annual progress report 2011-12 dac-icarda-icar ... annual progress report 2011-12 dac-icarda-icar...

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Annual Progress Report 2011-12 DAC-ICARDA-ICAR Collaborative Project

on

“Enhancing Grasspea Production for Safe Human Food, Animal Feed and Sustainable Rice-based Production

Systems in India”

Submitted to

National Food Security Mission

Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (Crop Division)

Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India

Submitted by

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)

South Asia & China Regional Program (SACRP), New Delhi

In collaboration with Indian Institutions

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Table Of Contents

Sl. No. Item Page Nos.

General Information 3-4

Executive Summary 5-7

1 Introduction

1.1 Objectives

8-9

9

2 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) 10

3 Activities and Outcomes

3.1 Target Districts; Villages and Area Coverage

3.2 Seed Distribution

3.3 Achievements

3.3.1 BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal

3.3.2 PORS, Berhampore, West Bengal

3.3.3 UBKV, Cooch Behar, West Bengal

3.3.4 IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

3.3.5 SPARK, Patna, Bihar

3.3.6 IGFRI, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

3.3.7 ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

10-30

11

12

12-14

14-16

16-18

18-20

21-22

22-25

26-30

4 Seed Production 30-31

5 Capacity Building and Exchange of Scientists

5.1 Capacity building, strengthening of the seed production chain

involving farmers (Training, Farmers’ Day, Workshop and

Awareness Camps)

5.2 Scientific Visits/Exchange of Scientists

31-34

31-33

34

6 Publications (Literature Published) 34

7 Technical Program 2012-13 35-36

8 Research Staff 37

Project Centres and Project Sites 38

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General Information

Name of the Project : “Enhancing Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

production for safe human food, animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India”

Sanction No. & Date : CPS No. 5-34/2010-NFSM Dt. 29.10.2010

Name of Coordinator : Dr. Ashutosh Sarker

Coordinator ICARDA South Asia & China Reg. Program NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus New Delhi-110012

Report Period : 2011-2012 Technical Program : 2011-2012

1. Selection of 2-3 new villages in each selected districts with retention of 50% earlier

selected farmers

2. Benchmark survey through PRA and selection of 10-15 farmers/farmer groups in

intensive grasspea-growing areas in the selected districts/villages of states involved in

the project

3. Supply of inputs and verification and demonstration of low-ODAP varieties (Nirmal,

Prateek, Ratan, Mahateora) and improved technology (seed rate, time of planting,

priming and weeding schedules, etc.) to be conducted in farmers’ fields. This will lead

to select farmer-preferred varieties, which will enable faster technology

dissemination, adoption and farmer-to-farmer seed diffusion

4. IGFRI, Jhansi to evaluate grasspea lines for high biomass and quality for fodder and

feed and value addition

5. ICARDA and IGKVV will develop and supply new low-ODAP lines with higher grain and

fodder yields to test in various agro-ecologies of project areas, importing from

Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Syria, if need be

6. Quality/certified seed production of improved varieties will primarily be carried out

by public organizations. In addition to that, seed production will be carried out

through contract farmers and NGOs, if necessary

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7. To develop new varieties, a farmer-participatory varietal selection approach (PVS) will

be followed. All available low-toxin lines will be planted in farmers’ fields at several

sites in each state. Individual farmers, groups of farmers, extensionists, NGO staff and

the breeders will participate in selection of promising lines for eventual release. ODAP

analysis will be carried out at IGKVV and at ICARDA before release of a variety

8. As a part of human resources development, farmers will be empowered by NGO and

extension staff for post and pre-harvest trainings through Farmers’ Field School,

Farmers’ Fair, Travelling Workshops and Field Days

9. Women/house-wives will be specifically trained on removal of toxic compounds

before consumption by various methods. This information will also be broadcasted by

mass media, poster, leaflets, etc.

10. Arranging visit of scientists & research/development managers to Syria and India (as

the case may be) for field evaluation and selection of lines suitable to Indian

conditions for incorporation in project areas and beyond

11. Annual workshop, publication of training materials and mid-term evaluation

12. Seed production of selected varieties by farmers and creation of Village Seed Hub

13. Biochemical parameters including ODAP estimation at IGFRI, Jhansi

14. Analysis of data and selection of lines with good biomass and animal nutrition quality

15. Evaluation of lines at IGFRI, Jhansi for agro-morphological and animal nutritional

parameters

16. Monitoring and evaluation of various activities at different project sites by team of

scientists from ICARDA

17. Annual workshop of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR

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Executive Summary

With financial assistance received from National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Department

of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture (Govt. of India) a pilot project entitled

“Enhancing Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe human food, animal feed and

sustainable rice-based production systems in India” has been implemented to address the issues

related to enhancing production, productivity and also popularization of low toxin grasspea varieties

in the country; and ultimately boosting national pulse production by encouraging underutilized crops

like Khesari, to develop and promote various technologies detoxify the -ODAP to enable availability

of safe food and feed and to implement activities that relate to enhancement of grasspea

production in rice fallows.

The activities primarily aimed at development and adaptation of technologies to enhance

grasspea productivity in rice fallows along with ensuring nutritional safety by replacement of high

ODAP grasspea varieties with low ODAP high yielding varieties. Collaborative activities with

strategically located and mandated international and national agricultural Research and

Development Programmes constitute the mainstay of our activities especially with regard to

extending the improved technologies of grasspea cultivation in target states.

