consolidated final progress report 2010-11 to 2012-13

Consolidated Final Progress Report 2010-11 to

2012-13 DAC-ICARDA-ICAR Collaborative Project

on

“Enhancing Lentil Production for Food, Nutritional Security

and Improved Rural Livelihoods”

Submitted to

National Food Security Mission

Department of Agriculture & 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

S. No. Items Page No.

i. General Information 3

ii. Executive Summary 4-5

1. Introduction 6-10

2. Villages and Area Coverage 11-12

3. Participatory Rural Appraisal 12-13

4. Technological Interventions 13-14

5. Activities and Achievements

5.1 ICARDA South Asia & China Regional Program, New Delhi

5.2 Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam

5.3 Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar

5.4 Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research &

Knowledge, Patna, Bihar

5.5 Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, U.P.

5.6 Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station, Berhampore, W.B.

5.7 Madhyamgram Ecofriendly Sustainable Agril. Development

Mission (MESADM), Nadia, W.B.

15-44

6. Comparative Study on Normal V/S Paira/Relay Cropping 44-46

7. Area Covered Under Rice-Fallow 46-47

8. Studies on Yield Advantage 47-51

9. Selection of Farmer- Preferred Varieties through FPVS 51-52

10. Yield with Technological Interventions Over Local, State and National Average

52

11. Quality Seed Production 52-57

12. Creation of Seed Hubs for Seed Security 57-58

13. Beyond the Boundaries 58

14. Enhancing Knowledge Through Capacity Development 58-61

15. Monitoring and Evaluation of Project 61-64

16. Publication of Extension Materials 64

17. Media Reportage 65

18. Spread of Improved Varieties 66-67

19. Economic Impact of Pilot Project 68-70

20. Scientific Personnel Involved 71-72

21. Acknowledgement 73

22. Annexure (i-xii) 74-137

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(i) General Information

1. Title of Project : “Enhancing Lentil Production for Food, Nutritional

Security & Improved Rural Livelihoods”

2. Sanction No. & date : CPS No. – 5 – 25/2009 NFSM dt. 25th August 2010

(DAC – NFSM – Pulse)

3. Name of Coordinator : Dr. Ashutosh Sarker Coordinator ICARDA South Asia & China Reg. Program NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus New Delhi- 110012

4. Report Period : 2010-2011 to 2012–13 (3 years)

5. Participating Institutions:

i. ICARDA South Asia & China Regional Program, New Delhi

ii. Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam

iii. Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar

iv. Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research & Knowledge (SPARK), Patna, Bihar

v. Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

vi. Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station, Berhampore, West Bengal

vii. Madhyamgram Eco-friendly Sustainable Agril. Development Mission (MESADM),

Nadia, West Bengal

6. General Objectives

Enhancing productivity of lentil and establish it as a second crop in rice-fallows to break mono-cropping, thus increasing cropping intensity

Production and distribution of quality seeds of farmer-preferred lentil varieties along with production technologies (conservation technologies, seed priming, weed control, foliar spray of urea, etc.)

Improve capacity at field levels for farmer-participatory adaptive research and technology transfer for adoption and expansion of improved lentil production technologies

Empowerment of farmers and participating local institutions to establish village-based seed system(s) to achieve self-sufficiency in seeds of farmer-preferred, improved varieties of lentil at the village level

Back-up research for further improvement of lentil varieties and refinement of production technologies.

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(ii) Executive Summary

The DAC-ICARDA-ICAR collaborative project on “Enhancing lentil production for food,

nutritional security & improved rural livelihoods” sanctioned under NFSM-Pulses was

implemented in four states (Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) during 2010-11

to 2012-13, with the following major objectives:

- Enhancement of Lentil productivity.

- Production & distribution of quality seeds of improved lentil varieties.

- Capacity building of farmers for better production of pulses in general & lentil in particular for

food & nutritional security.

- Identification and selection of farmers-preferred lentil varieties along with their production &

dissemination.

Highlights of achievements (2010-13)

In all, 136 villages were adopted with participation of 4307 farmers in 9 districts of 4 States

under the Project

Participatory demonstration area under the Project has been 1655.4 ha (243.8 ha during

2010-11; 527.2 ha during 2011-12 and 884.4 ha during 2012-13) with introduction of 8-10

recently developed improved varieties.

Sixteen number of Village-Based Seed Hubs were established under the project at various

sites. The seeds produced by farmers through these VBSEs are being supplied to State

Seed Corporations (SSC) and National Seed Corporations (NSC).

Lentil seed produced with certification from State Seed Certifying Agencies 4752.8 qtls

(876.0 qt during 2010-11; 1404.6 qt during 2011-12 and 2472.2 qt during 2012-13) were

produced by participating farmer. Besides this, 8692.9 qtls (1090.0 qt during 2010-11;

1589.9 qt during 2011-12 and 6012.9 qt during 2012-13) TL seed of different varieties were

produced.

Lentil in Rice- fallows covered an area of 584.3 ha.

Lentil crop has been introduced in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizorum and Meghalaya and two

districts of West Bengal outside project area. During 2012-13, 66.0 qt lentil seeds were

supplied to the State of Tripura by ICARDA, New Delhi depicts the enthusiasm among

farmers, for lentil cultivation.

Impact of improved variety and technological interventions was assessed separately and

jointly vis-a-vis farmers’ local seed and technology. The yield advantages of improved

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variety, improved technology alone was 10-20%, 25-45% respectively while improved variety

combined with technological interventions depicted 30-65% higher yield over farmers’ variety

cultivated with farmers’ practice.

Spread of introduced improved varieties from farmers to farmers has occurred across the

boundaries of participating villages, blocks, districts and States.

Out of 5417 ha area under lentil cultivation in 136 villages, where project was under

operation, 2880 ha area has been brought under new improved lentil varieties in past 3

years of project implementation, thus making 53.16% VRR/SRR.

The district-wise and year-wise, economic gain to farmers and society clearly depicts that

the investment in the pilot project implementation under NFSM-Pulses has given several fold

higher returns to the society in short term (during the project period itself). The investment

of one rupee in this pilot project has given return of 4.39 rupees.

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1. Introduction Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus Subsp culinaris) is one of the major rabi pulse grown in India

since time immemorial. It contributes significantly to food, feed and sustainable farming

systems and contains high amount of digestible protein (upto 35%), macro and micro-

nutrients, particularly Iron and Zinc and Vitamins, thus providing nutritional security to

consumers. Lentil straw is a valuable animal feed as it has high digestibility, protein, Calcium

and Phosphorous compared to wheat straw and is highly palatable as well. Its cultivation

improves soil health by adding nitrogen, carbon and organic matter, thus provides

sustainability to the cereal-based cropping systems. Lentil occupies 1.60 Million hectares of

area with the total production of 0.94 Million Tonnes. The crop can be grown on a variety of

soils (light loams, alluvial and black cotton soils) and is mostly cultivated under rainfed

condition. In the last three decades, the area of Lentil has increased by 85% and production

by 151%, however the productivity has increased only by 34%. There are Major Gaps in

Lentil productivity enhancement that are:

Negligible seed replacement with high yielding suitable variety (Stemphylium blight and rust

diseases resistant/tolerant variety)

Improper dissemination of improved production technologies including integrated pest and

nutrient management

Non-availability of quality seed

This shows tremendous scope for increasing the productivity of the pulse by overcoming

these major gaps in productivity enhancement.

Lentil is grown as a post-rainy season crop mostly under rainfed farming. Substantial area

under lentil in north-eastern states is under rotation with rice, maize, sorghum, cotton, jute,

etc. However, it is also grown as intercrop with wheat, barley, sugarcane, mustard and

linseed.

Lentil intercropped with Linseed in West

Bengal

Lentil intercropped with Mustard in Bihar

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In these states, lentil is also relay cropped with rice in which the lentil seeds are broadcasted

in the standing rice crop 10-15 days

before rice harvest under the utera

system or immediately after the harvest of

rice with minimum tillage under rice-lentil

sequential system. In both cropping

systems, lentil depends predominantly on

residual soil moisture. Under the rice-

lentil relay system, lentil plants are

sometimes exposed to waterlogged

conditions during early crop stages,

resulting in sub-optimal plant populations and poor crop establishment, though the system

allows early sowing of lentil. Plant stand and seed yield are dependent on the moisture

status of soils at the time of relay sowing. In rice-lentil sequential system, lentil experiences

forced maturity as a result of increasing temperature, resulting in poor yields.

The average yield of lentil in India is lower than the world average. The reasons for low yield

are occurrence of various biotic and abiotic factors at different growth stages viz., vascular

wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis and rust caused by Uromyces viciae-fabae

are widespread diseases inflicting serious yield losses across the states while Stemphylium

blight caused by Stemphylium botrysum in West Bengal and Tripura are of economic

importance. This has further been compounded by the non-adoption of improved agronomic

practices and inadequate availability of quality seeds of suitable improved varieties. The

farmers of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam, in general are cultivating lentil in a

large area but so far they were not able to get the higher yields because they are still using

the traditional varieties available with them or available in their vicinity and thus there is a

wide gap in average and potential yield that can be bridged by the use of newly developed

improved varieties associated with adoption of scientific cultivation. In recent years various

new varieties i.e. Arun, Mallika, PL-639, Subrata, HUL-57, IPL-81 (Noori), KLS 218, Moitree,

NDL-1, DPL-62, IPL-406, PL-5, PL-6, PL-8, PL-406 and Pusa Vaibhav etc. have been

developed and are recommended for the cultivation. There is ample scope of horizontal

expansion of lentil cultivation through increasing the area under in rice fallows and in

problematic soils with improved technological interventions. The major states with

substantial area under rice fallows are Uttar Pradesh (0.35 m ha), Bihar & Jharkhand (2.20

m ha), Madhya Pradesh (1.44 m ha), Chhattisgarh (2.94 m ha), West Bengal (1.72 m ha),

Lentil intercropped with sugarcane in Bihar

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Orissa (1.22 m ha), and Assam (0.54 m ha), with total approximately 11.65 million ha are

providing ample scope for expansion of lentil crop.

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

mandate on lentil research and has been working with the national programs in terms of

access to knowledge, sharing global germplasm and international nurseries of newly

developed breeding lines and improved varieties, and capacity building of National

Agricultural Research Systems.

The DAC-ICAR-ICARDA collaborative project on “Enhancing Lentil Production for Food,

Nutritional Security & Improved Rural Livelihoods” funded by Department of Agriculture and

Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, under NFSM-Pulses, is being

implemented in the States of Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal through active

participation of National Agricultural Research System. The project offered tremendous

scope for enhancement of production and productivity and economic wellbeing of poor

farmers especially in the areas of rice fallows where no crop was grown after rice.

In three years, a total of 4307 farmers with 1655.40 ha area in136 villages under nine

districts (Nagaon, Murshidabad, Malda, Ballia, Chandauli, Fatehpur, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda

and Patna) of four states (Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), have been

covered. Farmers were selected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and eight-ten

recently developed Lentil varieties were introduced during project implementation. The

physical and technical inputs i.e. seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides and technical

advice were provided to the farmers from sowing to harvesting to meet the following

objectives in the selected villages.

Objectives

Enhancing productivity of lentil in traditional areas and establish it as a second crop in rice-

fallows to break mono-cropping, thus increasing cropping intensity

Production and distribution of quality seeds of farmer-preferred lentil varieties along with

production technologies (conservation technologies, seed priming, weed control, foliar spray

of urea, etc.)

Improve capacity at field levels for farmer-participatory adaptive research and technology

transfer for adoption and expansion of improved lentil production technologies

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Empowerment of participating local institutions to establish village-based seed system(s) to

achieve self-sufficiency in seeds of farmer-preferred, improved varieties of lentil at the village

level

Back-up research for further improvement of lentil varieties and refinement of production

technologies.

Major Activities (2010-11 to 2012-13)

i. Selection of 5-10 villages in each selected districts every year through PRA and

identification of 15-20 farmers and their fields from each villages with retention of 25% from

1st year (2010-11) and 50% from 2nd year (2011-12) selected farmers having interest in seed

multiplication and farmers participatory research

ii. Supply of inputs and demonstrating the technology with two selected varieties for

earlier farmers and five numbers of varieties for newly selected villages for Farmers

Participatory Varietal Selection (FPVS)

iii. Capacity building through Farmers’ Field School, On-Farm farmers’ fair, Workshop,

training in quality seed production, Post-Harvest Technologies (PHT) and seed processing

and buy back of seeds

iv. Publication of training materials i.e. leaflets, booklets etc.

v. Travelling seminars for farmers and Govt. officials showing the outstanding lentils

fields in different states and interacting with farmers

vi. Seed production of selected varieties by farmers and creation of village seed hub

vii. Review and evaluation of project implementation through field monitoring, annual

workshop, Steering Committee etc.

viii. Submission of final consolidated report.

Target Areas

In three years, on an average 10 to 15

villages from each target districts (Nagaon,

Murshidabad, Malda, Ballia, Chandauli,

Fatehpur, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda and Patna)

of four States (Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh

and West Bengal) were associated in the

implementation of project.

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Table 1.1 Details of selected villages

State Target district Villages associated in the implementation of Project

Assam

Nagaon A Nagaon: Awna, Saharia, Dighaldari, Halowagaon, Bheleuguri, Phuloguri, Kakatigaon, Palashagaon, Kandulimari, Maizbalichari, Kalarchari, Sologuri East, Makhuli, Uriagaon, Jamuguri korchung =15

Bihar Muzaffarpur Patna Nalanda

Muzaffarpur: Gurmi, Patsara, Adigopalpur, Dhobhahan, Arthar, Kewatsa, Bandara, Muni vangari, Vishnupur Jagdish, Maidapur, Salha, Pilkhi, Sakariman, Hattha, Loharkha, Bhagnagari, Jarang, Bakhari, Barhad, Sustalok=20 Patna: Gopalpur, Bilap, Arap, Baghakol, Tarari, Yaropur, Auta, Babhanlai, Sihi, Chesi, Datiyama, Jowarpur-koraiya, Niyamakchak, Modiyar-tola-Mokama, Govindchak, =15 Nalanda: Parasdiha, Khapura, Premanbigha, Dayalpur, Darweshpur, Lachchubigha, Shahpur, Jalalpur, Chandi, Neerpur, Tharthari-dih, Rajpur-koyelbigha, Tinilodipur, Kurooth = 14

Uttar Pradesh Ballia Chandauli Fatehpur

Ballia: Kathariya, Daulatpur, Kptwari, Etahi, Laddupur, Kaitholi, Firozpur, Sobantha, Sahawan, Marchi-khurd, Karo, Basudeva, Baghia, Narahi, Daulatpur, Tutuwari, Ibrahimpur, Naseerpur, Baghauna, Vishesherpur, Medaura-khurd = 21 Fatehpur: Pahur, Alipur, Harsinghpur, Mauhar, Godhrauli, Gheranikhera, Gokulpur, Maharaha, Hardauli, Thathrahi, Deegh, Simwakhera, Namamau, Akbarabad, Jabarabad, Mandrao = 16 Chandauli: Kharuja, Baraura, Katwa(Mafi), Amarshipur, Kanera, Rampur, Ram laxmanpur, Mainpur, Pipariya, Amra, Bhurkuda, Kalani, Gumma, Tribhuvanpur, Bhadauliya, Teero, Ishmailpur= 17

West Bengal Malda Murshidabad

Malda: Rajnagar, Latasi, Matilal, Bidyanandpur, Habinagar, Sahurgachi, Maltipur, Pindaltala, Harekestopur, Bandhakuri, Sahartala, Motiganj, Maheshpur, Ashutola, Chhatrak, Bejpura, Gunshkrol, Mahajinnagar, Gungaon, Malkura, Madia, Sovanagar, Narharipur, Chandipur, Hatida, Debiganj = 26 Murshidabad: Bholla, Basudebkhali, Bawrah, Dangrail, Harhari, Tentulia, Khoyramari, Brahmonigram, Gosaigram, Kashimnagar, Pania, Khatua, Ramnasekhpara, Maniknagar, Dumdama = 15

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2. Villages and Area Coverage During period 2010-11 to 2012-13, the project “Enhancing Lentil Production for Food,

Nutritional Security and Improved Rural Livelihoods” was undertaken in a total of 9

districts of Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal covering a total of 136 villages.

New improved high yielding lentil varieties were provided to a total of 4307 (814 during 2010-

11; 1547 during 2011-12 and 1946 during 2012-13) farmers in four target states covering an

area of 1655.4 ha (243.76 ha during 2010-11; 527.22 ha during 2011-12 and 884.42 ha

during 2012-13). In the year 2012-13, in Uttar Pradesh 496 and in Bihar a total of 579

farmers were involved in the project from 44 villages each in UP and Bihar covering an area

of 301.14 and 353.3 ha of land respectively; in Assam the project was implemented in 14

villages of Nagaon district covering 85.48 ha land with involvement of 245 farmers, while in

West Bengal 626 farmers, were selected for project implementation having an area of 144.5

ha land in 34 villages of 2 districts (Malda and Murshidabad). The details of villages, farmers

and area involved in the project are given below:

Table 2.1 Coordinating centres wise participating village

S. No. Implementing Centre No. of participating Village Total

2010-11 2011-2012 2012-2013

1. AAU, Nagaon, Assam 6 12 14 14

2. SPARK, Patna, Bihar 5 10 14 14

3. RAU, Muzaffarpur, Bihar 5 12 16 16

4. Nalanda, Bihar (ICARDA) 4 07 14 14

5. Chandauli, UP (ICARDA) 5 07 14 14

6. Ballia, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) 6 13 16 16

7. Fatehpur, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) 6 10 14 14

8. MESADM, Malda, W B 27 15 19 19

9. PORS, Murshidabad, W B 5 12 15 15

Total 69 98 136 136

Table 2.2 Coordinating centres wise participating farmers

S. No. Implementing Centre No. of participating Farmers Total

2010-11 2011-2012 2012-2013

1. AAU, Nagaon, Assam 144 218 245 607

2. SPARK, Patna, Bihar 69 168 202 439

3. RAU, Muzaffarpur, Bihar 65 148 185 398

4. Nalanda, Bihar (ICARDA) 62 120 192 374

5. Chandauli, UP (ICARDA) 72 128 199 399

6. Ballia, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) 50 178 190 418

7. Fatehpur, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) 76 122 107 305

8. MESADM, Malda, W B 147 227 340 714

9. PORS, Murshidabad, W B 129 238 286 653

Total 814 1547 1946 4307

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Table 2.3 Coordinating centres wise area coverage

S. No. Implementing Centre Area covered (ha.) Total

2010-11 2011-2012 2012-2013

1. AAU, Nagaon, Assam 31.94 61.33 85.48 178.75

2. SPARK, Patna, Bihar 32.0 71.31 133.4 236.71

3. RAU, Muzaffarpur, Bihar 26.0 56.84 81.3 164.14

4. Nalanda, Bihar (ICARDA) 32.0 66.66 138.6 237.26

5. Chandauli, UP (ICARDA) 28.80 63.83 129.25 221.88

6. Ballia, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) 25.0 56.0 128.94 209.94

7. Fatehpur, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) 11.35 42.33 42.95 96.63

8. MESADM, Malda, W B 26.67 46.59 44.75 118.01

9. PORS, Murshidabad, W B 30.0 62.33 99.75 192.08

Total 243.76 527.22 884.42 1655.4

3. Participatory Rural Appraisal

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is a set of tools and techniques or methodology to

collect the information of a particular area/location from and with local people about their life,

opinion, knowledge and environment, etc. With the help of these collected information one

can analyse the situation of the area, resources, strength, problems, opportunities, potential,

needs and socio-economic conditions of farmers. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is very

useful to get first-hand information of the selected area.

