum growth. The crop is tolerant of drought conditions and can withstand high temperatures. However, excessive moisture and waterlogging can be detrimental to its growth.
Seed Rate and Spacing:
The recommended seed rate for chickpea cultivation is around 80 to 100 kilograms per hectare. The spacing between rows should be approximately 30 to 45 centimeters, while the spacing between plants within a row should be around 10 to 15 centimeters.
Seed Treatment:
Seed treatment is an essential practice to protect chickpea seeds from seed-borne diseases. Before sowing, seeds can be treated with fungicides or biocontrol agents to control pathogens. This helps improve germination, plant vigor, and overall crop health.
Varieties:
Several varieties of chickpea are available, each suited to different growing conditions. Some popular varieties include Pusa 372, Pusa 362, Pusa 391, Vijay, JG 11, JAKI 9218, and BG 256. The choice of variety should be based on local agro-climatic conditions, disease resistance, and market demand.
Cultural Practices:
1. Land Preparation: Prepare the field by plowing and harrowing to achieve a fine tilth.
2. Sowing: Sow the seeds during the recommended planting time, which varies based on the region. It is typically sown in October to November in most areas.
3. Irrigation: Provide adequate irrigation, especially during the critical growth stages like flowering and pod development. However, avoid excessive watering to prevent waterlogging.
4. Weed Control: Regular weeding or herbicide application is necessary to control weed competition. Manual weeding or the use of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides can be employed.
5. Fertilizer Application: Apply recommended doses of fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, based on soil test results. Split application of nitrogen is beneficial, with the first dose given at sowing and subsequent doses during vegetative growth stages.
6. Disease and Pest Management: Monitor the crop regularly for any signs of diseases or pest infestations. Control measures, such as foliar sprays or appropriate pesticides, should be adopted if necessary.
Yield:
The yield of chickpea can vary depending on various factors such as variety, management practices, and environmental conditions. On average, under good management, yields can range from 800 to 1500 kilograms per hectare. However, with improved practices, higher yields can be achieved.