As the project was sanctioned on 29th October, 2010, it could start only by November, 2010,

when most of the grasspea sowing was at the end. It resulted in unavailability of low ODAP grasspea

seed and very little progress was made during the first year. So practically, 2011-12 is the year of

effective implementation. The collaborating partner, IIPR, Kanpur did not take up the work and

surrendered the 1st year fund un-utilized. With the approval of DAC, Min. of Agriculture vide Letter

No. 5-34/2010-NFSM dt. 13.7.2011, two new co-operating centres, PORS, Berhampore and BCKV,

Kalyani in West Bengal were added in place of IIPR, Kanpur, with revision of budget of BCKV, PORS

and IGKV, Raipur (this SAU also did not start the project during 2010-11). During 2011-12 under the

project several activities as per stated objectives of the project were carried out and these are briefly

presented hereunder:

Four low toxin, high yield and higher biomass verities, Nirmal, Prateek, Mahateora and Ratan

were introduced

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Table: Salient achievements made under grasspea enhancement project during 2011-12

Particulars Research Institutions Total

ICARDA PORS, Berhampore

UBKV, Cooch Behar

BCKV, Kalyani

SPARK, Patna

IGKV, Raipur

IGFRI, Jhansi

Target Districts 2 1 2 3 1 3 1 13

Villages covered 22 5 17 27 4 4 4 83

Area covered (Acre) 143 47 140 42 94 80 15 561

Farmers (Nos.) 251 127 199 298 39 34 10 958

Seeds distributed (kg)

Nirmal 3500 550 2500 1200 2500 - 100 10350

Ratan 1000 550 - 400 700 - - 2650

Prateek 240 - - - - 920 - 1160

Mahateora 100 - - 100 - 370 - 570

Total (kg) 14730

Avg. Yield (kg/ha)

Nirmal 1386 1846 1150 1238 1341 - 900 1310.2

Ratan 1446 1950 - 1465 1414 - - 1568.8

Prateek 1375 - - - - 1108 - 1241.5

Mahateora 1369 - - 791 - 1132 - 1097.3

Yield Advantage over local (%)

Upto 45 19-43 Upto 62 21-29 20-46 45-88 Upto 40

Seed Produced (kg)

Nirmal 26350 16725 - 19250 19300 - 900 82525

Ratan 16021 17949 - 4900 19100 - - 57970

Prateek 3690 - - - - 2600 - 6290

Mahateora 652 - - 450 - 1525 - 2627

Total 149610

Variety/Technology Impact Assessment

Imp. Variety V/s Local

31-38% - - - - - - 31-38%

Imp. Technology V/s F.P.

13-43% - - - - - - 13-43%

Demonstration and farmers’ participatory varietal selection programme with tow toxin and high

biomass varieties were taken up in 561 Acre (224.4 ha) area introduced (no target was fixed).

1496.10 qtls of low toxin Grasspea seed, certified by State Seed Certifying Agency were produced

against the target of 200.00 qtls seed for replacement of high toxin seeds next year. Four Seed hubs

for the production of low toxin and high biomass seed production has been established (no target

was fixed). Two trainings of trainers, 37 workshops, 15 trainings on seed production / PHT/

Processing including one women’s training and 4 awareness villages level camps were organized

during 2011-12 under the project in the selected districts. Project has been implemented only in the

rice-fallow and degraded land without replacement of any other crop. Farmers selected two best

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varieties viz.; Ratan and Nirmal for high yield of seed and biomass having low toxin and have been

put under seed production by the seed hubs. Trials were conducted for assessing impact of

Improved Variety V/s Locals and Improved Technology V/s Farmer’s Practice revealed an advantage

of 31-38 per cent and 13-43 per cent respectively. Introduction of high- biomass and low toxin

grasspea varieties for enhancing fodder and straw yields: 57 advance breeding lines of GIYT-

E/HB/LO introduced (no target was fixed). 54 germplasm lines were also provided to the partners

for their utilization in their crop improvement programme.

Information on improved technology and low toxin grasspea varieties of grasspea and

various approaches for reduction of ODAP content in seeds of grasspea were published for

circulation among the grasspea growing farmers, in common as well as local languages. A list of all

publications is appended at end.

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1. Introduction Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) also called as Khesari/Teora/Lakh/Lakhadi is one amongst

various popular pulse crops in India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Pakistan. It is also grown in many

countries of Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Chile and Brazil mainly for animal feed and to

a lesser extent as human food. Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) occupies an important place amongst

pulses in both rabi as well as kharif season in grasspea growing states of the country viz.

Chattishgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam, West Bengal and

eastern Uttar Pradesh. Because of its easy and low-cost cultivation, and its resistance to drought,

flood, salinity, diseases and insect pest attack, farmers are attracted to grow this crop despite of

official discouragement. When other crops fail due to adverse conditions, grasspea can be the only

available food source for the poorest section in grasspea growing regions. It is predominantly grown

as a relay crop, popularly known as utera, in rice field, which is a well established popular rice-based

cropping systems and farmers do not have a better alternative under such a harsh rainfed

conditions. Grasspea is also grown as mixed and intercrop with other rabi crops, thus minimizes risk

of total crop failure. It is a rich source of protein (up to 34%) and contains essential micronutrients,

thereby providing nutritional security to its consumers, who are mostly poor section of the society.

Keeping advantage of this its cultivation packages were already worked out for betterment of

grasspea growing farmers of the country.

Primarily it is used in the form of Dal, Pakoda, and Flour, and in some parts it is used for

adulteration with Tur dal and Gram Flour. Local people are of the opinion that mixing flour of

grasspea in gram flour the Pakodas adds to taste of their desire. But presence of Beta-ODAP (β -N-

oxalyl –L- α, β-diaminopropionic acid) in seeds is highly undesirable, which causes neuro-lathyrism a

“nutritional curse” if consumed excessive for a longer period of 4 to 5 months continuously in major

quantities (>400 gms per day) caused an ambivalent reputation to the crop.

Therefore cultivation of low-ODAP/ODAP-free cultivars is highly desirable. In this endeavor,

low-toxin (<0.1%) grasspea varieties with higher yields having desirable attributes like disease and

pest resistance along with matching production technologies have been developed by various Indian

institutions and ICARDA:

Variety Toxin level

Ratan

Prateek

Mahateora

Nirmal

0.06%

0.08%

0.07%

0.15% (duel)

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The pilot project entitled “Enhancing grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe

human food, animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India” is planned to

address the issues related to enhancing production, productivity and also popularization of low toxin

varieties in the country and ultimately boosting national pulse production by encouraging

underutilized crop like Khesari and also to develop and promote various technologies detoxify the -

ODAP to enable availability of safe food and feed.