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted in the selected villages every year

(2010-11 to 2012-13) to collect data. During participatory appraisal the opinion of farmers

about the knowledge of technological interventions available, seed replacement and

availability of quality lentil seed, factors responsible for high productivity and causes of low

lentil yield, pattern of consumption, marketing of produce, storage sowing method and

desirability for participation in varietal suitability for their area was ascertained. It revealed

that most of the farmers were not aware about the technological interventions viz., seed

priming, seed treatment with rhizobium, fungicide and insecticide, soil testing and foliar spray

of 2% urea at the time of flowering etc.

Participatory Rural Appraisal conducted in the selected villages of target districts in the major

lentil growing states revealed the following:

1. 100 % Farmers never practiced soil testing before intervention

2. Seed treatments with fungicide were not known to 98% farmers in the case of lentil

while 100% farmers never knew about seed inoculation by Rhizobium. However, in one

village, (Bholla, Murshidabad, W.B.), about 35% were acquainted with the seed

treatment with fungicide.

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3. Seed replacement rate was less. Seed replacement in case of lentil is performed by 19-

25% farmers every 2-3 years while about 81-75% farmers replace their pulse seed

(lentil) every 4-5 years and that replacement also mostly from other farmers. In

Murshidabad district, in some villages, about 26% farmers purchase the seed from local

market (Not from any seed dealer but in the Hat/bazar).

4. Farmers were mostly using their traditional cultivars. Most of the farmers are still doing

lentil cultivation in their own traditional way using high seed rates. Improved production

technology of lentil cultivation were not available with farmers.

5. The opinion of farmers on the causes of high yield was varying in different states. It was

revealed that in Bihar, Patna and Nalanda districts, 15-20% farmers, felt that the major

cause for higher yield is because of improved variety of lentil while 40 to 46% farmers

mentioned seed treatment with fungicide & rhizobium resulted in high yield. About 30%

to 50% farmers in most of the States opinioned that technological interventions at right

time is the major key to higher yield in lentil.

6. Farmers have little knowledge about improved varieties. Non availability of quality seeds

of high yielding lentil varieties and no proper technological interventions coupled with

non-availability of fertilizer & pesticide at right time was reported to be major constraint

in higher productivity of lentil in most of the lentil growing area in target States.

7. Lack of knowledge about insect-pest and diseases management and scientific

knowledge regarding the post-harvest technologies, etc. were also prevalent in farming

community.

8. Most of the farmers sell their lentil produce immediately after harvest and about 65%

farmer keep 20-40% of their produce (depending on family size) for their own

consumption as food and seed.

9. Majority of the farmers store lentil seed either in the jute bags or in the fertilizers’ bags.

Some of the farmers store the grain in pots.

10. Lack of storage facilities, processing units, and poor connectivity to the market etc. were

also major constraints.

11. Most of the adopted farmers were interested in seed production provided they get the

cultivation techniques and quality seed in time.

12. There is no organized financial institution, proper market facility and seed processing

unit in and around any of the villages participated in the project.

4. Technological Interventions

Technological interventions were provided to the farmers on lentil cultivation. According to

the phenological stages of the crop, the details of these interventions are given below-

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Seed rate- 35-40 kg/ha for small seeded (<2.5g/100 seeds), 45-50 kg/ha for bold seeded

and 50-60kg/ha for relay cultivation.

Improved varieties provided- A number of improved varieties were supplied to the

selected farmers under the project. Varieties, HUL-57, Moitree, NDL-1, PL-6, PL-8, IPL-406,

Subrata, IPL-81, KLS-218, PL-406, Pusa Vaibhav, DPL-62 and Arun are some of them.

Seed treatment- Seed treatment with fungicide, insecticide and rhizobium culture. Seed

was treated with Thiram @ 2-3g /kg seeds or carbendazim @ 1 g /kg seed and with

insecticide, i.e. chloripyriphos @ 8–10 g /kg seed, wherever there is infestation of insect like

termites. Seed was also treated with Rhizobium culture @ 5 packets/ha.

Seed priming- Seed priming was

performed for better germination. Seeds

were soaked during night for 6-8 hours with

natural water, drained out excess water and

dried in shade before sowing.

Sowing and sowing time- Timely

sowing at the distance of 25 x 10cm was

done. i.e. 15th October to 15th November.

However, late sowing was performed up to

1st week of December depending on

availability of soil moisture.

Weed management- Pre-sown application of Pendimethalin P.E. @ 1.5 kg a.i/ha (or

within 24 hour of sowing in presence of high moisture) was applied to protect the crop

damage from weeds at initial stages.

Urea spray- Foliar spray of 2% Urea just before flowering and repeated after 15-20 days

specially when there was lack of moisture.

Post-flowering and pod formation stage- Fields were surveyed against insect-pest

and diseases infestation in the field. In case of severe infestations of aphids foliar application

of metasystox, dimethoate and other systemic insecticides were applied.

Equipment provided

As an important activity of providing technical interventions a number of useful equipments

were provided to the participating farmers in the project areas by ICARDA and its National

partners, such as fifty seed bins for storage of seed, twenty five sprayers, four zero-tillage

machines and one pumping set for effective and efficient project implementation.

Farmers treating seed

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5. Activities and Achievements

Various activities were carried out during 2010-13 under the project at different cooperating

centers. The details of centre-wise activities and their outcomes are discussed hereunder:

5.1 ICARDA - South Asia & China Regional Program, New Delhi

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

project activities in two districts namely Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh and Nalanda in Bihar.

Quality seeds of improved varieties besides other inputs were given to the farmers along

with appropriate technological interventions. Soil samples collected from the selected

farmers’ field for soil analysis to ascertain the amount of nutrients to be provided to the crop.

The district profile and activities carried out by ICARDA in these districts are given below:

5.1.1 Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh) - The district Chandauli was constituted in the year

1997 from the district Varanasi. The district is situated in the

eastern and southern side of holy river Ganga. The region under

the present district was part of the ancient kingdom of Kashi.

Agriculture is the mainstay of population. More than 70% of the

population is based

upon agriculture related

activities. The main

crops of Chandauli

district are paddy, wheat, maize, jowar, bajra and

pigeon pea, barley, gram, peas and lentil etc. The

soil of this region is hard and red in colour. Some

Usar land is also found.

The results revealed significant higher

yields compared to the yields realized by the

farmers over their own varieties. During

2010-11, HUL-57 and NDL-1 was

significantly at par and gave 56.3% higher

yield than the farmers check (Fig.1).

However, during 2011-12, KLS-218

gave 76.8% higher than the farmers’ check

followed by Moitree with 64.0% (Fig.2). Both

the varieties, KLS-218 and Moitree were

introduced first time in Chandauli.

Fig.1 Performance of lentil at

Chandauli (2010-11)

Fig.2 Performance of lentil at Chandauli (2011-12)

Map of Chandauli

- 16 -

Unfortunately during 2012-13, due to heavy rain at the flowering and pod setting

stage, lentil crop was completely

damaged. However, analyzing the

data for three years (2010-13), in

most of the Chandauli area, KLS-

218, Moitree and HUL-57 were

judged by farmers as 1st, 2nd and 3rd

choice respectively (Fig. 3). Full

package of improved technology with

improved seed gave much higher

yield over farmers’ local variety and traditional practice.

Per cent increase of technological interventions under different sowing situations at

Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh

When the crop was sown very late in the rice fallows in district Chandauli although it is not

recommended to cultivate lentils very late, under such situation, if the farmers would manage

their crop with full care they can harness good returns compared to what they usually get by

leaving their lentils neglected.

Women lifting their crop at Chandauli

Fig.3 Overall performance of lentil at Chandauli (2010-13)

36.58

46.34

56.1

17.65 11.76

23.53

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

HUL-57 IPL-81 WBL-77

Rice Fallow

Normal Sown

Moitree

Fig.4 Per cent increase of technological

interventions under different sowing situations

- 17 -

Table 5.1. Performance of late sown lentil varieties at Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh

(Rice Fallow: D.O.S. 6th December, 2011)

S. No. Varieties Farmers (%)

Average Yield Kg/ ha (Rice fallow) % increase over Local

Av. of Local Var. & Tech.

Av. of Improved Var. & Tech.

1 HUL-57 30.0 640 1013 58.28

2 Noori 30.0 700 1120 60.0

3 Moitree 30.0 620 1093 76.29

4 PL-6* 10.0 610 800 31.15 *Sown on 13 Dec 2011

Healthy fields of lentil at chandauli

Weeding of the crop Harvesting of the crop

- 18 -

5.1.2 Nalanda (Bihar) - Nalanda, is famous all over the world for the ancient International

Monastic University established in 5th century BC,

which taught Vedas, Logic, Grammar, Medicine, Meta-

Physics, Prose Composition and Rhetoric. Agriculture

is the main source of occupation. The farmers mainly

grow paddy, apart from potato, and onion. Few people

of the district are also involved in handloom weaving.

The Soil of Nalanda district is mostly neutral (pH 6.67

to 7.02) with

low to medium organic carbon (0.33 to 0.67%) &

medium in available phosphorous (25.83 to 43.83

kg/ha) & potash (175.33 to 248.66 kg/ha).

Foliar spray of 2 % urea was also done by

the farmers at flowering and podding stage as it

provides essential moisture at this very critical stage

of crop

and also

provides nutrition to the crop that is readily

absorbed by the plants and is utilized for

essential physiological processes.

At Nalanda, during 2010-11, HUL-57

gave highest yield (1412 kg/ha) followed by

NDL-1 (1271 Kg/ha), which was 44% and 37%

higher than the farmers practice (Fig.5).

During 2011-12, PL-6, Moitree and KLS-218

were introduced in Nalanda. PL-6 and KLS-

218 were statisticaly at par followed by HUL-

57 giving 63.9 & 71.1% followed by 51.2%

increase over locals (Fig.6).

Foliar spray of 2 % Urea

Fig.5 Performance of lentil at Nalanda (2010-11)


Map of Nalanda

- 19 -

In third year of the project total eight

improved lentil varieties i.e. HUL-57, IPL-

81, Moitree, PL-6, PL-8, KLS218, IPL-406

& NDL-1 have been supplied to the

participating farmers. It was found that

NDL-1 and KLS-218 were statistically at par

with 61.5 and 63.8% higher yield over

locals followed by IPL-406 & HUL-57 with

49.9% and 49.0% higher yield (Fig.7).

Analyzing three years performance,

farmers preferred KLS-218 with 67.2%

followed by NDL-1 with 49.6% and IPL-406

with 49.3% yield advantage over local

check (Fig.8). PL-8 (provided during 2012-

13) also performed well with 47.3 per cent

more yield increase over local.

The three years date revealed that

in selected villages of Nalanda, linear

growth of productivity existed, meaning

thereby that in general increase in productivity every year is gift of the project (Fig. 9)


Fig.8 Overall performance of lentil at Nalanda (2010-13)

Fig.9 Overall lentil productivity in target villages of

Nalanda (2010-13)

- 20 -

5.2 Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam

Nagaon - Lentil occupies an important position among different pulses grown in Assam with

a production of about 12 thousand tonnes from an

area of about 24 thousand hectares, the

productivity being 523 kg/ha. Nagaon is an

important District of Assam contributing to the

total pulses area, production and productivity of

lentil by an area of 1657 ha, 961 tonnes of

production and productivity being 580 kg/ha

(201

1-

12). Lentil is mostly grown as normal crop

though relay cropping is also practised in some

areas. Mix cropping of lentil with toria is also

popular among farmers. The climate and soil

type of Assam is suitable for lentil and hence

there is enough scope to increase the

production of this crop. Assam has about 18-20

lakhs hectares of rice area. During winter, a

vast area remains fallow. The requirement of

pulses in Assam is about 2.52 lakhs tonnes every year as against the total production of

about 70 thousand tonnes only.

Inputs distribution to the farmers

Visit of Agril. Commissioner to Nalanda

Map of Nagaon

- 21 -

Assam Agriculture University implemented the project in the Nagaon district of Assam for

extending the improved technology of lentil production to the farmers in the traditional lentil

growing regions. All necessary inputs like improved seeds, seed protectants/fertilizers as per

improved package of practice were infused in

the target areas of Nagaon district with active

participation of the lentil growers. With

concerted efforts of the lentil growing farmers

and the scientist of AAU farmers realized

good yields of lentil compared to the yields

realized with farmers practice under relay

cropping as well as pure crop under normal

situation.

In the first year of the project

implementation total four improved lentil varieties i.e. HUL-57, IPL-81, PL-406 and Arun

were given to the farmers. IPL-81 recorded 34.55% higher yield over local check follwed by

HUL-57 with 28.22% and PL-406 with

27.27% higher than local check (Fig.10).

In second year (2011-12) Moitree

was also introduced. It was observed that

HUL-57 has given 46.35% more yield

followed by Moitree with 39.37% and IPL-81

with 30.73% than local check (Fig. 11).

During 2012-13 five lentil HUL-57,

IPL-81, PL-406, Moitree and KLS-218 were

made available to farmers. Here Moitree has

given 56.07% followed by HUL-57 with 52.81% and IPL-81 with 37.28% higher yield than

local cultivar (Fig. 12).

Fig.10 Performance of lentil at Nagaon (2010-11)



- 22 -

The yield of demonstration plots of three years performance six varieties, concluded that

Moitree with 947 kg/ha yield (51.76% yield advantage over local check) is most suited to the

region. HUL-57 has been 2nd choice of farmers on the basis of three years performance.

KLS-218 has given yield of 916 kg/ha recording 35.10% higher yield over local was

introduced during 2012-13 only (Fig. 13).

Lentil as normal crop at Nagaon

Fig.13 Overall performance of lentil at Nagaon (2010-13)

- 23 -

There has been linear growth in productivity of lentil in three years, showing overall increase

in productivity even in local checks also (Fig. 14).

Table 5.2.1 Performance of lentil varieties under relay cropping

Variety Area (ha)

No. of farmers

Mat. duration

Seed yield

(kg/ha)

% increase over local

HUL 57 2.02 9 125 842 36.0

Moitree 2.28 9 125 878 41.8

IPL 81 2.00 8 119 662 6.9

PL 406 (LC) 1.69 7 123 781 26.2

Farmers local - - - 619 -

Grand total/mean 7.99 33 123 795 28.4

Under relay cropping Moitree followed by HUL-57 performed superior over other

introduced varieties, while HUL-57 followed by Moitree performed better under rice-fallow as

pure crop of lentil.

Table 5.2.2 Performance of lentil varieties as pure crop under rice-fallow

Locations Variety Area (ha)

No. of farmers

Mat. duration

Seed yield

(kg/ha)

% increase over local

Average of all villages

HUL-57 6.89 35 122 908 47.6

Moitree 6.83 36 123 865 40.6

IPL-81 5.53 26 118 776 26.2

PL-406 6.50 28 119 786 27.8

Farmers local - - - 615 -

Grand total/mean 25.75 125 - 841 36.7

Fig.14 Overall productivity in target villages of Nagaon (2010-13)

- 24 -

5.3 Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar

Muzaffarpur– Muzaffarpur District is one of the thirty-seven districts of Bihar state.

Muzaffarpur district is a part of Tirhut Division. The

soil is highly fertile, well drained and sandy, white

colored. The principal crops are rice, wheat,

pulses, jute, maize and oil seeds. Cauliflower,

cabbage, tomato, radish, carrot, beetroot, among

others, are also grown. Rice and wheat account for

most of the area under cultivation. Maize is the

next important crop for the district. Sugar cane,

potato and barley are some of the non-cereal crops grown.

A women farmer with crop Relay cropping in Assam

Farmers with lentil crop

Map of Muzaffarpur

- 25 -

In Muzaffarpur district of Bihar the project was implemented by Rajendra Agricultural

University (RAU), Pusa, Samastipur Bihar. All the

selected farmers were very enthusiastic about the

lentil crop. All the necessary inputs like improved

seed, rhizobium culture, fungicide etc. were

supplied to the farmers. In first year of the project

total four lentil varieties i.e. HUL-57, IPL-81, NDL-

1 and Arun were supplied to the selected farmers.

The results revealed that almost all the introduced

varieties performed well over local check. Variety

Arun have given 66.29% higher yield followed by

NDL-1 and HUL-57 with 60.27% and 56.62% higher yield over local check respectively (Fig.

15).

Table 5.3 Performance of lentil varieties under rice-fallows at Muzaffarpur, Bihar

(2011-12)

S. No.

Varieties Average Yield % increase of improved over

Local

Rank

Av. of Local Av. of Improved

1 HUL-57 08.85 14.90 68.36 I

2. Arun 08.45 14.17 67.69 II

3. KLS-218 07.98 13.30 66.67 III

4. Moitree 07.85 13.05 66.24 IV

A young farmer at Muzaffarpur

Fig.15 Performance of lentil varieties at

Muzaffarpur (2010-11)

- 26 -

In second year (2011-12) HUL-57,

KLS-218, Arun and Moitree have benn

supplied to the farmers. The maximum yield

was recorded by Arun with 81.30% followed

by HUL-57 with 75.14% and KLS-218 with

74.68% increase over local (Fig. 16).

In 2012-13 four varieties i.e. HUL-57, KLS-218,

PL-6 and PL-8 were given, where in first time

PL-6 and PL-8 were supplied to the participating

farmers. HUL-57 noted with 1447 kg/ha, KLS-

218 with 1332 kg/ha and PL-8 with 1314 kg/ha

yield, which were 46.90%, 35.09% and 33.80%

higher over local cultivar respectively (Fig.17).

