Chana, or chickpea (gram), is the most important pulse crop of India. India is the largest producer of chickpea in the world. Major growing states include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka. The ICAR Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, issues guidance for farmers. Here is a chana farming guide for the rabi season.
Soil and climate
Chana grows well in cool, dry weather. It suits well drained loam and clay loam soils. Waterlogging harms the crop, so good drainage is important.
Sowing time
In most of central and North India, chana is sown from mid October to mid November. In the south, sowing can start earlier. Late sowing increases the risk of pod borer and reduces yield. Follow the advice of your state agriculture university.
Varieties
Choose desi or kabuli varieties recommended for your area, with resistance to wilt. Buy certified seed from reliable sources.
Also Read: Mustard Farming Guide for Rabi: Sowing Time, Seed Rate, Irrigation and Pest Control Tips | Wheat Sowing Guide for Rabi Season: Best Time, Seed Rate, Varieties and Tips From ICAR
Seed rate and spacing
- Seed rate depends on seed size. Small seeded desi types need less seed than bold kabuli types.
- Rows are generally spaced about 30 cm apart.
Check the seed rate for your variety with your Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Seed treatment
- First treat seed with a recommended fungicide or bio agent such as Trichoderma to protect against wilt and root rot.
- Then treat with Rhizobium culture, which helps the plant fix nitrogen from the air.
- Phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) can also be used.
Fertiliser
Being a legume, chana needs less nitrogen. A small starter dose of nitrogen along with phosphorus is usually recommended. Follow your Soil Health Card.
Irrigation
Chana is often grown on residual moisture. Where irrigation is available, one or two light irrigations at branching and pod formation are usually enough. Excess water causes more vegetative growth and disease.
Nipping
Nipping, or plucking the tender tips of plants about 30 to 40 days after sowing, encourages branching and more pods in some areas.
Pest and disease control
- Wilt: use resistant varieties, seed treatment and crop rotation.
- Pod borer (Helicoverpa): use pheromone traps, bird perches and recommended sprays only when the pest crosses threshold levels, as advised by your KVK.
Selling
Gram is among the rabi crops with an MSP announced by the government. Check the official rate on CACP or PIB, and register with your state procurement agency if you plan to sell at MSP.
Advice for farmers
Before sowing, selling or storing your crop, check the latest information with your district agriculture department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra or mandi committee.
Bottom line
Timely sowing, seed treatment, light irrigation and close watch on wilt and pod borer are the keys to a good chana crop.
Source / स्रोत: ICAR Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, CACP