1.1. Objectives

The Pilot project “Enhancing grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe human food,

animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India” was undertaken in

collaboration with Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh; Indira

Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh; Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research

and Knowledge, Patna, Bihar; Uttar Banga Krishi Vishvidyalaya, Cooch Bihar, West Bengal; Bidhan

Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal and Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station,

Berhampore, West Bengal with the following major objectives during 2011-12:

1. Enhancing fodder and straw yields through introduction of high- biomass and low toxin grass

pea varieties to support nutritional feed & fodder where only paddy straw is available as cattle

feed

2. Replacement of indigenous high toxin grass pea varieties available with farmers with low toxin

& high biomass varieties through farmers’ participatory approach

3. Identification of new grass pea varieties through adaptive research, multi-locational testing by

farmers’ participatory selection

4. Developing strong seed production and distribution system of quality dual purpose seeds of

farmers’-preferred varieties along with matching production technologies

5. Capacity building of farmers , extension personnel etc. for farmer-participatory adaptive

research and technology transfer for adoption and expansion of improved production

technologies, quality seed production through training, visits, workshops, seminars et al.

6. Back-up research (farmers’ participatory) for further identification of grass pea varieties and

refinement of production technologies

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2. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

Participatory Rural Appraisal conducted in the target districts in the major grasspea growing

states revealed useful information, which are:

1. Farmers’ have a tradition of lathyrus cultivation (>60%) for feed and fodder purpose

2. The grasspea growing farmers have never practiced soil testing

3. Seed treatment with fungicide and Rhizobium is not known to farmers

4. Improved production technology of grasspea cultivation is not availbale

5. Quality seeds of low ODAP high yielding grasspea varieties not available, and

6. No knowledge of post harvest technologies, etc. is available to farming community

3. Activities and Outcomes

Various research and developmental activities carried out during 2011-12 under the project at

different research centers and their outcomes are discussed hereunder:

Technology Interventions infused-

Seeding

• Using zero till seed drill at the rate of 40-50 kg/ha instead of utera/paira* cultivation

• Seed treatment with fungicide, Carbendazim (1 g a.i. / kg seed) + Thiram (2 g/ kg seed)

• Seed priming with Rhizobium inoculum (15-20 gm/kg seed)

Nutrition

• N:P:K:S @ 20: 50: 30: 20 Kg ha-1

(Phosphocompost/FYM/green manure @ 5 t ha-1 to maintain soil health)

Weed management

• Pendimethalin P.E. @ 1.5 kg ai/ha

• Post-emergence herbicide Quinzalofop-ethyl (Targasuper) @ 40-50 gm/ha at 15-20 DAS or

one hand weeding at 40-45 DAS

Insect and disease management

Aphids

• 5% crude neem extract or 2% neem oil 3000 ppm or Dimethoate 30 EC (1.7 ml/l) and

Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.2 ml/l

• Coccinellid beetles, their grubs and Chrysoperla

Powdery mildew

• Foliar spray of wettable Sulphur/Sulfex/Thiovit @ 3 kg/ha, or carbendazim 50 WP @ 1 g/l

(0.05%), benlate (0.05%) and topsin-M (0.15%) for management of powdery mildew

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• Spray with NSKE @ 50 g/l or eucalyptus leaf extract 10% at initiation of the disease may also

be done

• Seed treatment with Carbendazim (1 g a.i. / kg seed) + Thiram (2 g/ kg seed) should be done

for management of soil borne disease viz., Fusarium wilt, downy mildews and seed/seedling

rots

3.1. Target Districts; villages and area coverage

During crop year 2011-12 the project “Enhancing grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe

human food, animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India” was undertaken

in a total of 13 districts covering a total of 83 villages. Low toxin grasspea varieties were introduced

to a total of 958 farmers in four target states covering an area of 561 acres. In Uttar Pradesh and

Bihar a total of 300 farmes were involved in the project from 30 villages of four districts namely

Chandauli and Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh; and Nalanda and Patna in Bihar covering an area of 252 acres

of land; in Chhattisgarh the project was implemented in 4 villages of three districts with the majority

under grasspea covering an area of 80 acres with involvement of 34 farmers, while in West Bengal

624 farmers were selected for project implementation having an area of 229 acres in 47 villages of 6

districts. The names of villages involved in the project are given in the table below:

Particulars Target Districts

Villages covered

Area covered (Acre)

Farmers (Nos.)

Village Name

ICARDA 2 22 143 251 Nalanda- Chandi, Kooruth, Jalapur, Tina, Paradisha, Lacchubigha, Mahoori, Badhauna, Ariawan, Bhadaru, Shahpur, Khapura & Premanbigha Chandaluli - Barora, Khuruhja, Mainpur, Ramlaxmanpur, Amarshipur, Katwa Mafi, Kanera & Rampur

SPARK, Patna 1 4 94 39 Auta, Sihi, Yaropur and Gopalpur

IGFRI, Jhansi 1 4 15 10 Mahobkanth, Sarsai , Aunta , Itkaur and Chilli

PORS, Murshidabad

1 5 47 127 Basudebkhali, Maharajpur, Sargachhi, Tentulia and Gazipur

UBKV, Koch Behar

2 17 140 199 Patchora, Petbhata, Folimari, Maghpala, Chilkarhat, Marangabari, Barabhita, Nayarhat, Kharikabari, Paradubi , Petla Nepra, Changmari, Salmara, Panikhawa, Chhotosalbari, Falakata and Dhanirampur

BCKV, Kalyani

3 27 42 298 Khulna, Hatganda, Bermajur, Rabinagar, Manmathnagar, Jargopalpur, Atapur, Manipur, Pirraboni, Khanta, Moutora, Gopalpur, Jambedia, Bagdiha, Poragola, Dolpur, Malbedia, Raghabpur, Durgapur, Shibpur, Kamagachi and Dakshin Chandamari

IGKV, Raipur 3 4 80 34 Madanpur, Khamtarai, Gidha and Sonth prasada

Total 13 83 561 958

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3.2. Seed distribution

Under the grasspea enhancement project during crop season 2011-12 a total 147.30 quintals of

quality seeds of low ODAP grasspea varieties were distributed for replacement of high toxin low

yielding grasspea in the target states. Centre-wise/variety-wise seed distribution is mentioned

hereunder:

Seeds distributed (kgs)

ICARDA PORS, Murshidabad

UBKV, Koch Behar

BCKV, Kalyani

SPARK, Patna

IGKV, Raipur

IGFRI, Jhansi

Total

Nirmal 3500 550 2500 1200 2500 - 100 10350

Ratan 1000 550 - 400 700 - - 2650

Prateek 240 - - - - 920 - 1160

Mahateora 100 - - 100 - 370 - 570

Total (Kgs) 14730

In all the areas the seeds were distributed as replacement of high toxin local cultivars and for

assuring this the seeds of high toxin varieties were crushed and fed to the animals. Proper care is

also taken in terms of isolation distance (400m) for production high quality seeds of the introduced

low toxin varieties of grasspea.

3.3. Achievements

Under the grasspea enhancement, all the partners performed activities as mentioned in the project

proposal and also as per the objectives assigned to respective research centres.

3.3.1. BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Kalyani, West Bengal was included as our new

project partner in West Bengal during the year 2011-12. BCKV, Kalyani introduced low toxin grasspea

varieties of grasspea in 9 villages of Bankura; 5 villages in Nadia and 13 villages of salinity affected

coastal areas of South 24 Parganas, covering an area of 42 acres involving 298 farmers. Most of the

areas where low toxin grasspea were introduced were either rice fallows or the lands affected with

salinity or the waste lands. BioL 212 (Ratan) in Nadia district

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With concerted efforts in the target areas farmers realized very good yields of low toxin/safe

grasspea varieties over traditionally grown grasspea cultivars with high toxin. In general 21-29 per

cent higher yields were obtained except for Mahateora.

In the districts of Nadia, Bankura and South 24 Parganas with farmer participatory varietal selection

Ratan and Nirmal were selected as farmer preferred varieties and were ranked I and II respectively

on the basis of preference of the farmers.

In addition to higher grain yields farmers also got good yields in terms of green fodder in areas

where no fodder is available for feeding the milking animals.

Besides the stated objectives as per project Evaluation of around 200 genotypes of lathyrus were

done in Research Farm of BCKV- to identify high biomass low ODAP lines. Multilocation evaluation of

selected varieties and advanced lines through farmer’s participatory approach. Evaluation of high

biomass received from ICARDA and from various breeding generation was also carried out and few

high biomass lies were selected. The biomass ranged from 9.72-42.46 g/plant.

1049 1116 792

1041 860

Nirmal variety in gangajolghati, Bankura

Poor crop establishment due to early moisture stress in Malbedia, Bankura

Farmers field at Moutora cluster of Bankura

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Grasspea lines

received from

ICARDA*/Breeding

Populations

Single plant

dry biomass

(g)

Grasspea lines

received from

ICARDA*/Breeding

Populations

Single plant

dry biomass

(g)

Range

27202* 18.57 28114* 19.78 9.72 - 42.46 g

27203* 28.47 28115* 26.48

27212* 19.50 BK-8-1 32.51

27213* 42.46 BK-10-1 32.00

27215* 39.99 BK-6-1 26.00

28101* 23.05 BK-212-4 30.05

28102* 17.81 BK-31-4 33.40

28103* 39.93 BK-13-2 29.41

28105* 18.07 BK-10-2 29.13

28106* 23.8 P-24 23.01

28108* 20.98 NIRMAL 21.03

28109* 20.07 Bankura Local 13.18

3.3.2. PORS, Berhampore, West Bengal

In Murshidabad district of West Bengal, Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station (PORS), Berhampore

was given the responsibility for undertaking the project activities. In the district five villages as

shown in figure below were selected for project implementation covering an area of 47 acres with

involvement of 127 farmers. Here two low ODAP grasspea varieties namely Nirmal and Ratan were

introduced to the farmers under normal and Utera method of cultivation.

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Village Block No. of

farmers

Area

(acre)

Nirmal Ratan

Normal

(acre)

Utera

(acre)

Normal

(acre)

Utera

(acre)

Basudebkhali

Maharajpur

Sargachhi

Tentulia

Gazipur

Berhampore 25 07 - 3.3 1.7 2.0

Berhampore 22 10 1.3 3.7 1.3 3.7

Beldanga-I 24 10 5.0 - 5.0 -

Mur-Jiaganj 30 10 5.0 - 5.0 -

Suti-II 26 10 5.0 - 5.0 -

TOTAL 127 47 16.3 7.0 18.0 5.7

Under normal condition Nirmal and Ratan varieties were sown in 16.3 and 18.0 acres and in Utera

condition these varieties were sown in 7.0 and 5.7 acres area respectively.

Nirmal (Utera) Ratan (Utera)

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Village

Mean Seed Yield (Kg/ha)

Variety Mean

Mean yield of FP

% Increase over FP Nirmal Ratan

Sargachhi 1723 1805 1764 1125 56.8

Gazipur 1780 1889 1835 1463 25.4

Basudebkhali 1943 1852 1898 1500 26.5

Tentulia 1978 2223 2101 1575 33.4

Maharajpur 1812 1962 1887 1125 67.7

Mean 1847 1946 1897 1358 39.7

% Increase over FP 36.1 43.4 39.7

In the selected villages of Murshidabad district farmers realized 36.7 to 43.4 per cent higher yields

over traditionally grown grasspea cultivars having high toxin content. Mean yield advantage over

local cultivars in the villages, Saragachhi, Gazipur, Basudebkhali, Tentulia and Maharajpur was 56.8,

25.4, 26.5, 33.4 and 67.7 per cent respectively. With farmer participatory varietal selection Ratan (I)

and Nirmal (II) were selected as preferred grasspea varieties.

At Maharajpur village farmers fetched good amount of revenue by selling their crop as green fodder.