It was found from the over all

performance of three years that Arun

ranked first with 73.50% follwed by Moitree

with 68.92%, NDL- 1 with 60.27 and HUL-

57 with 58.98% increase in yield over local

check. NDL-1, HUl-57 were statistically at

par (Fig. 18).

HUL-57

Scientists visited the farmer’s field variety HUL-57

Harvested Moitree crop

Fig.16 Performance of lentil varieties at Muzaffarpur (2011-12)



Fig.18 Overall performance of lentil at


- 27 -

Overall productivity of the selected villages has increased during the three years of the

project implementation; in giving 48.6%, 61.2% and 65.20% yield advantage during 2010-11,

2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively. On an average 61.6% increase in yield has been

recorded (Fig. 19).

5.4 Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research & Knowledge (SPARK),

Patna, Bihar

Patna – Patna is located on the south bank of river Ganga (25.350N 85.120E). It lies in

Indo-Gangetic plain & has natural fertile soil with water

bodies i.e. Ganga, sone & Punpun river. The soil of the

district is loamy which has medium amount of available

P2O5 (42 Kg/ha), K2O (259 kg/ha) and organic carbon

(0.3 –

0.6%) with

6.75 – 7.50

pH.

Topographi

cally the area may be considered as plain except

that of Tal & Diara. Tal land soils are gray to

dark gray in colour, medium heavy to heavy in

texture, poor in drainage & neutral to slightly

alkaline in reaction. They crack during summer

and swell on the onset of monsoon. Practically

no irrigation exists in these areas. Only rabi crops are grown under rainfed situation. Among

rabi crops, lentil & gram are the predominant ones followed by wheat, rape-mustard, pea,

Farmers after receiving inputs

Fig.19 Overall performance of lentil varieties at Muzaffarpur (2010-13)

Map of Patna

- 28 -

lathyrus etc. To avoid risks farmers usually take on to mixed cropping compared to solo

cropping. Likewise in Diara land farmers also go for only rabi crop mainly wheat, rape-

mustard & vegetables. In the area other than Tal & Diara Rice-Wheat is the major cropping

pattern. Other crops i.e. maize, sugarcane, pulses & Oilseeds are the major food grains of

the district.

To meet the objectives of the project in Patna district a total of 133.4 ha area has been

covered in 2012-13. All necessary inputs were supplied ahead of sowing to the farmers in

the selected villages of the district. After following all necessary management practices good

crop of lentil was grown and the farmers realized good harvest of crop compared to what

they have been harnessing with farmers practice utilizing their own seeds of traditional

cultivars.

Threshing of the crop Quality seed for distribution

Good harvest of lentil Manual weeding by women (NDL-1)

- 29 -

In 2010-11 the highest yield was obtained

by NDL-1 (1415 kg/ha), IPL-81 (1228 kg/ha) and

HUL-57 (1206 kg/ha). Percentage increase given

by NDL-1, IPL-81 and HUL-57 with 66.47%,

47.79% and 47.41% respectively over local (Fig.

20).

In second year six improved varieties of

lentil have been given to the farmers i.e.

HUL-57, IPL-81, PL-6, Moitree, PL-8 and

KLS-218. PL-8 with 79.32%, PL-6 with

65.53% and IPL-81 with 61.12% yielded

more than local and ranked 1st, 2nd and

3rd respectively (Fig. 21).

In 2012-13, HUL-57, IPL-81, PL-6, Moitree, PL-8, KLS-218, NDL-1 and IPL-406

varieties of lentil have been given to the farmers. The yield of IPL-406 was 76.93% higher

over local followed by NDL-1 with 55.29% and PL-8 with 53.32% over farmers local variety

and ranked 1st, 2nd and third respectively (Fig. 22).

Overall data of three years showed that the highest percentage increase in yield over

farmers’ own variety was recorded in IPL-406 with 76.94%, PL-8 with 64.99% and NDL-1

with 60.81%. PL-8 and NDL-1 was statistically at par (Fig. 23).


Patna (2010-11)

Fig.21 Performance of lentil varieties at Patna

(2011-12)

Fig.22 Performance of lentil varieties at Patna (2012-13)

- 30 -

The three year increase in yield has given a linear growth trend, depicting overall productivity

increase in the selected villages during project period (Fig. 24).

With all efforts and active participation of the farmers of the selected villages of Patna district

good yields of lentil were achieved. Moitree followed by IPL-81 were identified as best and

most preferred lentil varieties by the farmers under rice-fallow.

Heap of Harvested crop Threshing is in progress

Fig.23 Overall performance of lentil varieties at Patna

(2010-13)

Fig.24 Overall lentil productivity in target villages of

Patna (2010-13)

- 31 -

5.5 Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

In Fatehpur and Ballia districts of Uttar Pradesh, IIPR, Kanpur implemented the project

activities.

Ballia - The district lies between the parallels of

25º33' and 26º11' North latitudes and 83º38' and

84º39' East longitudes. District Ballia is situated on

the border of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The maximum

area of Ballia district is covered by wheat, paddy,

lentil, potato, pegionpea, field pea, sugarcane, chick

pea, and maize.

Fatehpur - Fatehpur is one of the 71 districts of the Uttar Pradesh state. Fatehpur district

located on the banks of river Ganga and Yamuna.

Fatehpur has three sub-divisions i.e. Fatehpur, Bindki and

Khaga with 13 development blocks and six urban/town

areas. The major crops grown in Fathepur district are rice,

wheat, gram, pigeon pea, barley, sugarcane, oilseeds and

cotton etc. The average rainfall of the district is 904 mm.

Lentil has been grown 1st time in this district under this

project.

The crop was sown during IInd fortnight of November in most of the areas after harvest of

Paddy, but in few villages the crop was sown late upto IInd fortnight of December as well.

Table 5.5.1 Sowing Time of Lentil in Fatehpur and Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh

S. No. Particulars Farmers percentage

Fatehpur Ballia

1. Ist fortnight of November 22.09 15.00

2. IInd fortnight of November 41.86 85.00

3. Ist fortnight of December 32.56 0.00

4. IInd fortnight of December 3.45 0.00

In Ballia district, three varieties HUL-

57, IPL-81 and NDL-1 were provided to the

farmers in the first year of the project

implementation. NDL-1 performed best with

56.90% followed by HUL-57 with 38.10% and

IPL-81 with 32.96% increase in yield over local

check (Fig. 25). Fig.25 Performance of lentil varieties at Ballia (2010-11)

Map of Ballia

Map of Fatehpur

- 32 -

In second year Ballia’s farmers

received four varieties of lentil, viz. HUL-

57, PL-6, NDL-1 and Moitree. The highest

yield was recorded by NDL-1 follwed by

PL-6 and HUL-57,with 94.33%, 91.21%

and 54.96% increase over farmers’ own

variety (Fig. 26).

In third year total four varieties, HUL-

57, PL-6, NDL-1 and Moitree were given to

the farmers. HUL-57 recorded highest yield

with 98.86% increase follwed by NDL-1 and

Moitree with 68.12% and 54.68% increase

over local respectively (Fig. 27).

Lentil Sowing by Seed Drill 30 days old lentil crop

Fig.26 Performance of lentil varieties at Ballia (2011-12)

Fig.27 Performance of lentil varieties at Ballia

(2012-13)

- 33 -

From three year findings, it can be

observed that the percentage increase in

yield over local check was 64.31%,

63.13%, 51.25% and 52.25% for HUL-57,

PL-6, NDL-1 and Moitree respectively (Fig.

28).

In three years of project

implementation, there has been linear

trend of yield advantage, indicating

productivity increase every year even in farmers’ check (Fig. 29).

Harvested crop at farmer’s courtyard

Fig.28 Overall performance of lentil varieties at Ballia (2010-13)

Fig.29 Overall productivity of lentil in target villages of Ballia (2010-13)

- 34 -

With all the efforts good crop of lentils with cultivation of HYVs with technological

interventions was grown and farmers harvested higher yields compared to their local

cultivars in use.

In first (2010-11) year of the project three

varieties, HUL-57, IPL-81, and NDL-1

provided to the farmers of the Fathepur

district. IPL-81 has given 56.88% followed

by NDL-1 and HUL-57 with an increase of

51.59% and 45.84% higher yield over local

check (Fig. 30).

Second year five lentil varieties i.e. HUL-57,

DPL-62, NDL-1, PL-6 and Moitree have been

given in Fatehpur. The highest yield was

recorded in DPL-62 (1722 kg/ha) with an

increase of 95.90% followed by PL-6 (1569

kg/ha) and HUL-57 (1477 kg/ha) with 80.55%

and 72.34% increase in yield over local check,

respectively (Fig. 31).

Farmer with lentil crop (NDL-1)

Fig.30 Performance of lentil varieties in Fatehpur (2010-11)

Fig.31 Performance of lentil varieties in

Fatehpur (2011-12)

- 35 -

HUL-57, DPL-62, NDL-1 and PL-6

lentil varieties were given to farmers during

third year (2012-13) of the project. DPL-62

with 62.79% follwed by HUL-57 with

57.40% and NDL-1 with 48.22% higher

yield, repectively over local check was

recored (Fig. 32).

From three years

performance, the highest

percentage incresae in yield over

local check was recored in variety

DPL-62 (79.63%) followed by

Moitree (62.17%), HUL-57

(58.56%), NDL-1 (56.23%) and PL-

6 (52.87%). Moitree, HUL-57, NDL-

1 and PL-6 were statistically at par

(Fig. 33).

A linear growth trend line with increase in yield over local was observed. The trend shows

productivity increase each year even in local check also (Fig. 34).

Fig.32 Performance of lentil varieties in Fatehpur (2012-13)

Fig.33 Overall performance of lentil varieties in

Fatehpur (2010-13)

Fig.34 Overall lentil productivity in target villages of Fatehpur (2010-13)

- 36 -

Different technological interventions were evaluated by IIPR at Fatehpur and Ballia

district.

Significantly higher yields were obtained with rhizobium treated seed compared to the yields

realized without seed treatment.

Table 5.5.2 Effect of Rhizobium seed treatment on yield of lentil

S. No. Variety (s) Yield (q/ha)

Fatehpur Ballia

Treated Untreated Treated Untreated

1. PL-6 15.78 14.72 15.90 14.35

2. DPL-62 16.23 15.07 - -

3. Moitree 14.58 13.29 15.30 14.20

4. HUL-57 15.80 14.57 14.85 13.90

5. NDL-1 15.91 14.95 15.70 14.90

At Ballia District seed treatment with Trichoderma for wilt management have been revealed

that seed treated with Trichoderma have given more yield compared to untreated seed.

Table 5.5.3 Management of Wilt by application of Trichoderma at Ballia

S. No. Variety (s) Percentage of wilt infestation Yield (kg/ha)

Treated Untreated Treated Untreated

1. NDL-1 03.00 09.00 16.10 14.65

2. HUL-57 12.00 21.00 14.55 13.50

3. PL-6 03.00 08.00 14.60 13.40

4. Local 20.00 27.00 08.80 08.20

Optimum plant population in seed treated plots at Fatehpur

- 37 -

Effect of 2% spray of Urea on different stages of lentil (2012-13)

Foliar spray of 2 % Urea have been applied to the lentil crop at different stages i.e. flower

initiation stage, flowering stage and at flower & pod formation stage. It was found that flower

initiation stage was most appropriate for the foliar spray of 2% Urea followed by flowering

stage.

Table 5.5.4 Effect of 2% spray of Urea on different stages of lentil

Farming situation

Crop stages Ballia Fatehpur

No. of fields

Yield (kg/ha)

No. of fields

Yield (kg/ha)

Paddy-lentil under late sown condition

At Flower Initiation stage 11 1585.00 39 1542.00

At Flowering Stage 05 1540.00 17 1475.00

At Flower and pod formation stage - - 07 1380.00

Economics of Participatory Lentil Seed Production (Early Rice-Lentil) (2012-13)

In addition the cost-benefit ratio of improved varieties with improved technology over farmers

variety cultivated with farmers practice was also calculated to show the yield advantages

over local.

Table 5.5.5 Cost-Benefit ratio of HYVs with improved technologies over farmer variety

with farmers’ practice (2012-13) at Ballia

S. No. Particulars NDL-1 HUL-57 PL-6 Local

1. Average grain yield (q/ha) 15.00 14.20 14.00 11.50

2. Increase in yield over control (%) 30.43 23.48 21.74 -

3. Cost of cultivation (Rs/ha) 15456.00 15456.00 15456.00 13820.00

4. Gross income (Rs/ha) 64500.00 61060.00 60200.00 46000.00

5. Net income (Rs/ha) 49044.00 45604.00 44744.00 32180.00

6. B:C ratio 3.17 2.95 2.89 2.32

It was seen from the above table that NDL-1 has given more return followed by HUL-57 and

PL-6. The range of cost benefit ratio was 3.17 to 2.89. It can be concluded that improved

varieties along with appropriate technologies are more profitable than farmers own variety

and traditional technologies.

- 38 -

Table 5.5.6 Economics of Participatory Lentil Seed Production Early Paddy-Lentil

(2012-13) at Fatehpur

S. No. Particulars NDL-1 DPL-62 HUL-57 PL-6 Local

1. Average Yield q/ha 14.50 14.00 13.90 13.50 11.20

2. Increase in Yield over

Local (%)

29.46 25.00 24.10 20.53 -

3. Cost of Cultivation

(Rs./ha)

15870.00 15870.00 15870.00 15870.00 14210.00

4. Gross Income (Rs./ha) 62350.00 60200.00 59770.00 58050.00 44800.00

5. Net income (Rs./ ha) 46480.00 44330.00 43900.00 42180.00 30590.00

6. B:C ratio 2.93 2.79 2.77 2.65 2.15

In Fatehpur district, the cost benefit ratio of improved varieties gave higher returns

(B:C ratio; 2.93 to 2.65) compared to farmers’ cultivar and own practices (B:C ratio; 2.15).

5.6 Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station (PORS), Berhampore, West

Bengal

The Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station (PORS),

Berhampore, West Bengal under took project

implementation in Murshidabad district of West

Bengal.

Murshidabad – Murshidabad district has been

earmarked as “Major Agricultural District” of West

Bengal. It is also known as “Crop Museum District” of

West Bengal as the economy of this district primarily

rests on agriculture. More than 80% of the district population directly depends on it. The

climatic condition and soil of this district are congenial for cultivation of almost every field

crops. Murshidabad district produces a variety of pulses including Lentil, Blackgram,

Lathyrus, Chickpea, Pea, Pigeonpea, Green gram and others to the tune of 47,709 M.T.

annually from an area of 48,774 ha with an average yield around 978 kg per ha during the

year 2009-10. Lentil is the main pulse crop of the district Murshidabad.

With active participation and utilization of knowledge shared during the trainings imparted to

the farmers before the onset of crop season and also during the crop period the farmers

have realized good remuneration in the form of higher yields over local cultivars cultivated

with farmers practice.

Map of Murshidabad

- 39 -

Total five lentil improved varieties

(HUL-57, Moitree, Subrata, Arun and Asha)

have been provided to the farmers in the first

year of the project in Murshidabad district.

The percentage increase in yield over local

check was 31.20%, 29.34%, and 20.30% for

Subrata, Moitree and Asha respectively (Fig.

35).

In second year same varieties have

been provided except Arun, instead of Arun,

PL-6 was introduced in the farmers’ field. PL-

6 performed best with an increase of 54.27%

followed by Subrata with 41.18% and Asha

with 39.07% increase in yield over local

check, while highest yield was recorded with

Subrata. Moitree and PL-6 were statistically at

par (Fig. 36).

Fig.35 Performance of lentil varieties in Murshidabad (2010-11)


Murshidabad (2011-12)

Reaped crop at field Satisfied farmer at lentil field

- 40 -

Third year data revealed that variety Subrata

exhibited 46.90%, PL-6 with 45.58%, Moitree

with 40.90% and NDL-1 with 32.13% higher

yield over farmers’ local. The highest yield was

recorded with Subrata followed by Moitree.

Statistically Moitree and PL-6 were at par (Fig.

37).

From three years data, it was found that PL-6 with a yield advantage of 49.41%, Subrata

with 39.23% and Moitree with an increase of 35.00% over local check are best suited for this

region. Subrata yielded highest followed by Moitree (Fig. 38).

5.7 Madhyamgram Eco-friendly Sustainable Agril. Development Mission

(MESADM), Nadia, West Bengal

MESADM a NGO from Kalyani district of West Bengal

implemented the project activities in Malda district of West

Bengal.

Malda - Malda comprises of two sub-divisions i.e. Malda

Sadar and Chanchal. Fifteen blocks with 146 gram panchayats

are under malda district. Malda District is situated between the

Latitude and Longitude figures of 24040’20”N to 25032’08”N

and 88028’10”E to 87045’50”E respectively. The district covers


Murshidabad (2012-13)

Fig.38 Overall performance of lentil varieties in Murshidabad (2010-13)

Map of Malda

- 41 -

an area of 3,733.66 square kilometres. Major crops grown in Malda are rice, wheat,

rapeseed, jute, gram, sugarcane, maize and potatoes etc. District Malda has low productivity

of lentil due to lack of improved varieties and appropriate production technologies. During

the project implementation, pre-sowing trainings were imparted to the farmers for better

implementation of overall activities of the project. Well supervised and timely crop

management practices coupled with favourable climatic conditions during the project period

induced satisfactory crop growth and higher yield in the project area. Non- project farmers

growing lentil crop in their land witnessed the bumper growth of lentil crop grown by the

participating farmers under the project and were highly impressed and convinced to follow

the improved technology for maximization of lentil production.

A field of lentil with rice-fallow area at Malda

Pre sowing training attended by the farmers at Malda

- 42 -

In Malda four improved varieties,

Moitree, Subrata, Suvendu and Arun have

been supplied to the farmers in the first year

of the project (2010-11). The percentage

increase in yield over farmers’ local check

was 46.93%, 41.62%, 32.55% and 29.41% for

Moitree, Arun, Subrata and Suvendu


In second year, the percentage

increase in yield over local check was

72.36%, 43.45%, 35.57% and 30.90% for

Moitree, HUL-57, Subrata and Suvendu


During 2012-13, only three varieties Moitree,

Subrata and HUL-57 were provided to farmers.

Moitree yield highest (1757 kg/ha) followed by

HUL-57 (1745 kg/ha) and Subrata (1644 kg/ha)

(Fig. 41) over local checks.