Table: Green fodder value realised by farmers at Maharajpur village in Murshidabad district

Variety Area (ha) Selling Rate (Rs.) Sold at

Nirmal 0.133 Rs. 3000 65 DAS

Nirmal 0.133 Rs. 2800 63 DAS

Mean Rs. 2900 (Rs. 21,750/ ha)

Ratan 0.133 Rs. 3450 70 DAS

Ratan 0.133 Rs. 3300 67 DAS

Mean Rs. 3375 (Rs. 25,313/ ha)

3.3.3. UBKV, Cooch Behar, West Bengal

In district Cooch Behar villages Patchora, Petbhata, Folimari, Maghpala, Chilkarhat, Marangabari,

Barabhita, Nayarhat, Kharikabari, Paradubi , Petla Nepra, Changmari, Salmara, Panikhawa,

Chhotosalbari and in JalPaiguri District Falakata and Dhanirampur village was selected for

implementation of grasspea enhancement project during crop season 2011-12. Uttar Banga Krishi

Vishwavidyalaya, Pundbari, Cooch Behar was the project implementing agency in these two districts.

Here only one grasspea variety Nirmal was introduced to the grasspea growing farmers and a total

of 199 farmers were involved in the project covering an area of 140 acres in two districts. Most of

the farmers belong to marginal category.

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Following are the major cropping

patterns in these districts:

i) Jute/ summer vegetables - Rice-

fallow

ii) Rice-winter pulses / tobacco

/winter oilseeds / winter

vegetables cropping intensity-

200%

Broadcasting Grasspea Inoculated Seeds in Standing Paddy Field as Paira Crop

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Crop was sown from 28th October to 20th November, 2011, and after following standard crop

cultivation package, the farmers realized an average yield of 10.0-11.5 qtls/ha compared to 6.0-7.0

qtls/ha yield of local grasspea cultivars with high toxin, resulting into an yield advantage of 37.5-62.0

per cent of Nirmal over locals.

In addition to carrying out activities as per stated objectives three advanced grasspea nurseries

namely GIYT-E/HB and LO-2011 were also evaluated at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya,

Pundbari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal and several promising lines were identified and selected for

involving them in their crop improvement program.

3.3.4. IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh the state with lion share under grasspea cultivation is one of the target states under

the grasspea enhancement project. During crop season 2011-12 grasspea enhancement project was

implemented in three major districts namely, Raipur Durg and Bilaspur with involvement of 34

farmers covering an area of 80 acres. Lack of high yielding varieties with low ODAP content, lack of

suitable agro-technology for Utera cultivation, non-availability of quality seed of improved varieties

and lack of knowledge about improved varieties and technologies are considered as major

constraints for grasspea cultivation in the state. The project was implemented in four villages namely

Khamtarai, Sonth Prasada, Gidha and Madanpur during rabi season 2011. In Chhattisgarh, two low

ODAP grasspea varieties namely Prateek and Mahateora were introduced to the grasspea growing

HYV-Nirmal

Local

19

farmers. With provision of improved cultural practices farmers realized upto 88 per cent higher

yields compared to traditionally cultivated high toxin grasspea cultivars.

Name of variety

Introduced

Districts No. of villages

covered

No. of farmers

Yield (kg/ha.) excluding

damaged

crop area

% yield improvement over

local

Prateek Durg

Bilaspur Raipur

2

1 1

6

10 10

925

1108 875

54.1

84.6 45.8

Mahateora Durg

Bilaspur Raipur

1

1 1

4

2 2

1002

1132 925

67.0

88.6 54.6

Total 4 34

In Chhattisgarh heavy rains during the month of

January during flowering stage caused severe flower

drop and resulted in poor yields although the crop was

very good during vegetative stage.

The crop was also affected by thrips that also resulted

in poorer yields.

In addition three advanced grasspea nurseries were also evaluated at IGKV, Raipur the results of

these trials are summarised hereunder:

GIYT-E-2012 for earliness

Top five entries in yield out of 16 entries

• Mahateora – 12.81 q/ha maturing in 107 days (ODAP- 0.164 %)

• IF 1348 – 11.58 q/ha maturing in113 days (ODAP- 0.326 %)

• IF 1328 – 8.03 q/ha maturing in 109 days (ODAP- 0.331 %)

• IF 2156 – 7.53 q/ha maturing in 118 days (ODAP- 0.380%)


20

GIYT-HB-2012 for High biomass

Top five entries in yield out of 25 entries –


• IF 1309 – 18.16 q/ha maturing in100 days (ODAP- 0.266 %)




GIYT-LO-2012 for Low ODAP

Top five entries in yield out of 16 entries –


• IF 1310 – 10.53 q/ha maturing in119 days (ODAP- 0.252%)




Field view of sets of experiments

for GIYT-E-2012, GIYT-HB-2012 &

GIYT-LO-2012 received from

ICARDA, conducted for earliness,

high biomass and low ODAP

content.

21

3.3.5. Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research and Knowledge (SPARK),

Patna

In Patna district in Bihar Two grasspea varieties Nirmal and Ratan were introduced in four villages

namely, Auta, Sihi, Yaropur & Gopalpur covering an area of 94 acres with involvement of 39 framers

in rice-fallows. A total of 41 demonstrations were conducted to educate farmers about the

advantages of high yielding varieties and improved technology over farmer’s variety and farmers

practice. Recommended agronomic practices

were followed for cultivation of HYV of low

toxin grasspea varieties like; seed priming,

seed treatment with rhizobium and fungicides,

nutrition and proper after care was also

assured in terms of weed management/pest

and disease management.

A famer applying 2% urea Spray

as Technological Intervention

Healthy Grasspea Crop

22

Table: Performance of improved grasspea varieties in Patna district in Bihar

Sl. No.

Varieties % of farmers % increase of Improved over Local

Rank

Av. of Local

Av. of Improved

1 Ratan 53.00 936.25 1278.50 36.75 I

2 Nirmal 46.75 1043.75 1246.25 19.75 II

With active involvement of farmers and as also revealed by table above Ratan was selected as best

variety followed by Nirmal over farmer’s variety with high toxin content.