Distribution of the inputs to the participating farmers at Malda


Malda (2010-11)

Fig.40 Performance of lentil varieties in Malda

(2011-12)

Fig.41 Performance of lentil varieties in Malda (2012-13)

- 43 -

From three years it can be concluded that on an average Moitree performed best with

61.95% followed by HUL-57, Arun and Subrata with 56.36%, 41.62% and 40.28% increase

in yield over farmers’ cultivar (Fig. 42).

The three years per cent increase

in yield over local has given a

linear growth trend. With the

implementation of project year

after year in selected villages

increase in average yield, even in

local check has been recorded

(Fig. 43).

With taking care of all the activities during all the crop phenological stages farmers realized

good returns in terms of yields of high quality lentils. They were also given training on post-

harvest measures for proper post-harvest management of the crop produce before selling in

the market so that they can fetch good price of their produce.

Vigorous crop of Lentil Boro rice replaced by lentil in Malda

Fig.42 Overall performance of lentil varieties in Malda (2010-13)

Fig.43 Overall lentil productivity in target villages of Malda

(2010-13)

- 44 -

6. Comparative study on normal V/S paira/relay cropping

A comparative study on cropping system (normal v/s relay) has been conducted at different

project sites.

6.1 MESADM, Malda

In Malda district (2012-13), it was observed that normal cropping of lentil has given more

yields over relay cropping. Variety Moitree exhibited 16.55% followed by Subrata with

11.06% higher yield than relay cropping.

Table 6.1 compative study on cropping system

Variety

Yield kg/ha % of increased yield over Paira cropping Normal sown Paira/Utera/Relay

Moitree 1698.09 1457 16.55

Subrata 1527.03 1375 11.06

HUL-57 1555.67 1437.5 8.22

Asha 1420 1335 6.37

6.2 PORS, Murshidabad

At village Basubedkhali of Murshidabda this study has been conducted by PORS,

Berhampore. It was recorded that variety Moitree performed well under normal (1631 kg/ha)

with 37.15% higher than relay (1025 kg/ha) cropping, whereas Subrata have given 27.13%

more yield under normal cropping.

Winnowing of lentil

- 45 -


Village Name of variety

Yield (Kg/ha) % increase over relay

cropping Normal sown Relay/Poira/Ute

ra

Basudebkhali Moitree 1631 1025 37.15

Subrata 1596 1163 27.13

6.3 AAU, Assam

In Nagaon percentage increase/decrease in yield over normal sown crop is given below:



Yield (Kg/ha) % increase/decrease over Normal sown Normal sown Relay/Poira/Utera

Awna Moitree 905 1050 16.0

HUL 57 945 1050 11.1

IPL 81 880 813 -7.6

KLS 218 865 763 -11.8

Halowagaon Moitree 1013 1191 17.6

HUL 57 985 1050 6.6

IPL 81 900 912 01.3

KLS 218 900 840 -6.7

PL 406 795 825 3.8

Bheleuguri HUL 57 788 933 18.4

IPL 81 728 813 11.7

Palashagaon Moitree 1094 769 -29.7

Sologuri east Moitree 1275 1179 -7.5

HUL 57 1263 1087 -13.9

IPL 81 1267 1077 -15.0

KLS 218 1043 957 -8.2

PL 406 1050 873 -16.9

Mahkhuli Moitree 1410 1039 -26.3

HUL 57 1328 1031 -22.4

IPL 81 1170 825 -29.5

KLS 218 1103 761 -31.0

PL 406 953 645 -32.3

Jamugurikorchung Moitree 990 1077 8.8

HUL 57 864 999 15.6

IPL 81 915 929 1.5

KLS 218 945 920 -2.6

PL 406 930 915 -1.6

- 46 -

6.4 SPARK, Panta

In Sihi village of Patna district 19.08% increase in yield over relay cropping recorded with variety NDL-1.



Yield (Kg/ha) % increase over relay cropping Normal sown Relay/Poira/Utera

Sihi NDL-1 1161 975 19.08

7. Area covered under Rice-Fallow

Among the target States, in Nagaon district of Assam maximum area under rice-fallow has

been cropped with lentil where no crop earlier was grown. In the other states, in the areas

where irrigation facilities are not available and due to which majority of these areas, rice are

being sown with the view to get mainly the biomass for feed (if not revenue from the yield)

were considered as rice-fallow. In residual moisture lentil crop has been introduced in these

areas with matching technologies resulting into very encouraging results, motivating the

farmers to use more and more these lands for the lentil cultivation. The increase in area of

these Rice-Fallows has been as given below:

Year Area (ha)

2010-11 90.0

2011-12 182

2012-13 312 (Assam 78.5 ha, W.Bengal 42. ha, Bihar; 124.5 ha; UP: 67.5ha)

During the project period 584 ha area under rice-fallow were covered with lentil cultivation

giving proper utilization of residual moisture after rice crop harvest. The paira/utera method

of lentil cultivation has been more successful in these areas.

Table 7.1 Area covered under rice-fallow centre wise

District Area (ha) Total

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Nagaon 24.32 38.20 78.5 141.02

Patna 14.40 21.71 53.45 89.56

Nalanda 9.16 12.66 52.00 73.82

Muzaffarpur 10.00 17.00 19.00 46.00

Ballia 04.50 33.80 24.59 62.89

Fatehpur 09.30 24.74 25.78 59.82

Malda 11.00 18.00 26.00 55.00

- 47 -

Chandauli 6.40 13.53 16.63 36.56

Murshidabad 0.92 2.7 16.63 19.62

Total 90.00 182.34 312.95 584.29

8. Studies on Yield Advantage

As an important activity under the lentil enhancement project trials were conducted to

ascertain the impact of either variety or technological interventions alone or in combination

over the farmers’ varieties and farmers’ practice. For this three trials were conducted and

yields realised under separate trials are mentioned below:

8.1 Trial No. 1- Yield advantage due to improved variety

When the trials were conducted for

ascertaining impact of improved HYVs

over farmers’ varieties, it was observed

that HYVs in general gave 10-20 per

cent higher yields compared to local

variety and clearly show importance of

HYVs in getting higher yields and

returns (Fig. 44).

8.1.1 Nalanda, Bihar (ICARDA, New Delhi)

Year A B % Increase of B over A Local Variety + Farmers’

Practice Improved Variety + Farmers’ Practice

2011-12 938 HUL-57 (1085) 15.67

902 Moitree (1065) 18.07

2012-13 926 PL-6 (1069) 15.44

956 NDL-1 (1113) 16.42

925 IPL-81 (1085) 17.29

8.1.2 SPARK, Patna (Bihar)



2011-12 1029 HUL-57 (1236) 20.11

2012-13 805 PL-6 (962) 19.50

8.1.3 Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh (ICARDA, New Delhi)



2011-12 1050 HUL-57 (1280) 21.80

Fig. 44 Yield advantage due to improved variety

- 48 -

950 HUL-57 (1120) 17.89

730 HUL-57 (800) 09.59

8.1.4 MESADM, Malda (West Bengal)



2012-13 1120 1305 16.51

1020 1270 24.51

1045 1280 22.49

8.1.5 PORS, Murshidabad (West Bengal)



2012-13 1045 1290 23.44

8.2 Trial No. 2- Yield advantage due to production package

Trials conducted for determining impact

of improved technology over farmers’

practice, it was observed that improved

technologies gave 25-45 per cent

higher yields compared to Farmers’

practice and clearly show importance of

improved technology and management

practices in getting higher yields and

economic returns.


Year A B % Increase of B over A Local/Improved variety +

Farmers’ Practice Local/Improved variety

+ Improved Technologies

2011-12 988 1305 32.08

1020 1385 35.78

2012-13 964 1281 32.88

988 1295 31.07

925 1240 34.05

Fig.45 Yield advantage due to production package

- 49 -

8.2.2 RAU, Muzaffarpur


Farmers’ Practice Local/Improved variety + Improved Technologies

2011-12 1085 1375 26.72

8.2.3 SPARK, Patna



2011-12 856 1158 35.28

2012-13 962

1282 33.00

8.2.4 Chandauli, UP (ICARDA, New Delhi)



2011-12 1200 1680 40.00

1080 1600 48.15

1250 1670 33.60

900 1320 46.66

8.2.5 MESADM, Malda, West Bengal



2011-12 9.82 14.96 65.20 %

2012-13 1305 1703 30.50

1270 1526 20.16

1295 1718 32.66

8.2.6 PORS, Murshidabad, West Bengal



2012-13 1290 1630 26.37

8.3 Trial No. - 3 Yield advantage due to improved variety and improved production

package

Trials conducted for determining impact of

improved variety with improved technology

over local variety with farmers’ practice it

was observed that HYVs with improved

Fig.46 Yield advantage due to improved variety and production package

- 50 -

technologies gave 30-65 per cent higher yields compared to cultivation of local varieties with

farmers’ practices and clearly show importance of improved technology and management

practices in getting higher yields and economic returns.



Practice Improved Variety +

Improved Technologies

2011-12 819 HUL-57 (1378) 63.08

886 IPL-81 (1328) 32.08

757 Moitree (1211) 43.31

921 PL-6 (1435) 69.82

2012-13 968 IPL-406 (1474) 52.27

938 HUL-57 (1465) 56.18

925 IPL-81(1353) 46.27

956 PL-8 (1482) 55.02

8.3.2 RAU, Muzaffarpur




2011-12 885 HUL-57 (1490) 68.36

845 Arun (1417) 67.69

798 KLS- 218 (1330) 66.67

785 Moitree (1305) 66.24

2012-13 956 HUL-57 (1625) 69.79

973 KLS-218 (1567) 61.04

943 PL-6 (1388) 47.18

8.3.3 SPARK, Patna




2011-12 726 HUL-57 (1216) 67.49

613 IPL-81 (998) 62.80

643 KLS-218 (1047) 62.83

2012-13 810 1282 58

8.3.4 Chandauli, UP (ICARDA, New Delhi)




2011-12 720 Moitree (1360) 88.88 %

950 KLS-218 (1680) 76.84 %

850 HUL-57 (1680) 97.64 %

800 IPL-81 (1500) 87.50 %

610 PL-6 (800) 31.14 %

- 51 -

8.3.5 MESADM, Malda, WB

Year A B % Increase of B over A Local Variety +

Farmers’ Practice Improved Variety +

Improved Technologies 2011-12 Local Moitree 73.96 %

Local HUL-57 57.54 %

Local Subrata 49.68 %

Local Subhendu 39.68 %

2012-13 1120 1703 52.05

1020 1526 49.61

1045 1718 54.83

8.3.6 PORS, Murshidabad

Year A B % Increase of B over A Local/Improved variety

+ Farmers’ Practice Local/Improved variety + Improved Technologies

2012-13 1045 1630 55.98

9. Selection of farmer- preferred varieties through FPVS

A number of different varieties that have been provided to the selected farmers and best

varieties have been selected on the basis of yield performance, seed size, cotyledon colour,

resistant to insect-pest & diseases, duration of the crop (which fitted in cropping system),

mode of cultivation (Normal/Relay/Rice-fallow/Zero-tillage) and other attributes. The list of

preferred varieties is given below:

Table 9.1 Farmer-preferred varieties under different cropping systems

State District Sowing method Preferred variety

Assam Nagaon Relay Cropping/Normal

sowing

Moitree, HUL-57, PL-406, KLS-

218*

Bihar Muzaffarpur Relay and Normal sowing HUL-57, Arun, KLS-218, PL-6*

Patna Relay cropping Moitree, IPL-81, PL-8

Normal sowing NDL-1, PL-8, KLS-218, IPL-406*

Nalanda Relay cropping KLS-218, PL-8, IPL-81

Normal sowing KLS-218, NDL-1, HUL-57, IPL-

406*

Uttar Pradesh Ballia Normal sowing HUL-57, NDL-1

Relay cropping PL-6, NDL-1

Zero-tillage PL-6, Moitree

Chandauli Relay cropping HUL-57, Moitree, NDL-1, IPL-81

Normal sowing KLS-218, Moitree, HUL-57,

Zero- tillage HUL-57, Moitree, NDL-1

Fatehpur Normal Sowing NDL-1, HUL-57, DPL-62

- 52 -

Zero-tillage PL-6, Moitree

West Bengal Malda Relay cropping Moitree, HUL-57, Subrata

Normal sowing Moitree, HUL-57

Murshidabad Relay and Normal sowing Moitree, Subrata, PL-6, NDL-1*

*Those varieties which have been provided in the third year of the project.

10. Yield with technological interventions over local, State and National

average

The improved variety and improved package of practices gave on an average 50.84 per cent

more yield compared to farmers’ practices. The national average productivity of lentil during

2010-11 was 591 kg/ha. On an average there is an increase of yield 64.66 per cent over

State and 112.86 per cent over National average. Lentil yield in demonstration plots ranged

between 835 kg/ha (Nagaon, Assam) to 1472 kg/ha (Malda, West Bengal).

Table 10.1 Yield advantages of improved technologies

State Location Yield (Kg/ha) Increase

over

Local (%)

Increase

over State

(%)

Increase

over

National

(%)

Average

Farmers’

Local

Average

Demonstratio

n plot

Assam Nagaon

608 835 37.34 67.00 41.29

Bihar Muzaffarpur

889 1437 61.64 64.23 143.15

Patna 707 1273 80.06 45.49 115.40

Nalanda

886 1304 47.18 49.03 120.64 Uttar

Pradesh

Ballia

847 1198 41.44 72.37 102.71

Fatehpur

868 1379 58.87 98.42 133.33

Chandauli

718 1076 49.86 54.82 82.06

West

Bengal

Murshidaba

d

1035 1348 30.24 61.82 128.09

Malda 948 1472 55.27 76.71 149.07

Average 834 1258 50.84 64.66 112.86

Directorate of Economics and Statistics, DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, India, 2010-11, State average yield Assam- 500 kg/ha, Bihar- 875 kg/ha, Uttar Pradesh- 695 kg/ha and West Bengal- 833 Kg/ha and National average 591 kg/ha

11. Quality seed production

Seed production was one of the important activities under the project, keeping this objective

in mind a huge amount of the seed have been produced under the project in three years. A

total of 13445.67 quintals (First year- 1966 q, second year- 2994.57 q and in third year-

8485.10 q) of quality seeds of high yielding lentil varieties were produced under the project

- 53 -

for the continuity of seed chain at village level. To strengthen the quality lentil seed

production, village seed hubs with farmers’ participation were created. Different types of

seeds like foundation seed, certified seed and truthfully labeled seeds were produced in

significant quantity with farmers participation duly certified by State Seed Certification

Agencies.

Seed certification officer visiting the field at Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh)

54

Table 11.1 Centre-wise quality seed production in 2011-12 (q)

Centre HUL-57 Moitree KLS-218 PL-6 NDL-1 Arun Subrata IPL-81 PL-8 Asha

FS CS TL FS CS TL FS CS TL FS TL FS TL CS TL FS TL FS FS

Nalanda, Bihar (ICARDA, New Delhi)

68.41 - 123.90 - - 106.25 69.50 - - - 24.50 - - - - - 49.00 - -

RAU, Muzaffarpur - 95.34 72.90 - 59.02 71.00 - 56.31 75.60 - - - - 56.74 101.00 - - - -

SPARK, Patna

10.12 47.60 40.40 22.34 21.90 14.40 35.00 - 20.22 18.00 - 16.56 20.78

Chandauli, UP (ICARDA, New Delhi)

25.00 - 48.80 - 80.00 - 8.00 - - 10.00 - - - - - - 78.00 - -

Ballia, UP (IIPR, Kanpur)

- - - - - - - - - - - - 393.00 - - - - - -

Fatehpur, UP (IIPR, Kanpur) - - - - - - - - - - - 75.00 111.00 - - - - - -

MESADM, Malda, WB - - 172.00 178.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PORS, Murshidabad - - 71.43 186.00 - - - - - 37.65 - - - - - 190.50 - - 33.40

Total

103.53 142.94 529.43 386.34 160.92 191.65 112.50 56.30 95.82 65.65 24.50 75.00 504.00 56.74 101.00 190.50 143.56 20.78 33.40

FS= Foundation Seed, CS= Certified Seed and TLS= Truthfully Labelled Seed

55

Table 11.2 Centre-wise quality seed production in 2012-13 (q)

Centre HUL-57 Moitree KLS-218 PL-6 NDL-1 Subrata IPL-81 PL-8 Asha

PL-406

IPL-406 DPL-62

Pusa Vaibha

v

FS CS TL FS CS TL FS

CS TL FS TL FS TL FS TL CS TL FS TL FS TL FS TL FS FS

TL

AAU, Nagaon

- - 114.54

- - 107.33

- - 63.17

- - - - - - - 91.21

- - - 27.08

- - - - -

Nalanda, Bihar (ICARDA, New Delhi)

- - 243.55 -

- 60.30 - - 213.60

70.07 335.09

114.59

89.73 - - 309.38

50.37 215.87

- - 84.58 49.79 - - -

RAU, Muzaffarpur

- 91.72

76.40 - - - - 74.95

88.10 134.63

- - - - - - - 143.07

- - - - - - - -

SPARK, Patna

- - 227.13 - - 36.91 - - 126.21

86.22 379.04

48.82 129.55 - - - 202.22

14.73 242.37

- - 82.58 93.66 - - -

Chandauli, UP (ICARDA, New Delhi)

3.55 0.45 9.63 1.73 - 3.35 3.41

0.20 6.35 - 1.48 - - - - 10.02

0.20 14.51 - - - - - - 3.00

0.54

Ballia, UP (IIPR, Kanpur)

- - 569.32 - - 104.49 - - - 107.22

- 88.45 1161.16

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Fatehpur, UP (IIPR, Kanpur)

- - 184.17 - - - - - - 52.88 - 61.33 - - - - - - - - - - - 77.61 - -

MESADM, Malda, WB

14.35

- 16.80 44.00 557.60

32.00 - - - - - - - 23.20 15.20 - - - - 13.06 - - - - - -

PORS, Murshidabad

- - - 168.75

- 126.15 - - - 26.50 60.75 34.50 48.45 156.63

150.65

- - - - 12.90 - - - - - -

Total 17.9 92.17

1441.54

214.48

557.60

470.53 3.41

75.15

497.43

477.52

776.36

347.69

1428.89

179.83

165.85

10.02

603.01

222.68

458.24

25.96 27.08 167.16

143.45

77.61 3.00

0.54

FS= Foundation Seed, CS= Certified Seed and TLS= Truthfully Labelled Seed

56

Table 11.3 Variety-wise quality seed production 2010-11 (q)

Varieties Class of Seed

Foundation Seed Certified Seed Truthfully Labelled Seed

Moitree 71 - -

Asha - 19 -

Subrata - 130 -

Shuvendru - - 2

Arun - 100 322

KLS-218 8 - -

NDL-1 393

86 177

HUL-57 69

- 520

IPL-81 - - 69

Total 541 335 1090

Table 11.4 Variety-wise quality seed production 2011-12 (q)

Variety FS CS TL Total

HUL-57 103.53 142.94 529.43 775.90

Moitree 386.34 160.92 191.65 738.91

KLS-218 112.50 56.31 95.82 264.63

PL-6 65.65 - 24.50 90.15

NDL-1 75.00 - 504.00 579.00

Arun - 56.74 101.00 157.74

Subrata 190.50 - - 190.50

IPL-81 - - 143.56 143.56

PL-8 20.78 - - 20.78

Asha 33.40 - - 33.40

Total 987.70 416.91 1589.96 2994.57

Table 11.5 Variety wise total seed production in 2012-13 (q)

Variety FS CS TL Total

HUL-57 17.9 92.17 1441.54 1551.61

Moitree 214.48 557.60 470.53 1242.61

KLS-218 3.41 75.15 497.43 575.99

PL-6 477.52 - 776.36 1253.88

NDL-1 347.69 - 1428.89 1776.58

Subrata 179.83 165.85 345.68

IPL-81 - 10.02 603.01 613.03

PL-8 222.68 - 458.24 680.92

Asha 25.96 - - 25.96

57

PL-406 - - 27.08 27.08

IPL-406 167.16 - 143.45 310.61

DPL-62 77.61 - - 77.61

Pusa Vaibhav 3.00 - 0.54 3.54

Total 1737.24 734.94 6012.92 8485.1

Table 11.6 Variety wise seed produced during project period in 2010-13 (q)

Varieties

Class of Seed

Foundation Seed Certified Seed Truthfully Labelled Seed

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

HUL-57 69 103.53 17.9 - 142.94 92.17 520 529.43 1441.54

Moitree 71 386.34 214.48 - 160.92 557.60 - 191.65 470.53

KLS-218 8 112.50 3.41 - 56.30 75.15 - 95.82 497.43

PL-6 - 65.65 477.52 - - - - 24.50 776.36

NDL-1 393 75.00 347.69 86 - - 177 504.00 1428.89

Arun - - - 100 56.74 - 322 101.00 -

Subrata - 190.50 179.83 130 - - - - 165.85

IPL-81 - - - - - 10.02 69 143.56 603.01

PL-8 - 20.78 222.68 - - - - - 458.24

Asha - 33.40 25.96 19 - - - - -

IPL-406 - - 167.16 - - - - - 143.45

PL-406 - - - - - - - - 27.08

Pusa Vaibhav

- - 3.00 - - - - - 0.54

DPL-62 - - 77.61 - - - - - -

Suvendu - - - - - - 02 - -

Total 541 987.70 1737.24

335 416.91 734.94

1090 1589.96 6012.92

Centre wise details of the seed production (2012-13) is attached as Annexure (i)

12. Creation of seed hubs for seed security

For sustainable seed chain in village level, village-based seed hubs have been created at all

project locations. In three years, a total of sixteen seed hubs have been established out of

which six are already registered and rest are under process of registration. These seed hubs

are community-based, owned and managed by farming communities at village level. By

establishing seed hubs at village level, farmers will be self-sufficient in quality seed, they can

access to seed timely and they can generate employment & additional income by selling the

quality seeds to other neighbouring/needy farmers. However, Seed processing units are not

available in most of the districts.

58

Table 12.1 Details of village seed-hubs

S. No. Name of seed hubs

1. Beej Vikas Sewa Samiti, Bindiki, Fatehpur

2. Beej Vikas Sewa Samiti, Thatharahi, Fatehpur

3. Kameshwar Dham Kisan Sewa Samiti, Karo, Ballia

4. Jai Vigyan Kisan Sewa Samiti, Tutuwari, Ballia

5. Medaura Kisan Sewa Samiti, Medaura Kala, Ballia

6. Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel Beej Utpadak Samiti, Barora, Chandauli

7. Disari Farmers’ Club, Dangrail, Malda

8. Sambalpur Cooperative Society, Malda

9. Sabuj Baahini Farmers Club Bidyanandapu Chanchal, Malda

10. Debiganj Dishari Farmers Club, Debiganj, Chanchal, Malda

11. Sarkar Beej Ghar, Bawrah, Murshidabad

12. Kohinoor Seed House, Bholla, Murshidabad

13. Razzak Seed Hub, Basudebkali, Murshidabad

14. SHG for Seed Production, Auta, Mokama, Patna

15. SHG for Seed Production, Mohanpur- Abgila, Patna

16. Kisan Beej Utpadan Samiti (SHG), Lachhubigha, Nalanda

13. Beyond the boundaries

For the first time Lentil crop has been introduced and is established in North Eastern States

of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya by ICARDA with the help of ICAR

Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Shillong. The results of the trials

conducted has revealed significantly higher returns realised by the farmers in these states

for the first time and due to enthusiasm among farmers and their innovativeness for adoption

of this crop and improved production technology. This made ICARDA to supply additional

amount of seed, PL-6: 62 q and Moitree: 4 q to Tripura during 2012-13.

14. Enhancing knowledge through capacity development ICARDA-SACRP and its partners organized a series of awareness workshops, farmers’

trainings, farmers’ fairs, field days, trainer’s training, field school, women training and

scientist-farmers interactions etc. to make farmers aware about the production technologies,

post-harvest management, seed production technologies, processing etc. These capacity

development programmes were highly successful in reaching out to the farming community

at grass root level. A total of more than 7600 farmers which included more than 550 women

farmers participated in these capacity development programmes. These capacity building

programmes were attended by both participating farmers and also farmers from beyond the

59

project areas. The topics which were discussed during these capacity development

programmes i.e. varietal selection, selection of field, date of sowing, seed-treatment, seed

priming, identification of diseases & insects that hamper the production & productivity of lentil

and post-harvest technologies etc. The details of capacity development is given below

Table 14.1 Consolidated capacity development during 2010-13

Activities 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Total

Farmers’ Field

School/Training/Field day

50 96 102 248

Trainers’ Training 02 02 03 07

Seed production training 07 18 14 39

Travelling Seminar 01 01 - 02

Glimpses of various capacity development activities

Farmers’ training at Ballia Women participation in farmers’ training at Chandauli

60

Workshop organized at Nagaon (Assam) Scientists- Farmers Group interaction at Patna, Bihar

Active participation by Women farmers at

Nagaon

Travelling Workshop

Farmers’ training at Ballia

Farmers’ Training at Patna

61

Dr. S.A. Kamel, Dr. Michael Baum, Dr. A. Aziz Niane and Dr. Shiv Kumar Agarwal from

ICARDA visited India for examining performance of improved technologies and for over

viewing ongoing project activities conducted at project sites.

15. Monitoring and Evaluation of project

Review and evaluation of results of project implementation is very essential for success of

any project. This helps in gap-identification & its mid-term correction. Frequent monitoring of

implementation provides timely guidenace and improves the work efficiently for better output.

Here this has been achieved through three different steps:

1. Annual Review Workshop

2. Steering Committee Meeting for Review and Policy decisions

Field day at Murshidabad Farmers’ training at Malda

Farmers’ training at Muzaffarpur Field day at Patna

62

3. National Level Monitoring at field level

15.1 Annual Review Workshop

Every year Annual workshop has been organized where all the activities and outcomes of

project implementation have been discusses in different technical sessions. Next year work

plan were discussed and if required modified as per the feed back and advice received from

Steering Committee & Monotoring Committee.

During the Annual Review Workshop held on 24-25 July, 2013 the following

recommendations were adopted for further action:

To increase the production and area under lentil, concentrate only on 2-3 varieties

which are preferred by the farmers and performing best in that area, on the basis of

findings during the last three years.

Specific technological interventions (2% foliar spray of urea, seed treatment with

fungicide, rhizobium, etc.) should be provided to the farmers to boost the yield.

Additionally, application of Borax in acidic soils should be followed as per

recommendation.

In many states, relay cropping performed well like Malda (West Bengal, Assam),

therefore, it was recommended that in those states relay cropping with recommended

varieties should be continued. Zero-tillage or minimum tillage should be promoted in

some states, like Bihar.

Presently the Seed Hubs in the form of seed society and the partners are providing

Foundation Seed, Certified Seed to National Seed Corporations (NSC) and State

Seed Corporations (SSC). However, there is a need to have some criteria for the

sustainability of the Seed Hubs at village level and also develop suitable strategies to

keep seed at village level to meet farmers’ requirements in that area.

Establish linkages between seed hubs and concerned State Government. Buy-back

system of quality seed from the project funds should be in place.

Keeping nutritional security in mind, high Fe and Zn containing varieties (like Pusa

Vaibhav) should be provided to the farmers. Periodic analysis of Fe and Zn contents

to be done.

63

Realizing the progress under the project in terms of varietal identification in various

cropping situations/systems/states, seed production of different categories, capacity

development of farmers/extensionists, the project activities should be expanded in

new areas.

Remote areas, backward regions, rice-fallow, marginal farmers, schedule caste and

tribal community etc. should be given emphasis in next phase of the project

It was strongly recommended by the Chairman, Co-Chairman and the House that the

project should be continued to achieve more production of lentil to address mal-

nutrition in the country.

The proceedings of three Annual review workshops held on 17-18 June, 2011; 21-22, May

2012 and 24-25, July 2013 are appended herewith as Annexure (iii)-(v)

15.2 Steering Committee Meeting

First Steering Committee Meeting held on 1st September, 2011 in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

under the Chairmanship of Agricultural Commissioner, Govt. of India. The project

implementation and its outcome were discussed in details and some action points were

suggested.

Second Steering Committee Meeting held on 14th September, 2012 under Chairmanship of

Joint Secretary (Crops) & Mission Director, NFSM, Govt. of India at ICARDA Conference

Room, NASC Complex, New Delhi. After reviewing and analyzing the outcome of two years

project implementation. Some action points were suggested for further action. The

proceedings of 1st and 2nd Steering Committee Meetings are appended herewith as

Annexure (vi) & (vii).

15.3 National Monitoring

During 2010-11, National Monitoring Team was not constituted. However, a team of three

International Scientists visited some of the Project implementation sites in Uttar Pradesh and

Bihar and provided their scientific input to the Project implementation.

During 2011-12, a National Monitoring Team was constituted vide letter No. CPS 5-34/2010-

NFSM Dated 1st February 2012 (Annexure-viii). The team visited UP, Bihar and West

Bengal and discussed with participating farmers and provided some suggestions on the

64

sopt. The National Monitoring Committee by DAC vide no. CPS 5-25/2009- NFSM (Vol-II),

dated 22.02.2013 (Annexure-ix). The team visited Bihar, West Bengal and Assam and

interact with farmers and Government Officials. The report of the team members of

Monitoring Committee are appended herewith as Annexure (x) & (xi).

16- Publication of extension materials

Twenty four extension bulletins such as

leaflets, booklets, pamphlets and brochures

etc. in Hindi, English, Bengali and

Assamese have been published and

distributed during the capacity development

programmes among the farmers/extension

agents to make them updated/aware about

the profitable cultivation of the lentil. A brief

list of these publications is given below

Table 16.1 Details of the publications

S. No. Details of the publication Language Type

1. Lentil- A Healthy Food English Flyer

2. Technical Manual on Quality Seed Production of Lentil Englsih Booklet

3. Krishak Bhagidari Dwara Masoor Ka Beej Utpadan Hindi Booklet

4. Masoor me Maahu Niyantran Hindi Leaflet

5. Musur Chash Bengali Booklet

6. Paira Chash Bengali Booklet

7. Unnata Prathay Musur Chas Bengali Leaflet

8. Masoor Ki Unnat Kheti Hindi Leaflet

9. Masoor Me Beej Utpadan Hindi Leaflet

10. Unnat Takniki Dwara Masoor Utpadan Hindi Booklet

11. Masoor: Ek Swasthaya Bhojan Hindi Pamphlet

12. Lentil to Bolster Nutritional Security English Leaflet

13. Masoor Ke Vibhinn Vayanjan Hindi Booklet

14. Bihar me Massor Utpadan ki Vaigyanik Takniki Hindi Booklet

15. Krishak Sahbhagidari Dwar Masoor ka Beej Utpadan Hindi Booklet

16. Khadya, pusti nirapatta aru unnata gramyojibikar babe Axamat masur mahar utpadan briddhir baigyanik pajukti

Assamese Leaflet

17. Unnata prathay Paira Musur Chas Bengali Booklet

18. Unnata o baiganik prathay Musur chas Bengali Booklet

19. Beejotpandan ke liye masoor ki Unnat Package Pranali Hindi Leaflets

20. Unnata Prathay Musur Chas Bengali Leaflet

21. Paira Paddhatite Musur Chas Bengali Leaflet

22. Masoor Ki Unnat Kheti Hindi Leaflet

23. Masoor Me Beej Utpadan Hindi Leaflet

24. Masoor Ki Unnat Kheti evam Beej Utpadan ki Adhunik Taknik

Hindi Booklet

A view of publications

65

17. Media reportage

The on-going activities of the ICARDA and its National partners have been covered by

different regional newspapers. The glimpses of some news coverage are given below.

66

18. Spread of improved varieties

Befor project implementation during 2010-11, out of 5364 ha total area under lentil in 136

villages only 210 ha was cultivated with improved varieties. Being convenced with higher

yield from improved varieties (demonstration), non-participating farmers started exchanging

their local seeds with improved varieties from participating farmers. This led to farmers to

farmers spread of improved varieties in thses villages. By the end of project (2012-13), 2880

ha came under improved varieties. So, out of 5417 ha area under lentil cultivation in 136

villages, where project was under operation, 2880 ha area has been brought under new

improved lentil varieties in past 3 years of project implementation, thus making 53.16%

VRR/SRR. The details of year-wise spread of improved varieties are given in the Table

below:

67

Table 18.1 Project Impact analysis: Spread of Improved variety & replacement of area with improved variety under the project

Area conversion from local to improved variety(s) of lentil

S. No.

Name of district

No. of villages

Total area

under lentil (ha.)

Area under

improved variety (ha.)

before 2010

2010-11

Increase in

improved varieties area(ha)

2011-12 Increase in


2012-130201 Increase in


Area under local

variety (ha.)

Area under


Area under local

variety (ha.)

Area under


Area under local

variety (ha.)

Total area

under improved

variety (ha.)

1 Nagaon 14 141 12 109 32 20 80 61 29 356 107 46

2 Muzaffarpur 14 1206 36 1115 91 55 1000 205 114 771 435 230

3 Patna 16 1266 43 1159 107 64 1012 255 148 773 493 238

4 Nalanda 14 558 23 475 83 60 378 179 96 188 370 191

5 Chandauli 16 501 16 450 52 36 344 157 105 163 339 182

6 Balia 14 1163 40 1080 81 41 849 314 273 458 705 391

7 Fatehpur 14 1 1 1 11 10 0 42 31 0 54 12

8 Malda 19 187 11 161 27 16 141 47 20 92 96 49

9 Murshidabad 15 339 28 259 79 51 128 211 132 57 282 71

Total 136 5364 210 4811 563 353 3933 1472 948 2537 2880 1410

68

19. Economic impact of the pilot project

The impact analysis of pilot project implementation has revealed that there has been

tremendous effect on the society leading to several fold realization of the investment made in

the project. Both short-term and long-term benefits have been acknowledged by farmers of

four states, scientific personnel, policy planners and common man. The flow chart given

below depicts the benefits/gains from the project implementation:

Short-Term Effect

The short-term effect has been directly to participating farmers during implementation of the

Project in selected districts of Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Net higher income to participating farmers in every village has been calculated

directly from the demonstration conducted since 2010-11, the year of implementation of

Project. Farmer-wise yield of demonstration and check plot has been tabulated and

Impact of Project

Direct Monetary Benefit

to Participating Farmers Economic Gain

to Society

Long-Term Effect Short-term Effect

Increase in

pulse

productivity &

production

Improvement in soil

health: sustainable

agriculture

Net higher income

from demonstration

to farmers

Income from

seed production

to farmers

Economic gain from

spread of improved

varieties

Risk Management from

higher VRR/SRR

69

additional quantity of lentil produced from the area under demonstration was calculated (the

difference in per unit yield of demonstration and check plot was multiplied with area of

demonstration to know the additional yield of lentil). From the prevailing rate of lentil in

market, the total additional monetary benefit was calculated. Since all the inputs were

provided to the participating farmers, the additional monetary benefit was the net income

from the demonstration in his field.

Some of the farmers were trained in producing foundation and certified seeds. The

State Seed Certifying Agency certified the farmers’ seed after the same was processed.

Some of the farmers produced Truthful Labelled Seed (where seed certifying Agency could

not inspect the fields). These seeds were sold to farmers in same district and other states.

Since the rate of seeds are higher, participating farmers got higher income from sale of

these seeds.

Farmer to farmer spread of improved varieties of lentil is a normal phenomenon.

Seeing the better production of lentil from the improved varieties compared to local seed,

other farmers from the same village got the new variety seed in exchange of local variety,

from farmers who received the improved variety seed under the project for demonstration.

In this way, year after year the area under improved varieties increased in participating

villages. Since, replacement of local variety of lentil, with improved variety has given more

than 20% higher yield; the additional gain in yield was calculated on the basis of district

average yield for the area where improved variety has spread due to implementation of the

project.

Since, the additional production of lentil through demonstration, seed production and

spread of varieties has also produced additional biomass, leading to increase in quantity of

straw, the value of additional straw has also been a direct benefit to the farmers in short –

term.

The increase in SRR/VRR and the associated technology will be reducing the risk of

diseases in crop, the risk of crop failure due to disease is managed and the creation of seed

hubs in villages will continue the seed chain thus increase in VRR/SRR (Out of 5417 ha area

under lentil cultivation in 136 villages, where project was under operation, 2880 ha area has

been brought under new improved lentil varieties in past 3 years of project implementation,

thus making 53.16% VRR/SRR).

70

The district-wise and year-wise, economic gain (2010-13) to farmers and society is

attached as Annexure (xii), which clearly depicts that with the investment in the pilot project

implementation under NFSM-Pulses has given several fold higher returns to the society in

short term (during the project period itself). The investment of one rupee in this pilot

project has given return of 4.39 rupees.