3.3.6. IGFRI, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

IGFRI, Jhansi the institute with mandate for research on grasses and forage crops was given

responsibility of evaluation of introduced grasspea varieties and advanced breeding nurseries and

germplasm for their feeding quality. Nirmal, Ratan, Mahateora, Pusa 24, Prateek and 18 exotic

germplasm lines were evaluated for agronomic features the results are summarised hereunder in

table:

PL HT (cm)

Leaf length (cm)

Leaf width (cm)

days to first flowering

Days to 50% flowering

GFY kg /sq m

Min 25.00 4.38 0.53 52 73 0.25

Max 78.08 8.60 1.52 59 91 1.30

Av 60.16 6.99 1.20 54 77 0.80

Mahateora 37.00 5.30 0.67 57 87 0.82

Prateek 40.33 5.50 0.57 67 87 0.91

Ratan 59.20 6.73 1.07 52 84 1.23

Nirmal 42.00 6.47 0.78 52 83 1.16

PUSA 24 55.20 6.18 1.07 52 81 1.46

“Ratan”- Farmer Preferred variety

23

IGFRI evaluation trials

Besides tow GIYT trials for low ODAP and biomass were also evaluated for agronomic features. The

results are presented in table below:

Table: Morphological characterization of GIYT-LO-2011

PL HT (cm)

Leaf length (cm)

Leaf width (cm)

Days to flowering initiation

Days to 50%

flowering

GFY kg /sq m

Min 29.25 5.00 0.43 52 84 0.76

Max 40.72 7.47 0.78 68 107 1.53

Av 34.39 6.34 0.58 55 92 1.09

Ratan 34.10 4.78 0.67 52 84 0.90

Nirmal 35.58 6.50 0.75 52 84 0.63

PUSA-24 41.42 6.37 0.78 53 84 0.57

Table: Morphological characterization of GIYT-HB-2011

PL HT (cm)

Leaf length (cm)

Leaf width (cm)


Days to 50%

flowering

GFY kg /sq m

Min 28.55 4.72 0.37 52 83 0.81

Max 45.45 8.13 0.73 60 99 1.86

Av 36.89 6.52 0.54 54 88 1.19

Nirmal 49.50 8.02 0.80 53 83 0.53

Ratan 38.43 7.42 0.58 55 83 1.05

From these advanced trials promising high yielding (grain and Biomass) lines were selected for

involvement in crop improvement program.

24

Nutritional evaluation

At 50% flowering stage: The crude protein content varied (P<0.01) greatly among the

different accessions and ranged from 13.97- 21.32 percent in accession EC-25 and accession E14-

41107, respectively; NDF ranged from 35.72 – 52.45 %; ADF 27.18- 41.45 %; Hemicellulose 6.50-

14.43; Cellulose 20.17-32.45% and lignin 4.70-9.39 % at 50 percent flowering stage. The results of

nutritional evaluation trial are presented here in table:

NDF% ADF% Hemicellulose Lignin CP%

Avg 44.84 35.03 9.85 7.75 17.38

Min 35.72 27.18 6.50 4.70 13.97

Max 52.45 41.45 14.43 9.39 21.32

Ratan 41.4 31.6 9.8 7.3 17.6

Pusa-24 42.8 32.3 10.5 7.6 16.2

At maturity stage: CP content decreased with advancement of maturity and ranged from 8.85-

12.58 %, in accession EC-21 and E19-41118, respectively. Fiber fractions increased with the plant

maturity, the lignin content showed maximum increase over checks.

NDF% ADF% Hemicellulose Lignin CP

Avg 52.72 38.14 14.80 9.56 10.68

Min 45.66 33.44 7.69 7.74 8.85

Max 59.06 43.41 21.42 12.72 12.58

Rattan 54.0 33.3 20.7 7.3 10.2

Pusa-24 51.6 35.8 15.8 9.5 10.7

In vivo nutritional evaluation

To determine the nutrient intake and utilization on grass pea based feeding, a feeding trial of 30

days duration followed by 7days digestibility trial was conducted on 12 crossbred heifers. The

chemical analysis of samples collected during digestibility trial is under progress.

Besides the responsibility of evaluating the feeding quality of introduced grasspea varieties

demonstrations in farmers’ fields were also conducted in five villages of Hamirpur and Mahoba

districts in fields of 10 farmers covering an area of 15 acres.

25

District Village Date of Sowing Green Fodder Kg/ha

Seed Yield Kg/ha

Mahaoba Mahobkanth 25/11/11-6/12/11 2000 1100

Hamirpur Sarsai 30/11/2011 2500 825

Aunta 23/11/2011 2000 860

Itkaur 22/11/2011 1450 1250

Chilli 3/12/2011 1567 870

Besides all these activities, germplasm collection from farmer’s field was also done from nearby

districts and a total of 28 lines were collected and were evaluated for morphological characters. The

results are presented in table below:

PL HT (cm)

Leaf length (cm)

Leaf width (cm)


Days to 50%

flowering GFY kg / sq.m

Min 52.08 4.38 0.53 52 73 0.25

Max 78.08 8.60 1.50 59 91 1.30

Av 63.65 6.75 1.08 54 76 0.82

Ratan 65.23 7.72 1.40 53 74 0.33

Nirmal 65.38 5.83 1.00 55 76 1.07

PUSA-24 64.53 8.38 1.52 58 81 1.00

Field view of introduced low

ODAP grasspea variety Nirmal in

farmer’s field

26

3.3.7. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas-

South Asia & China Regional Program (ICARDA-SACRP), New Delhi

ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi, implemented the project in two grasspea growing districts of Uttar

Pradesh (Chandauli-Barora, Khuruhja, Mainpur, Ramlaxmanpur, Amarshipur, Katwa Mafi, Kanera &

Rampur) and Bihar (Nalanda-Chandi, Kooruth, Jalapur, Tina, Paradisha, Lacchubigha, Mahoori,

Badhauna, Ariawan, Bhadaru, Shahpur, Khapura & Premanbigha) covering an area of 143 acres of

land in 22 villages involving 251 farmers. Four low toxin grasspea varieties namely, Nirmal, Ratan,

Prateek and Mahateora were provided to the farmers along with recommended improved package

of practices in the target districts. With active involvement of farmers throughout the crop season

farmers realized up to 45 per cent higher yields over farmers variety cultivated with traditional

cultivation practice.