Economic gain from the project (Rs. Lakh)

Table 19.1 Economic gain during 2010-13

Crop season

Additional gain due to improved

technologies

Additional gain due to spread

Value of

quality seed

Value of additional

straw

Total gain

Total fund released by

DAC

2010-11 30.4 0 42.5 10.4 83.3 54.5

2011-12 74.4 65.0 153.2 44.3 336.9 108.0

2012-13 94.3 105.9 464.9 103.2 768.3 108.4

Total 199.08 170.9 660.5 157.90 1188.5 270.9

The long-term impact due to improved soil health because of atmospheric nitrogen fixation,

increase in soil carbon etc. has been of enormous value to the agricultural production in

future. Continuous Rice-wheat cultivation has made the soil deficient in organic carbon,

imbalances in micro-nutrients and adversely affected the soil health leading to higher cost of

cultivation. The economic benefit to the farmers has convinced them to include lentil in their

cropping system.

71

20. Scientific personnel involved

Regional Coordinator Dr. Ashutosh Sarker

Regional Coordinator & Food Legume Breeder

ICARDA South Asia and China Regional Program

NASC Complex, New Delhi 110012, India

Liasioning Officer/Project

Coordinator

Dr. Rajendra Choudhury



Research Associate Dr. Pooja Sah



Senior Research Fellow Mr. Akhilesh Kumar Srivastava

S/O Shri Ram Naresh Lal

Village- Kakarahi Khurd

Post-Sadalpura, Dist. Chandauli

PIN 232120, U. P.

Senior Research Fellow

Mr. Md. Toufique Khan

C/O Mr. Md. Anis Khan

P.O.- Soh Sarai

P. S.-Soh Sarai Bandhu Bazar (Addapar)

Bihar Sharif, Dist- Nalanda, Bihar 803118

SPARK, Patna, Bihar Dr. Pawan Kumar

Pulse and Oilseed Breeder

Society for Promotion of Agril. Research &

Knowledge (SPARK), A-7, Krishi Nagar

Ashiana Nagar, Patna (Bihar)

Senior Research Fellow Mr. Manoj Kumar

Society for Promotion of Agril. Research &

Knowledge (SPARK), A-7, Krishi Nagar

Ashiana Nagar, Patna (Bihar)

IIPR, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Dr. S.K. Singh

Principal Scientist (Extension)

Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR)

Kalyanpur, Kanpur, India

72

Research Associate Dr. Riyajuddin

Agricultural Extension Section




Mr. Sanjay Yadav



Kalyanpur, Kanpur,


Mr. Vinay Shankar Ojha




RAU, Pusa, Bihar

Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh Pulse Breeder, Tirhut College of Agriculture (RAU) Dholi, Muzaffarpur - 843 121 Bihar

Senior Research Fellow Mr. Manoj Kumar Shukla Tirhut College of Agriculture (RAU) Dholi, Muzaffarpur - 843 121 Bihar

PORS, Berhampore, West Bengal Mr. Madan Mohan Srivastava Economic Botanist-II, PORS, Berhampore Disstt Murshidabad-742101; West Bengal

Senior Research Fellow Mr. Avishek Manna PORS, Berhampore Disstt Murshidabad-742101; West Bengal

MESADM, Kalyani, West Bengal Dr Suprovo Gupta Pulse Breeder, Chhaya Neer, Pragatinagar P.O. Chinsurah R.S. Dist. Hooghly Madhyamgram Ecofriendly Sustainable Agricultural Development Mission (MESADM), B 2/190 Kalyani, Nadia- 741 235; West Bengal

Senior Research Fellow Mr. Anwarul Islam P.O. Chinsurah R.S. Dist. Hooghly Madhyamgram Ecofriendly Sustainable Agricultural Development Mission (MESADM), B 2/190 Kalyani, Nadia- 741 235; West Bengal

AAU, Jorhat, Assam (CCPI) Dr. I. A. Sheikh Principal Scientist Lentil Breeder, Regional Agricultural Research Station (AAU), Shillongani, Dist. Nagaon 782 002, Assam

73

Acknowledgement

We wish to convey our deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Govt. of India for assigning such a unique project

under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM-Pulses), without which the present

investigation would not have been possible.

Deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness is also due to the Agriculture Commissioner and

Joint Secretary (Crops) & Mission Director (NFSM), Govt. of India, for their constant

guidance towards implementing the project. Their efforts helped us, both in methodology as

well as result demonstrations and also to build up an effective mechanism in certified seed

production process.

Critical review, analysis and policy planning guidance by Steering Committee; National

Monitoring Team and Chairman of different Technical Sessions during Annual Workshops

has tremendous effect on the successful implementation of the Project, we shall fail in our

duty if we don’t express our indebtedness and thankfulness to them.

Thanks are also due to Dr. R.S. Paroda, Ex-Secretary, DARE; Dr. Mangala Rai, Ex-

Secretary, DARE; Dr. J.S.Samra, C.E.O. & Chiarman, NRAA; Dr.Swapan Kr. Dutta, DDG

(Crops) ICAR; Dr. R.B .Singh, President, NAAS; Dr.B.B.Singh, ADG (OP), ICAR and

Dr.N.Nadarajan, Director, IIPR, Kanpur for their in-depth review, timely guidance and

valuable advice in implementing the project.

We express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Addl. Commissioner (Crop), Director (Crop),

Technical, Administrative and Finance personnel of Department of Agriculture &

Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India for their crucial input in implementation of

the project and timely sanction of financial grant and constitution of monitoring team which

has contributed a lot towards fruitful outcome of the project. Our thankfulness is also to

National Consultants (NFSM) for their technical guidance toward improving effectiveness

and efficiency of project implementation our quality of works.

We gratefully acknowledge efforts of the collaborating scientists and coordinating institutions

in implementing the pilot project sincerely is not properly acknowledged. The main credit for

success of project goes to our participating farmers, State Govt. Officials, Seed Certifying

agencies, and Extension officials and to the NDUA&T, Faizabad and GBPUA&T, Pantnagar

for supplying the Breeder Seed at right time. We owe our indebtedness to all of them.

Last but not least, we sincerely acknowledge the support and help of D.G., ICARDA, ADG-

ICC, Director-BIGM, Scientists from ICARDA H.Q.; scientific, administrative and financial

personnel of ICARDA South Asia & China Regional Program, New Delhi for their full support

and help in executing the project successfully.

74

Annexure-i

Centre wise seed produced (2012-13) Nagaon, AAU, Assam

Variety Production (q) TL seed

HUL-57 114.54

Moitree 107.33

IPL-81 91.21

KLS-218 63.17

PL-406 27.08

Total 403.33

Nalanda, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)

Foundation seed Truthfully labeled seed

NDL-1 114.59 89.73

IPL-406 84.58 49.79

PL-8 50.37 215.87

PL-6 70.07 335.09

KLS-218 - 213.60

HUL-57 - 243.55

IPL-81 - 309.38

Moitree - 60.30

Total 319.61 1517.31

Ballia, IIPR, Kanpur

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)

Foundation seed Truthfully Labeled seed

NDL-1 88.45 1161.16

PL-6 107.22 -

HUL-57 - 569.32

Moitree - 104.49

Total 195.67 1834.97

Fatehpur, IIPR, Kanpur

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)


NDL-1 61.33 -

PL-6 52.88 -

HUL-57 - 184.17

DPL-62 77.61 -

Total 191.82 184.17

75

Murshidabad, PORS, West Bengal

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)


Moitree 168.75 126.15

Subrata 156.63 150.65

PL-6 26.50 60.75

N.D.L.-1 34.50 48.45

Asha 12.90 -

Total 399.28 386

Malda, MESADM, West Bengal

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)

Foundation seed Certified seed Truthfully labeled seed

Moitree 44.00 557.60 32.00

Subrata 23.20 - 15.20

Asha 13.06 - -

HUL-57 14.35 - 16.80

Total 94.61 557.60 64.00

Grand total 716.21

Chandauli, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)


PL-8 14.51 - -

HUL-57 3.55 0.45 9.63

KLS-218 3.41 0.20 6.35

Moitree 1.73 - 3.35

IPL-81 - 10.02 0.20

PL-6 - - 1.48

Pusa Vaibhav 3.00 - 0.54

Total 26.2 10.67 21.55

Patna, SPARK, Bihar

Lentil Variety

Seed Quantity (Qt.)

Foundation seed Truthfully labeled seed

NDL-1 48.82 129.55

IPL-406 82.58 93.66

PL-8 14.73 242.37

PL-6 86.22 379.04

KLS-218 - 126.21

HUL-57 - 227.13

IPL-81 - 202.22

76

Moitree - 36.91

Total 232.35 1437.09

Grand Total 1669.44

Muzaffarpur, RAU, Bihar

Lentil Variety Seed Quantity (Qt.)


HUL-57 - 91.72 76.40

KLS-218 - 74.95 88.10

PL-6 134.63 - -

PL-8 143.07 - -

Total 277.7 166.67 164.5

Grand Total 608.87

77

Annexure-ii

Centre wise capacity development programmes (2012-13)

Nagaon, Assam

Activity Number District/village where conducted

Number of beneficiaries

Field Days/On farm workshop

06 Palashagaon, Nagaon District

122

IIPR, Kanpur

Activity Fatehpur Ballia

No. of activity

No. of participant

No. of activity

No. of participant

Training

IIPR Kanpur

Village level

02 07

132 176

01 08

10

185

Farmers Scientist interaction 06 172 03 110

Exposure Visit at IIPR 02 150 01 16

Exposure Visit at KVK farm 01 42 10 145

Farmers meeting 12 156 10 183

Field day 02 121 01 200

Nalanda, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

Activities Number Number of beneficiaries

Farmers’ Field School 04 129

Training on Seed production and Storage 05 68

Travelling Workshop - -

Field days/Farmers’ day/Farmers Workshop 08 141

Trainers’ Training 01 08

Farmers’ Scientists interaction 10 102

Patna, SPARK, Bihar

Activity Number Place where conducted Number of beneficiaries

Field Days/On farm farmers fairs/Field school

08 Sihi, Gopalpur, Jawarpur- Koraiya, Chesi, Moldiyatola, Auta, Mohanpur,

Abgilla,

223

Farmers Workshop 07 Chesi, Gopalpur, Datiyana, Bilap Sihi, Arap & Jawarpur-Koraiya

215

Training for quality seed production

03 Sihi, Auta, Mohanpur, Abgilla, Babhanlai

65

78

PORS, Murshidabad, West Bengal

Activity Number District/village where conducted



12 Ramna Sekhpara, Khoyramari, Khatua, Brahmonpara, Bholla

279

Trainings of farmers in seed production/PHT/Processing/Crop Husbandry

09 Ramna Sekhpara, Khoyramari, Khatua, Brahmonpara, Bholla

163

Farmers Workshop 11 Ramna Sekhpara, Khoyramari, Khatua, Brahmonpara, Bholla

187

Chandauli, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

Activities Number Number of beneficiaries

Farmers’ Field School 2 43

Training on Seed production and Storage 3 68

Field days/Farmers’ day/Farmers Workshop 5 103

Farmers’ Scientists interaction 3 57


Activity District/village where conducted



1) Vill+PO- Sovanagar, English Bazer, Malda 2) Vill- Gunshakrol PO –Bhabuk, Old Malda, Dist- Malda

No. of farmers- 53 Extensionist – 7 No. of farmers- 61 Extensionist – 7

RAU, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Activity District/village where conducted



Muzaffarpur/Pilkhi 30


TCA, Dholi, Muzaffarpur 50 (25+25)

Farmers Workshop TCA, Dholi,Muzaffarpur 120

Training of trainers/extensionists RAU, Pusa Samastipur 20

Travelling seminars organized RAU, Pusa Samastipur 30

79

Annexure-iii

Proceedings of Annual workshop on DAC-ICARDA-ICAR

Collaborative projects under NFSM (June 17-18, 2011)

The Annual Workshop on DAC-ICARDA-ICAR collaborative projects (i) Pre-breeding and

genetic enhancement in breaking yield barriers in lentil and kabuli chickpea (ii) Enhancing

lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods (iii) Enhancing

grasspea production for safe human food, animal feed, and sustainable rice-based

production systems in India under NFSM-Pulses was held during 17-18 June, 2011 at NAAS

Lecture Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi-12. All the scientists and RA/SRF associated

with these projects participated in the deliberations. The two-day workshop deliberations

were divided into four different sessions: Inaugural Session; Technical Session-I; Technical

Session-II and Plenary Session.

Inaugural Session (June 17, 2011)

The, Inaugural Session started at 0930 AM with lighting the lamp ceremony by the

dignitaries on Dias; Shri. P.K.Basu, Secretary, (A&C), Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Agriculture

Commissioner, GOI; Shri Mukesh Khullar, Jt. Secretary (Crops) & National Director, NFSM,

DAC; Dr. Ashutosh Sarker, Regional Coordinator & Food Legume Breeder, ICARDA South

Asia & China Program and Dr. Javed Rizvi, Country Program Manager, ICARDA-

Afghanistan. Dr. Rizvi welcomed the dignitaries on dais, President NAAS, Country Manager

(South Asia) and visiting scientists, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

(AClAR), ICAR dignitaries, other CG centre officials, participating national and international

scientists. In his welcome address, Dr Rizvi explained the importance of these projects, and

contributions of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, specially the Secretary, Shri

Basu, Agril. Commissioner, Dr Singh and Mission Director, Shri Khullar in their

foresightedness in shaping the projects to have a fruitful impact on pulses production in a

very short period.

Dr. A. Sarker, Regional Coordinator, ICARDA South Asia and China Program, gave the

genesis and major achievements of the projects. He elaborated the various activities project-

wise, the technological interventions and impact of project on the social life of farming

community. The gaps identified and failures were also explained with the detail analysis of

causes. He mentioned that as per our pilot project activities milestone in lentil and grasspea,

seeds were to be produced during 2nd year onward. However, with farmers full participation,

proper guidance and presence of scientists at all the stages of technological interventions

with the farmers, about 1966 q. of lentil seed of farmers' preferred varieties were produced

for farmer to farmer distribution next year. He also explained about the import of various

materials (germplasm and lines) from different countries through ICARDA for development of

drought and terminal heat tolerant lines. In grasspea, the major emphasis on replacement of

high toxin local cultivars with low toxin varieties for food and fodder was explained.

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The Guest of Honour, Shri Mukesh Khullar, Jt Secretary (Crops) and Mission Director,

NFSM addressing the gathering of scientists, elaborated the various facets of the projects

and lauded the effort of all partners in its proper implementation. He appreciated the

threadbare analysis of technical interventions and development of future technical

programme for implementation during next year. He advised to analyse the problems of

farmers and tailoring the project technical interventions in that direction. Proper feedback

from farmers and bridging the gap to achieve higher production and profitability to the

farmers in a sustainable manner has been one of the desired outcomes of this project. He

suggested that at times, one has to be a bit tough and harsh to give the impetus in project

fast implementation to its logical end. He was so concerned for higher production of all the

pulses that he raised that if ICRISAT will care for Pigeonpea and chickpea; ICARDA will care

for Lentil and Lathyrus, who will care for Mungbean and Blackgram? He assured the

participants to provide all the help for achieving objectives of the projects.

The Chairman of the Inaugural Session, Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Agriculture

Commissioner, welcomed the achievements of the projects and congratulated the

participating scientists for their nice work. He mentioned that the pulses production estimates

being 17.2 m. ton is laudable but he wanted this increase to be sustainable. He explained

that from the research data, it is clear that there still exists a wide gap, between potential

yield and realised yield of pulses. This year, there has been increase in area of pulses apart

from favourable environment for pulse growth but, this may not be every year. So, major

breakthrough will come from increase in productivity and sustainable increase in rice fallow

areas under pulse cultivation. He clarified that the Ministry is fully committed to making the

country not a deficit but surplus estate in pulses to help others. He said that for harnessing

the results of research, for farmers' profitability and improvement in their economic

conditions, Department is willing to fully cooperate with any CG centres and like IRRI, may

sign MOU with other agency.

The Hon'ble Chief Guest, Shri P.K.Basu, Secretary, (A&C), on this occasion, released a

handbook, "Technical Manual on Quality Seed Production of Lentil", published under the

project. In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest, appreciated the laudable efforts of

ICARDA's South Asia and China Program in implementing the projects with their partners.

He mentioned that the technology developed by the scientists must reach the farmers in

right time and should have no gestation period, and for this, it is essential that scientists take

their technology directly to the field. He was happy that his efforts to take ICAR and

Department of Agriculture together to the fields have started yielding fruits which is evident

from the record production of pulses and food grains this year. He welcomed the good

projects in different fields and said that for result-oriented good projects, there is no dearth of

money. He will happily, fund the projects if they are convinced that a project would give the

desired output. Appreciating the projects implementation, he congratulated, Dr. Sarker, in

achieving so much in such a short period. He specifically complemented for bringing out not

only achievements, but failure also to the notice of all. The analysis of the causes for failure

and its remedial approaches would be the strength for the activities next year. Wishing for

good and fruitful deliberations in successive sessions, he inaugurated the workshop.

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The inaugural session ended with the vote of thanks to chair, all dignitaries and participants

by Dr. S.KChaturvedi, Head, Crop Improvement, IIPR, Kanpur.

Technical Session -1: Lentil and Grass Pea Enhancement

On 17th June, 2011, after inaugural session, the deliberations began in the Technical

Session-I. This session was to be chaired by Shri Mukesh Khullar, Jt. Secretary (Crops) and

Mission Director, NFSM, but due to unavoidable circumstance, he had to leave and so

session was chaired by Dr. Shankar Lal, consultant, NFSM and Ex-Direcor, IIPR, Kanpur.

Dr. Javed Rizvi, Country Program Manager, ICARDA- Afghanistan co-chaired the session

and Dr. H.K.Dixit" JARI, was rapporteur.

First presentation during the session was made by Dr. R. Chaudhary, ICARDA, New

Delhi. He presented the progress report on projects, Enhancing grasspea production for

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

Enhancing lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods .Two

districts Nalanda and Chandauli were selected for technology interventions in lentil involving

182 farmers. He presented the activities and achievements under Grasspea and Lentil

projects in these districts. It was informed to the House that Travelling Workshop made

several farmers of UP and Bihar realise that the use of high seed rate for sowing normal

lentil crop, what they have been insisting upon, is harmful in getting higher yield.

Lentil: Dr. Chaudhary mentioned that for the first time, farmers of Nalanda were able to

know about the improved varieties of lentil, other than Arun, released during 1986 by RAU.