Most of the areas covered under introduced crop

were either the fields where there is tradition of

grasspea cultivation or rice fallows/barren lands

left uncultivated during rabi season. The crop is

sown as paira in most of the areas and in some

areas using zero tillage machines to reduce the

expenditure on harrowing/ploughing.

27

When the crop was matured and in appropriate stage harvesting was done to avoid losses due to

shattering. After harvesting, threshing was done on clean floor separately for each variety to

maintain purity.

After cleaning and proper drying the seeds were stored in either in seed bins or in bags with proper

care, to avoid damage due to storage pests and diseases seed protectants were added to the storage

bins like Celphos/EDB etc. Neem leaves were also used by some of the farmers as putting neem

leaves in seeds also protects seeds from damage caused by storage pests.

Performance of Lathyrus Varieties from selected farmers under Rice Fallow-

District: Chandauli, (Uttar Pradesh)

S. No. Varieties

Seed Yield (Kg ha-1) % increase (Improved over

Local) Rank Av. of

Local Av. of

Improved

1. Nirmal 984 1378 40.04 II

2. Ratan - 1430 45.32 I

3. Prateek - 1344 36.58 III

4. Mahateora - -

28

In Chandauli at Uttar Pradesh, Ratan outperformed and was adjudged as best grasspea variety

followed by Nirmal as

evident by the table

above.

In U.P. Mahateora

didn’t performed well

as the crop suffered

severe flower drop

during flowering

season of the crop and

crop did not turned

into podding stage after flowering due to this flower drop. The yield advantage was because of

taking proper care of crop and proper nutrition being provided to the crop and because of high

yielding varieties altogether compared to farmers’ variety grown with farmers practice.

29

Dist.: Nalanda, (D/S – 29th Oct. 2011 to 29th Nov. 2011)

S. No. Varieties % of

farmers

Seed Yield (Kg / ha) % increase

(Improved

over Local)

Rank Av. of

Local

Av. of

Improved

1 Nirmal 42 1073 1386 29.17 III

2 Ratan 40 1014 1446 42.60 I

3 Prateek 10 1075 1375 27.91 -

4 Mahateora 07 1012 1369 35.28 II

In Nalanda District in Bihar

also Ratan was selected as

farmer preferred variety

followed by Mahateora and

Nirmal giving an yield

advantage of 42.60, 35.28 and

29.17 per cent respectively.

In addition trials were

conducted to ascertain yield advantage due to introduction of improved grasspea varieties and

improved technology over farmer’s variety and farmer’s practice. The results are shown in graph

below:

Impact of

Improved variety

30

The improved variety alone gave an yield advantage of 31.10-37.76 per cent over farmer’s variety,

while improved technology gave an yield advantage of 13.00-43.14 per cent over farmer’s practice.

In addition to activities as per stated objectives of the project ICARDA provided three grasspea

nurseries GIYT-E/LO/HB-2011 and 54 germplasm lines to Indian partners for their evaluation under

Indian conditions and further utilization in grasspea improvement programme in country.

4. Seed Production

With active involvement of the farmers involved in the project in four important grasspea growing

states good amount of quality seeds of four grasspea varieties namely Nirmal, Ratan, Prateek and

Mahateora were produced and a total of 1496.10 qtls seeds were produced for continuity of seeds

chain as against the target of 200 qtls set for the crop year 2011-12. Wherever seed registration is

permitted, the seed plots were registered with seed certification agencies except in U.P. where

registration of grasspea for seed certification is not allowed as the crop is banned for sale in the

state. Out of total 1496.10 qtls PORS and ICARDA produced 411.25 qtls of foundation seed as against

the target of 200 qtls quality seed out of which PORS produced 346.74 quintals of foundation seed

(Nirmal=167.25 & Ratan=179.49) while ICARDA produced 64.51 qtls (Ratan=43.41 & Prateek=21.10)

seed. Besides breeder seed of Nirmal and Ratan was undertaken by Pulses & Oilseeds Research

Station, Berhampore (West Bengal) and breeder seed of Prateek (25qtls) and Mahateora (5qtls)

were produced by Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh).

Impact of Improved

Technology

31

Seeds Produced (Kgs)

ICARDA PORS, Murshidabad

UBKV, Cooch Behar

BCKV, Kalyani

SPARK, Patna

IGKV, Raipur

IGFRI, Jhansi

Total

Nirmal 263.50 167.25 - 192.50 193.00 - 9.00 825.25

Ratan 160.21 179.49 - 49.00 191.00 - - 579.70

Prateek 36.90 - - - - 26.00 - 62.90

Mahateora 6.52 - - 4.50 - 15.25 - 26.27

Total 1496.10

5. Capacity building and Exchange of Scientists

5.1. Capacity building, strengthening of the seed production chain

involving farmers (Training, Farmers’ Day, Workshop and Awareness

Camps) Awareness camps for growing low-ODAP Lathyrus cultivars were organized in the following villages

by Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Raipur in the villages of Sonth Prasad, Gidha, Khamtarai

and Madanpur.

Farmers were acquainted with growing low-ODAP varieties like Mahateora, Ratan, Prateek and

Nirmal and detoxification process of high ODAP containing local varieties. Issue related to

importance of quality seed production of varieties with low-ODAP was raised amongst the farmers

as quality seed is minimal for better crop production and ultimately for better yields.

32

ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi, conducted farmers’ training in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh and Nalanda,

Bihar for capacity building of grasspea growing farmers. Besides, field days were organized at

different project areas during the visit of scientist teams under the leadership of Dr. Ashutosh

Sarker, Regional coordinator, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi.

Training, when properly conducted, is an activity that provides instant gratification for the trainer

and trainee. Two trainings of trainers, 37 workshops, 15 trainings on seed production / PHT/

Processing including one women’s training organised during 2011-12 under the project in the

selected districts.

33

Several field days were organised at different project sites 3 travelling seminars were also organised

during 2011-12.