Under the farmers participatory programme, four varieties; NDL-l, HUL-57, IPL-81 (Noori)

and Arun were sown in farmers' field with full technological package. Out of these, two

varieties of lentil HUL-57 and NDL1 were selected by farmers for normal sown condition

while for late sown (rice-fallow) IPL-81 under Farmers Participatory Varietal Selection Trials

(FPVSTs). All these varieties performed better than Arun in all the selected villages, giving

about 40% to 47% higher yield over the local practice in Nalanda district. However, in

Chandauli, out of three varieties, NDL-l, HUL-57 and IPL-81(Noori), under the normal sown

condition, HUL-57 and NDL-l were ranked 1st and 2nd under FPVSTs, giving about 48%

and 40% higher yield than local practice, while for late sown condition, after the harvest of

Paddy, Noori performed best. In Chandauli district, especially Chakia Tehsil, where water

recedes from paddy field by the 2nd week of November, demand for Noori variety has been

more based on its performance. Yield advantage in Zero-Till sown lentil in Chandauli was

found to be the best when sown after harvest of paddy. Farmers gave 45-50% weightage to

timely sowing, while 55-50% to technological interventions for higher lentil production.

Impact of technological intervention (seed treatment and 2% urea+fungicide spray at

flowering stage) gave up to 46% higher yield over none technological interventions using the

same variety. In both the districts, total 367 q. of lentil seed were produced for farmer to

farmer distribution. Dr. S.Lal, Chairman of the session advised production of only certified

seed and not truthfully labelled (TL) seed. He also suggested for selection of those fields for

lentil in rice fallows where rice matures in time. Dr. Javed Rizvi Co-Chairman expressed

satisfaction at close interaction of farmers and scientist under the project. PRA indicated that

50-55% farmers feel technical advice is important for realizing the better yield levels.

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Dr. S.K. Singh, IIPR, Kanpur presented progress report on "Enhancing lentil production for

food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods". Two districts Fatehpur and Ballia

were selected and PRA was conducted. In both these districts NDL 1 emerged as best lentil

variety. Effect of Trichoderma, Rhizobium inoculation and their combined effect were also

studied. Economics of participatory lentil production revealed net income of Rs. 37020 from

NDL 1. Chairman of the session advised for focusing more on Ballia. He expressed his

dissatisfaction at high seed rate and non-use of seed drill. Dr. M. AIi, Ex Director, IIPR

informed that lentil is not important crop in Fatehpur hence this district may be replaced by

Bahraich/ Basti/ Gorakhpur/ Siddarthnagar. Dr. B. Sharma, Ex Head, Division of Genetics

noted very low yield advantage with Trichoderma, Rhizobium inoculation and their combined

effect.

Dr. I.A. Sheikh, AAU, Jorhat presented progress report on "Enhancing lentil production for

food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods". The project was implemented in

Nagaon District of Assam. Six villages involving 144 farmers were selected. PRA was

conducted. Experiments were conducted as relay cropping in rice-fallow and pure cropping

in rice-fallow. HUL-57 and Arun exhibited yield advantage of 38.9 and 39.4% respectively

over local varieties under relay cropping system. In pure crop under rice fallow, PL 406

exhibited yield advantage of 32.9% over local variety. Dr. M.AIi suggested the selection of

District for demonstration with maximum lentil acreage. Dr. D. Singh, JARI informed about

low soil pH and suggested for use of appropriate lentil varieties.

Dr. A.K. Singh, RAU, Pusa presented progress report on "Enhancing lentil production for

food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods". This project was implemented in

four villages of Muzaffarpur District. HUL -57 and Arun exhibited yield advantage of about

70% over local variety. Dr. Singh informed that 13 q. foundation seed of NDL-l and 45 qt.

T.L. seed of Arun, HUL-57 and Noori were produced through farmers' participation.

Dr. Pawan Kumar, SPARK Patna presented the progress report on projects, Enhancing

grasspea production for safe human food, animal feed, and sustainable rice-based

production systems in India and Enhancing lentil production for food, nutritional security and

improved rural livelihoods. He elaborated the details of activities undertaken in both the

projects in the district of Patna. For implementation of Lentil Project, five villages: Arap,

Bilap, Baghakol, Gopalpur & Sihi involving 63 farmers, covering 90 acres were selected.

Lentil varieties provided to farmers under farmers' participatory program, include HUL-57,

IPL-81, NDL-I & Arun. He informed the house that for the first time, farmers were acquainted

with improved lentil varieties other than Arun, about 25 years old variety. Through PRA, it

was found that 100% of the farmers in the selected villages, neither had their soil tested nor

they treated the seed with chemicals or Rhizobium culture. For the 1st time, under the

technological interventions, these things were undertaken. The increase in yield over local

was 46%-57% in HUL-57, IPL-81 and NDL-l, the NDL-l exhibiting yield advantage of over

57%. The average yield of lentil under normal sown crop has been about 1200 kg/ha while

under rice-fallow 780 kg/ha (crop sown after harvest of paddy by the end of November).

Under normal sown condition, Farmers ranked NDL-l and HUL-57 as 1st and 2nd

respectively on the basis of yield performance, while IPL-81 as the best for sowing after

harvest of paddy. Through farmers' participation, 90 q. NDL-l, 70 q. HUL-57 and 7.5 q. KLS-

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218 of foundation seed was produced. Dr. M. Ali noted that yield obtained in fallow land

cannot be compared with lentil grown after paddy.

Dr. M.P. Srivastava, PORS Berhampore presented progress report on Enhancing lentil

production for food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods. Five villages were

selected from two blocks, Berhampore and Sagardighi. He elaborated the status of district

agricultural scenario, climatic condition, cropping system etc. and presented the highlights of

PRA results. The project was implemented in five villages, involving 129 farmers in about

73.5 acres area. Five improved varieties of lentil, Moitree, Subrata, Arun, HUL-57 and

Suvendu, were incorporated under farmers' participatory program. It was found that Moitree

and Subrata registered 20% yield advantage over farmer practice. Around 400q quality seed

was produced. Dr. M. AIi, Ex Director IIPR noted that in spite of high productivity of lentil

there is reduction in area under lentil. Dr. A. Sarker informed that lentil area was shifted in

favour of boro rice.

Dr. S. Gupta, MESADM, Kalyani presented progress report on Enhancing lentil production

for food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods. The project was carried out in

Maida District involving 147 farmers from 27 villages in area of 67 acres. Five varieties of

lentil, Moitree, Subrata, Arun, HUL-57 and Suvendu, were planted under farmers'

participatory program. Moitree and Arun exhibited yield advantage of 45.9 and 42 over

farmers' practice Based on their yield performance, under FPVSTs, farmers ranked Moitree,

Arun and HUL-57 as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The technological interventions in the

form of seed priming and seed treatment with fungicide followed by two spraying of 2% urea

and fungicide before and after flowering reported to be the major factor in yield increase over

farmers practice. About 9 qt. foundation seed of Moitree was produced in addition to 11 q. of

T.L. seed. Dr. M. Ali, observed that the seed rate was 20-25% higher in relay cropping,

Chairman expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the centre.

The major technological interventions were:

Soaking of seed with natural water for 6-8 hrs (better to keep the seed for soaking

during night at 10 PM or llPM and taking out seed for shade drying by 6.00AM in the

morning).

Seed priming for acid soil should be done Molybdenum. It may be sprayed with

Molybdenum @ 19/kg seed on the soaked seed just after taking out the seed from

water in the morning.

Seed treatment with Carbendazim (1 g / kg seed) + Thiram (2 g/ kg seed) should be

done after seed priming followed by Rhizobium inoculation (15-20g/kg seed).

In relay cropping, only post-emergence herbicide, Quinzalofop-ethyl (TARGASUPER

@ 40-50 g/ha at 15-20 DAS) should be applied to control annual grassy weeds.

2% urea sprays at 2 times, one at pre-flowering and another on 15 days after 1st spray

(prepod formation) will be followed both for relay and zero-tillage situations.

Considering the weather parameters or as prophylactic measures, SAAF

(carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63%) @ 8g/1 of water against Stemphyllum blight

may be mixed with the 2% urea spray.

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After harvest of lentil, non- selective herbicide Glyphosate (round up )@ 2.5 ml/liter

water need to be applied on the soil surface to check weed flora in the system.

The Plenary Session was chaired by Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Agriculture commissioner,

Govt. of India in the afternoon. Dr. Ashutosh Sarker , Reg. Coordinator, ICARDA South Asia

was Co-Chairman. The Chairman, asked the rapporteurs of technical session-I and II to

present the deliberations.

Dr. H.K. Dixit presented the deliberations of Technical Session-I wherein work report and

session chairman's comment were presented related to Lentil and Grasspea projects. Seven

presentations were made in lentil and five in grasspea during the technical session-I. Dr. M.

Dutta presented the deliberations of technical session-II. In this session, there were three

presentations each in chickpea and lentil. In technical session-II, Dr. S.K. Agrawal presented

the work done under pre-breeding project on lentil and chickpea at ICARDA H.Q. Syria.

After the presentations, Chairman asked for comments from participants and chairman of

both the sessions. Although, various comments was already made during the session but he

was more concerned with the specific comments for the action points and recommendations.

After the detailed discussions and comments, following action points emerged on which

chairman asked to take note of the same for implementation:

Both in Lentil and Grasspea, latest varieties recommended for the specific area should

be taken to the farmers. More and more farmers should be encouraged for

participatory varietal selection (Action: All participating Centres)

Seeds of farmers selected varieties should be produced in that area for farmer to

farmer distribution to replace the local seed with new cultivars, as this has been one of

technology intervention giving about 23% higher yield than the local one. (Action:All

participating Centres)

No Truthfully Labelled seed production should be encouraged. Only certified seeds are

to be produced. The agency/participating centre should help farmer get the registration

done for seed production. (Action: All participating Centres)

Since, technological interventions of seed treatment and 2% urea and fungicide spray

at flowering time has given about 33% higher yield, the proper stock of fungicide,

Rhizobium culture of appropriate race and other inputs should be ready before hand.

Prompt action should be taken adviSing and helping farmers use proper chemicals

visualising the infestation of any diseases and pests. (Action: All participating

Centres)

For rice fallow lentil sowing, proper variety of rice in the field may be ensured and INM

and IPM should be undertaken from the period of rice cultivation itself.

Farmers training and field school should be encouraged and farmers to be educated to

use only recommended seed rate not more to avoid the disease spread and losses.

(Action: All participating Centres)

Traditional area in grasspea should be identified, where no other crop can be grown.

No crop may be replaced with grasspea. High toxin local cultivars should be replaced

with low toxin improved varieties of grasspea. (Action: All participating Centres)

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Chairman assured for expediting the matter in consultation with ICMR for lifting the

ban on sale of grasspea, in light of the fact that varieties and technology are available

through which there may not be any harmful effect of grasspea consumption (Action:

DAC)

Small seed processing units to be installed for village based- seed system and farmers

may be encouraged to form their own self-help groups (Action: All participating

Centres)

A team of few scientists/officials may be constituted beforehand to monitor the

experimental fields, especially in pre-breeding project for evaluation. (Action: ICARDA

South Asia Centre)

More and more crosses in chickpea and lentil should be evaluated for terminal heat

and drought (Action: All participating Centres)

ICARDA should explore the possibility of importing micronutrient rich (Zinc and Iron)

line of lentil from its breeding programme in Syria for developing varieties in India.

(Action: ICARDA South Asia Centre)

Supply of germplasm should be timely. The import and supply of germ plasm should

be depicted in a flow chart with date to monitor the movement. This would ensure

timely receipt of material for sowing. (Action: ICARDA, NBPGR and concerned

Centres)

ICARDA Delhi Centre, if required in project implementation, any logistic support/help,

may submit the proposal to DAC for its consideration. (Action: ICARDA South Asia

Centre)

The plenary session ended with vote of thanks and Chairman concluded and closed the

session.

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Annexure-iv

Proceedings of the Second Annual Meeting on three NFSM-funded projects jointly

implemented by DAC, ICAR and ICARDA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 23-24 May 2012

Venue: NAAS lecture Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa

The Annual Workshop on DAC-ICAR-ICARDA collaborative projects (i) Pre-breeding

and genetic enhancement in breaking yield barriers in lentil and kabuli chickpea (ii)

Enhancing lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved rural livelihoods

(iii) Enhancing grasspea production for safe human food, animal feed, and sustainable

rice-based production systems in India under NFSM-Pulses was held during 23-24

May 2012 at NAAS Lecture Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi-12. Senior Policy

makers, scientists, NGO staff and RA/SRF associated with these projects participated

in the deliberations. The two-day workshop deliberations were divided into different

sessions: Inaugural Session; Technical Session-I; Technical Session-II Technical

session-III and Plenary Session.

Inaugural Session

A two-day meeting in New Delhi, during 23-24 May, allowed scientists and policy

makers to review progress on three Govt. of India’s National Food Security Mission

funded projects and to develop plans for next season. The delegates comprised of

scientists/extensionists/NGO staff and some of India’s most senior agricultural policy

makers: Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Chairman, Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board and

Ex-Agriculture Commissioner, DAC (Chief Guest); Dr. D.P Malik, Additional

Commissioner (Crops), Ministry of Agriculture; Prof. R. B. Singh, President, National

Academy of Agricultural Sciences (President); Dr. N. Nadarajan, Director, Indian

Institute of Pulses Research ; Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman, Farmer’s Commission

(Haryana) and Chairman Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences; Dr. B.B

Singh, Assistant Director General, Oilseed and Pulses, ICAR; Dr Shankar Lal,

Consultant, NFSM; ICARDA was represented by Dr Michael Baum, Director, BIGM

(Guest of Honour); Dr S K Agrawal, lentil Breeder; Dr H Alauddin, Biotechnologist and

Dr Ashutosh Sarker and his team, South Asia & China Regional Program, New Delhi.

Dr Ashutosh Sarker gave a presentation on details of the projects: overall

implementation, outcome of the project. In Chairman’s remarks, Dr G. Singh

mentioned that he was involved in designing and approval of the projects. He

expressed his satisfaction on outcome of the projects, and suggested to implement the

projects in a bigger way in new areas. Last year India witnessed a record production of

>18 m t, which to be maintained and even should look for higher production in the

coming days. Quality seeds of improved varieties to be more available to farmers. Dr R

B Singh stressed upon increased pulses production in the country for nutritional

87

security, and in this endeavour, these projects have great importance. More concerted

efforts are warranted at the field level with involvement of all partners. The attempt to

widen the genetic base is very important in the context of climate change and to

combat new stresse. On behalf of ICARDA Management, Dr M. Baum extended all

support to Indian programs for research and development, as India is a key partner of

ICARDA. Dr N. Nadarajan emphasized on IIPR’s commitments on increased pulses

production in India and support to activities in these projects and look forward to

expand these activities in future.

Technical Session-II (Lentil Enhancement)

Chairman: Dr. Shankar Lal, National Consultant (NFSM)

Co-Chairman: Dr. B.B Singh, ADG (OP),

Rapporteur: Dr. Shailesh Tripathi, IARI/Dr. Atul Dogra, ICARDA

Dr. R. Choudhary, ICARDA New Delhi presented the progress report on enhancing

lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved livelihoods .Two districts

Nalanda (Bihar) and Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh) were selected for technology

interventions involving 203 farmers. Two varieties of lentil WBL-77 (Moitree) and IPL-

81 (Noori) were selected by farmers for rice fallow conditions while KLS-218 performed

very well in normal sown condition in Chandauli. PL-6 was most preferred variety both

at Nalanda and Chandauli in all situations under FPVSTs. In both the districts, total

260.89 Qt. of foundation and certified seed and 428.6 Qt. TL were produced against

the target of 200 Qt. On an average, improved variety has a yield advantage of 20%

over the local variety, improved technology has a yield advantage of 34-48% over local

technology and if both improved variety and improved technology are applied then it

has synergistic effect on yield and the advantage of 31-87% over local variety can be

obtained. Stemphylium blight was a major disease infesting the crop in Bihar, resistant

varieties should be bred. Under capacity building, 17FFS, 20 field day/workshop, 4

training on quality seed production and PHT and 1 travelling seminar was organised.

One seed hub each at chanduali and Nalanda was also established. Dr. Shankar Lal

and Dr. B.B Singh expressed satisfaction at close interaction of farmers and Scientist

under the project.

Dr. S.K. Singh, IIPR, Kanpur presented progress report for his centre. Two districts

Fatehpur and Ballia were selected and PRA was conducted in both these districts. PL

6 emerged as best lentil variety with a net income of Rs. 36608 per ha, followed by

NDL-1. Effect of trichoderma, rhizobium inoculation and their combined effect were

also studied. Chairman of session advised for focusing more on Ballia and change the

villages from Fathepur to other areas. Two framers association have been formed and

registered as per norms. Promotion of formal seed system has been advocated

through developing linkages with National Seed Corporation and U.P Seed certification

agency. Soil testing was also done for 70 selected farmers from Ballia and Fathepur.

Dr. I.A. Sheikh, AAU, Jorhat presented progress report for Assam. The project was

implemented in Nagaon District of Assam. He informed that area under lentil is

decreasing due to more adoption of summer rice after winter rice. He reported that

88

there was an increase of 28-41 % in yield over the local varieties. Seed production was

a major problem. Dr. Sarker suggested that we should make a clear recommendation

that farmers should go for relay crop or pure crop, so policy should focus on this. Dr.

Balram Sharma suggested that a village can be trusted with responsibility of seed

production. Dr. Sarker said that increase in yield over local variety could be bifurcated

into improved variety or improved technology.

Dr. Pawan Kumar, SPARK Patna presented the progress report for his centre.

Farmers were not doing seed treatment and there is no use of rhizobium culture. Seed

replacement rate was also very poor, 13% of farmers change their seed after 3-4 years

and 87% of farmers change their seed after 5-6 years. Five varieties were taken for

seed production and total seed production was 175qt. Farmers were not ready to sell

their seed in market because of non-remunerative price. Under normal sown condition

HUL-57 was best fit whereas, under rice fallow Moitree was best. Stemphylium blight

was a major disease infesting the crop in Bihar this year

Dr. A.K. Singh, RAU, Pusa presented progress report for Muzaffarpur District. HUL

15 was ranked as number one variety followed by Arun, KLS-218 and Moitree. 587.90

qtl seed was also produced.