For continuity of the seed chain and for

enabling faster farmer-to-farmer seed

diffusion Four Seed hubs for the production of

low toxin, high biomass seed production have

been established in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and

West Bengal.

To assure timely implementation of overall project activities a high level monitoring team from DAC

monitored various project sites during rabi season 2011-12.

Vice Chancellor of BCKV interacting with the farmers at Dalpur, Bankura

Farmers meeting and field visit at Dalpur, Bankura

34

5.2. Scientific Visits/Exchange of Scientists

Dr. Michael Baum (Director-BIGM), Dr. M. C. Saxena and Dr. Shiv Kumar Agarwal (Lentil

Breeder) from ICARDA visited India for examining performance of various materials and for over

viewing ongoing project activities (especially germplasm and trials).

6. Publications (Literature Published)

Information on improved production technology and about importance of low toxin grasspea

varieties of grasspea and various approaches for reduction of ODAP content in seeds of grasspea

were published in the form of leaflets and folders for circulation among the grasspea growing

farmers and their families for creating awareness about grasspea in common as well as local

languages of the project areas. Further these were shared with various ICAR research institutes and

State Agricultural Universities. Following publications were made for creating awareness amongst

grasspea growing farmers and farm women:

“Khadya Suraksha: Surakshit Khesari Utapaadan evam Upbhog” (Food Security:

Production and Utilization of Nutritionally Safe Grasspea) {in Hindi}.

“Grasspea: An Orphan Crop in a New Perspective” {in English}.

“Lathyrus: Deserves to Come Back” {in English}.

“Enhancing Grasspea Production for Safe Human Food and Animal Feed” {in

English}.

“Removal of toxic compounds from grasspea” and “Some Precautionary measures

to be taken to remove neurotoxins” {in Bengali}.

“Tiwra (Khesari) ki Unnat Kaasht Proudhogiki” {in Hindi}.

35

7. Technical Program 2012-13

Following technical programme will be undertaken during 2012-13:

i. Selection of 2-3 other Villages in each selected districts with retention of 25% from 1st year,

50% from 2nd year selected farmers with interested in seed multiplication and farmers

participatory research

ii. Bench mark survey through PRA and Selection of 10-15 farmers/farmer’s group in intensive

grasspea-growing areas in the selected districts/villages of states involved in the project

iii. Supply of inputs and Verification and demonstration of low-ODAP varieties (Nirmal, Prateek,

Ratan, Mahateora) and improved technology (seed rate, time of planting, priming and

weeding schedules etc.) will be conducted in farmers’ fields. This will lead to select farmer-

preferred varieties, which will enable faster technology dissemination, adoption and farmer-

to-farmer seed diffusion.

iv. IGFRI, Jhansi will evaluate grasspea lines for high biomass and quality for fodder and feed and

value addition.

v. ICARDA and IGKVV will develop and supply new low-ODAP lines with higher grain and fodder

yields to test in various agro-ecologies of project areas, importing from Ethiopia, Bangladesh

and Syria, if need be.

vi. To develop new varieties, a farmer-participatory varietal selection approach (PVS) will be

followed. All available low-toxin lines will be planted in farmers’ fields at several sites in each

state. Individual farmers, groups of farmers, extensionists, NGO staff and the breeders will

participate in selection of promising lines for eventual release. ODAP analysis will be carried

out at IGKVV and at ICARDA before release of a variety.

vii. Quality/certified seed production of improved varieties will primarily be carried out by public

organizations. In addition to that, seed production will be carried out through contract farmers

and NGOs, if necessary

viii. Traveling workshops, field days, training research, extension and NGO staff will be conducted

as a part of human resources development. Besides, farmers will be empowered through post

and pre-harvest trainings through Farmers field school, On farm farmers fair, Workshop,

training

ix. Women/house-wives will be specifically trained on removal of toxic compounds before

consumption by various methods. This information will also be broadcasted by mass media,

poster, leaflets, etc

36

x. Arranging visit of scientists & research/development managers to Syria and India (as the case

may be) for field evaluation and selection of lines suitable to Indian conditions for

incorporation in project areas and beyond

xi. Travelling seminars for farmers and govt. officials showing the outstanding lentils fields in

different states and interacting with farmers.

xii. Adoption and impact studies will be conducted at the end of the project period.

xiii. Annual workshop, publication of training materials and final evaluation of project

xiv. Seed production of selected varieties by farmers and creation of Village seed hub

xv. Submission of final report and joint publications in referred journal, book chapters,

Symposia/workshop proceedings, leaflets, extension message etc.

37

8. Research Staff

Project Coordinator Dr. Ashutosh Sarker

Regional Coordinator & Legume Breeder

ICARDA South Asia and China Reg. Program

NASC Complex, New Delhi 110012, India

Principal Investigator Dr. Vipin Kumar Singh

ICARDA South Asia and China Reg. Program

NASC Complex, New Delhi 110012, India

IGFRI, Jhansi, U.P. Dr. A. K. Roy

Head, G.S.M., IGFRI

Near Pahuj Dam, Gwalior Road, Jhansi, U.P.

IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh Dr. H. C. Nanda

Senior Scientist, IGKVV

Krishak Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

SPARK, Bihar Dr. Pawan Kumar

Pulse and Oilseed Breeder

Soc. for Promotion of Agril. Res. & Knowledge

A-7, Krishi Nagar; Ashiana Nagar; Patna, Bihar

UBKV, Cooch Behar, W.B. Dr. A. C. Sinha

Professor, Agronomy

Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya

P.O. Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal

BCKV, Kalyani, W.B. Dr. R. Sadhukhan

Associate Professor, Genetics

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya

Kalyani, West Bengal

PORS, Berhampore, W.B. Dr. M. P. Srivastava

Economic Botanist-II

Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station

Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal

38

Fig: Project Coordinating center, project partners and project areas under “Enhancing

grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe human food, animal feed and

sustainable rice-based production systems in India”

annual progress report 2011-12 dac-icarda-icar ... annual progress report 2011-12 dac-icarda-icar...

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