Dr. M.P. Srivastava, presented progress for PORS Berhampur, this year inputs were

provided to 141 farmers. Most of the farmers (88%) were have no knowledge of

improved practices. Subrata and Moitree were found to be promising variety with yield

of 1191 and 1163 kg/ha, respectively. Two registered seed retail outlets were opened

by participatory farmers approach. 519qt. Seed have been produced at 10 project

villages during rabi 2011-12

Dr. S. Gupta, MESADM, Kalyani presented progress report, lentil was mainly

cultivated by the farmers as rainfed crop utilizing the residual moisture after harvest of

Aman paddy. 227 farmers have been selected for demonstration and dissemination of

improved technologies in Malda. Total 22qtl of quality seed was produced and one

seed hub was also established at village level.

In most of the places, substantial rice-fallows were taken under the project. Yield

advantages due to variety only and due to improved production technology were

emerged, substantial amount of quality seeds were produced, good number of

capacity development activities were carried out. Appropriate varieties were selected

by farmers for specific areas/regions which will be disseminated further. From all

presentations it was observed that:

On an average, improved varieties gave an yield advantage of 20% over the local

variety

Improved technology alone showed a yield increase of 34-48%

With both improved varieties and technologies together, an yield advantage of

31-87% was observed

Stemphylium blight was a major disease infesting the crop in Bihar, and resistant

varieties should be promoted.

89

Seed replacement rate (SSR) is very low in pulses as a whole which need to be

improved.

Small storage earthen pots can be used by marginal famers for seed storage

using neem leaves, so such farmers technology can be a learning lesson for

pulse storage in other areas for economically poor farmers

Major problems are poor quality seed, lack of storage facilities, timely availability

of inputs, and poor knowledge about the management practices

Newer area to be taken into project intervention in coming years and more area

coverage with improved varieties need to be considered.

Farmer-to farmer seed distribution pattern in action sites should be

thoroughly studied to know sign of adoption by farmers

Promotion of informal seed system for seed supply at village level, farmers

should be registered with the societies so that they can replicate seed

production model.

Plenary Session

Chairman: Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman, Farmer’s Commission (Haryana) Co-Chairman: Dr. B.B Singh, ADG (OP), ICAR Rapporteur: Dr. Shiv Kumar, ICARDA, Syria/Dr. C. Bhardwaj, IARI, New Delhi

Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman, Farmer’s Commission, Govt. of Haryana, welcomed the

participants and congratulate DAC, ICAR and ICARDA for organizing this Meeting. In

his inaugural remarks, he spoke for an urgent need to peroxide nutrition security along

with food security in which pulses play a major role. He appreciated this joint initiative

comprised of development and research components, which is an example to work

together for the betterment of farmers. He stressed that ICARDA should play and

support NARS partners for lentil, kabuli chickpea and grasspea enhancement through

germplasm exchange, technology dissemination and research development. He

emphasised the need of right seed, right technology, and availability of other inputs at

right time for increased productivity. Pulses will not only increase the rice-wheat

system efficiency but maintain soil productivity too. The role of CGIAR in developing

and supporting NARS system was appreciated by Dr. Raj Paroda.

Dr. Balram Sharma presented the recommendations of technical session I on Pre-

breeding and genetic enhancement in lentil and chickpea. The concentrated efforts in

pre-breeding were highlighted and the support of DAC and ICARDA was appreciated.

The possibility of identifying new genes and new sources was indicated. The herbicide

screening work, off-season facilities started were also summarized. The proceedings

made by the rapporteur’s for technical session I were readout. The need of NBPGR to

play a pivotal role in supply of seed and also the use of this seed by indenters needs to

be maintained. The need to use the herbicide resistant material in crossing

programme, identification of genes responsible for this herbicide resistance should be

taken on priority (Action: All participating centres). The recommendations were

approved by participants.

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Dr. R.S Paroda highlighted the requirement of bold seeded red lentil and its evaluation

in good quality lab. Dr. A. Sarker said that India is the largest indenter of ICARA

materials. The Chairman suggested the need to monitor the nurseries/materials being

sent by ICARDA and feedback to be sent to ICARDA (Action: IIPR, Kanpur and

ICARDA).

Dr. Shankar Lal presented the proceedings of technical session II on lentil

enhancement. He emphasized the possibility of utilization of rice-fallows (11.2 mha) for

lentil cultivation. In utera system only small seeded and early maturing varieties are

more suitable, eastern part of the country should be selected for these trails. If both

improved variety and improved technology are applied then it has synergistic effect on

yield and the advantage of 31-87% over local variety can be obtained. So , both

improved variety and technology are very important (Action: All participatory

centres).

Dr. R.S Paroda indicated the need to identify early maturing varieties, large scale Front

Line Demonstrations (FLD’s) aggressive extension of production technology to

farmers. The need for rolling plan was stressed particularly for pulses to enhance the

Seed Replacement Rate (SRR). SRR for pulses was very-very less as compared to

cereals (25-30%). A small working group to formulate the seed revolving plan was

suggested by the Chairman (Action: All participatory centres). An additional

recommendation of buying farmers seed and a paper on seed production of ICARDA’s

mandated crops was also suggested (Action: ICARDA).

Farmers participatory programme become important in this mission. The need to

identify progressive farmer, train them into seed production is required. Mini-kit

distribution and buy back arrangement of particular seed is required. Farmers training

and field school should be encouraged and famers to be educated to use

recommended packages and practices (Action: All participatory centres). Newer

area to be taken into project intervention in coming years and more area coverage with

improved varieties need to be considered.

Dr. D.P Malik, Additional Commissioner (crops) D.A.C read out the outcome of

technical session on grasspea improvement. Low-ODAP materials were supplied by

ICARDA which are evaluation in 6 location and results are awaited. Non-availability of

seeds was the biggest problem in grasspea programme for the selected 4 varieties viz;

Nirmal, Ratan, Prateek and Mahateora, which needs to be considered (Action: All

participatory centres).

Chairman urged to strengthen the centres for evaluating grasspea collection of

ICARDA for their “BOAA” content. The technique of removing toxin by boiling should

be popularised (Action: All participatory centres). More duel-purpose germplasm

and low neurotoxin lines are available with ICARDA which has been supplied to India.

The need to popularize faba bean in India was stressed and chairman requested

ICARDA to play an active role. The high yield potential of faba bean, least cooking

time was highlighted. The support of NFSM for enhancing food security was

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appreciated by Dr. B B Singh. Dr Malik stressed that effective programs will be further

encouraged by DAC. The increase in breeder seed production was highlighted.

However, its conversion to certified seed or foundation seed was a problem due to

disparity between market price and procurement price. The starting of registration

societies and seed production under the DAC-ICAR-ICARDA programme was lauded

(DAC and All participatory centres).

Chairman, stressed the great role played by pre-breeding in improving varieties,

duration, adaptabilities and insulating against pests. Chairman, appreciated the

initiative made in these projects and partnerships between NARS, DAC and ICARDA.

He also said that breeding programme requires to be strengthened particularly lentil in

rice-fallow in eastern India. National programme should take lead in requesting

collaborative programme in these lines

Management of dryland, supplemental irrigation, soil management requires to be

addressed. Micro-nutrient management particularly in sulphur and zinc deficient soils

would greatly increase pulse yields. Farmers to farmers spread of seed should be

monitored and encouraged. The mission should be focussed and time bound targets to

be successful.

Dr. Michael Baum, Director Biodiversity and Gene Management (BIGM), ICARDA

affirmed ICARDA’s support for any call by Indian programs.

Lastly, Dr. Raj Paroda, Dr B B Singh, Dr D P Malik, Dr B Sharma, Dr Shankar Lal,

Ashutosh Sarker and participants acknowledged support from National Food Security

Mission to carry out these three DAC-ICAR-ICARDA collaborative projects.

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Annexure-v

Proceedings of Third Annual Workshop on NFSM funded projects, jointly

implemented by DAC, ICAR and ICARDA

Date: 24-25 July, 2013

Venue: NAAS Lecture Hall, NASC Complex

The 3rd Annual Workshop on DAC-ICAR-ICARDA collaborative projects (i) Pre-

breeding and genetic enhancement in breaking yield barriers in lentil and kabuli

chickpea (ii) Enhancing lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved

rural livelihoods (iii) Enhancing grasspea production for safe human food, animal feed,

and sustainable rice-based production systems in India under NFSM-Pulses was held

during 24-25 July, 2013 at NAAS Lecture Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi-12.

Senior Policy Makers, Farmers, Scientists, NGO staff and RA/SRF associated with

these projects participated in the deliberations. The two-day workshop was divided into

various sessions: Inaugural Session; Technical Session-I; Technical Session-II

Technical Session-III and Plenary Session.

Inaugural Session

The Inaugural Session was graced by honourable dignitaries: Shri Ashish Bahuguna,

Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture,

Govt. of India (Chief Guest); Dr J.S Sandhu, Agriculture Commissioner, DAC, Ministry

of Agriculture (Chair, Inaugural Session); Prof. R. B. Singh, President, National

Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Guest of Honour ); Dr. Swapan K. Datta, DDG

(Crop Science), ICAR (Guest of Honour); Dr. K. D. Kokate, DDG (Ag. Extn), ICAR; Dr.

J. P. Mishra, Ag. Advisor, Planning Commission; Dr. B.B Singh, ADG (Oilseeds &

Pulses), ICAR; Dr. D.P Malik, Additional Commissioner (Crops), DAC and Dr. N.

Nadarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Pulses Research; . ICARDA was represented

by Dr Shiv Kumar Agrawal, Lentil Breeder; Dr Javed Rizvi, Country Manager,

Afghanistan and Dr Ashutosh Sarker and his Team, South Asia & China Regional

Program, New Delhi.

The Inauguration Session started with the welcome address by Dr N Nadarajan. Dr

Ashutosh Sarker gave a presentation on details of the projects, overall implementation

and outcomes.

On behalf of farmers attended, Sh. Anand Kumar, a progressive farmer from Bihar

State expressed his sincere thanks to DAC, ICAR and ICARDA for implementing such

a need-based project. Narrating his experience, he mentioned that before the project

started he and other farmers were cultivating traditional varieties without any improved

technical interventions. With this project, not only improved varieties and production

technologies are available to farmers, but also received exposure to technical

knowledge through training, workshops, close interaction with project personnel time to

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time, which helped to harvest higher yields, and increased income. He requested for

continuity and further expansion of the projects for the benefit of Indian farmers.

In his remarks as Chief Guest, Sh. Ashish Bahuguna expressed his satisfaction on

outcome of the projects, and congratulated Dr Sarker and his team. The agriculture in

India, he stressed, has emerged as an exporter in some of the commodities, but there

is an urgent need to work on others like pulses. There is also a problem of

undernourishment in India which needs to be addressed through higher pulse

production. He suggested in developing varieties which can help in reducing the

problem of malnutrition in vegetarian dominated diet in the country, where pulses are

the main source of protein and other essential nutrients. Although India has made a

progress in production in recent years with a total production of >18 m t, but still much

lower than the current demand. He concluded that based on last three year experience

in these projects, improved technologies can be expanded in new areas covering more

farmers to achieve a substantial gain in pulses production.

Dr R B Singh addressed the issue of pulse production in India, where good progress

has been made to increase from 14 m t to >18 m t. However India is shortfall of 2-3 m t

every year, which is met through import. He further highlighted the need of such

projects which help farmers not only to get enhanced yield, but also help in producing

quality seeds at village level.

Dr S.K Datta also stressed on increasing the pulses production in the country for

nutritional security, and in this endeavour, these projects have great importance. More

than 42% women and children in India are having malnutrition. He also mentioned that

Government is working hard on removing the ban on the Grasspea so that MSP can

be applied for grasspea. This will help farmers to grow grasspea and get remunerative

price for their produce.

Chairman, Dr J.S Sandhu, discussed the issue of pulse productivity in India. He

informed that under NFSM-Pulses there are 468 districts and out of which 213 districts

have low productivity than state average. He also highlighted the importance of such

projects which will help India to improve the production as well productivity level which

is still below than the world average.

Dr B.B Singh highlighted the importance R & D in pulses. He mentioned that these are

unique projects where science-based technologies have been applied in field level. Dr

Singh presented vote of thanks to all dignitaries, farmers, project partners, ICARDA

participants, press and media, and others.

Technical Session –II

Enhancing Lentil Production for Food, Nutritional Security & Improved Rural Livelihoods

Chairman: Dr. B. B. Singh, ADG (OP), ICAR

Co-Chairman: Dr. D. P. Malik, Addl. Commissioner (Crops), DAC

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Rapporteur: Dr. Pooja Sah, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

During the technical session-II, a total of seven presentations were made. The

progress made in three years was presented by the partners from nine districts

(Nagaon, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Ballia, Chandauli, Fatehpur, Malda and

Murshidabad) of four states (Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal).

Dr. R. Choudhary, SACRP-ICARDA, New Delhi - Nalanda (Bihar) and Chandauli (Uttar

Pradesh)

Dr. Choudhary presented the progress report of Nalanda (Bihar) and Chandauli (Uttar

Pradesh). In third year (2012-13) of the project, total eight varieties (HUL-57, IPL-81,

Moitree, PL-6, PL-8, KLS-218, IPL-406, Pusa Vaibhav & NDL-1) along with pesticides,

rhizobium culture, fertilizers & technical advice have been supplied to the farmers. On

the basis of three years findings, it was concluded that under normal sown condition

KLS-218 ranked first, second NDL-1 followed by HUL-57. Varieties PL-8 and IPL-406

first time provided to the farmers and these varieties also performed well in Nalanda

district of Bihar. Under rice-fallow situation, KLS-218, IPL-81 and HUL-57 performed

well respectively. In third year IPL-406 has given more yield over local/farmers’ own

variety, in both situation (normal and rice-fallow). In Nalanda, on an average normal

sown lentil has given 8 % more yield than rice-fallow. It was also found that, due to

replacement of local seed with improved variety, up to 20 per cent increase in yield

was recorded. Due to technological intervention (seed treatment, 2% foliar spray of

urea, etc.) 25-30 per cent more yield was harvested (variety being the same) and due

to improved seed along with technological intervention, farmers could get 40 to 55 per

cent higher yield than farmers’ own variety and own technologies/practice. In third

year, a total of 319.61 q of quality seed of improved varieties have been produced by

the farmers in Nalanda district. Different capacity development programmes have been

organized for farmers to provide technical advice related to the lentil cultivation. In

Chandauli district total eight varieties i.e. HUL-57, IPL-81, Moitree, PL-6, PL-8,

KLS218, Pusa Vaibhav & NDL-1 along with pesticides, rhizobium culture, fertilizers &

technical advice have been delivered to the farmers. In the third year of the project, in

most demonstrations crop failed due to heavy rainfall during the flowering and podding

stage. Under normal sown condition, varieties KLS-218, HUL-57 and Moitree

performed well. HUL-57, Moitree and NDL-1 performed well under relay cropping.

Dr. S.K. Singh, IIPR, Kanpur- Ballia and Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh)

Dr. Singh presented progress report of Ballia and Fatehpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Primary data of the involved farmers have been collected through Participatory Rural

Appraisal (PRA). In Fatehpur, total four lentil improved varieties i.e. NDL-1, DPL-62,

HUL-57 and PL-6, whereas in Ballia PL-6, NDL-1 and HUl-57 have been provided to

the selected farmers in third year (2012-13) of the project. Management of wilt by

application of Trichoderma and effect of 2% spray of urea on different stages of lentil

was also studied in both the districts. From the three year findings, it was recorded that

under normal sown condition, in Fatehpur NDL-1, DPL-62, PL-6 performed best over

local varieties, whereas in Ballia NDL-1, PL-6 and HUL-57 performed well. More than

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25 per cent area has been shifted in late rice-lentil in place of rice-wheat in selected

villages of Ballia. Lentil first time introduced in Fatehpur in the 2010 through this

project, in three year 8-10 per cent area has been increased under lentil by replacing

wheat, and farmers are enthusiastic to increase area under lentil in coming years. Dr.

Singh (Chairman) suggested that cultivation of lentil near the canal area should be

avoided for long term sustainability, and lentil should be grown on upland area. Crop

rotation is a must for sustainability.

Dr. I. A. Sheikh, AAU, Jorhat – Nagaon (Assam).

In Assam, the project was implemented in Nagaon district. Participatory Rural

Appraisal was done for newly selected villages. Seeds of improved variety, fertilizers,

fungicides, rhizobium, pesticides, urea as foliar spray etc. were provided to the

selected farmers. Moitree and HUL 57 has given more yield as compare to local

cultivar under both relay and normal cropping system with improved technologies in

Nagaon district of Assam. KLS-218 also performed well in both the situations. A total

of 394.2 q of Truthfully Labelled Seed (TLS) of different varieties have been produced

by farmers’ participation in 2012-13. Dr. B.B. Singh proposed that more area can be

taken up under rice-fallow and for that identification of such area should be necessary

before adopting/selecting the villages. Districts which have more area under rice-fallow

should be covered like Shivasagar.

Dr. A. K. Singh, RAU, Pusa Samstipur – Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Dr. Singh presented progress report of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. HUL-57, KLS-218,

PL-6 and PL-8 varieties have been provided in the third year of the project. From three

years experiments, it was found that HUL-57, Arun and KLS-218 have performed well.

PL-6 also performed well, although it was supplied in third year only. Dr. Singh

informed to the house that this year 584.99 q quality seed of different varieties have

been produced by the farmers.

Dr. Pawan Kumar, SPARK, Patna –Patna (Bihar)

Dr. Kumar presented an overview of Participatory Rural Appraisal of the selected

villages. In the third year of the project total eight improved varieties (HUL-57, IPL-81,

Moitree, PL-6, PL-8, KLS-218, IPL-406 & NDL-1) have been supplied to the farmers

along with technological intervention. From three year data, it was said by Dr. Kumar

that under normal sown situation NDL-1, PL-8 and KLS-218 performed well, and IPL-

406 also performed well although it was supplied in third year only. Under rice-fallow

situation farmers ranked KLS-218, NDL-1 and HUL-57 as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively

on the basis of yield performance, IPL-406 also performed well. Under paira sowing

PL-8, NDL-1 and IPL-81 were the best. On overall basis, PL-8, NDL-1 and Moitree

were performed well. On an average, normal sown lentil has given 22 per cent more

yield when compared to rice-fallow, whereas 15 per cent more yield was recorded over

relay sown lentil. A total of 232.35 q seed have been produced through farmers’

participatory mode in third year of the project. Chairman Dr. Singh expressed his

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satisfaction on Dr. Kumar’s progress over three years, and suggested to expand the

program in Taal area.

Mr. M. P. Shrivastava, PORS, Berhampore - Murshidabad (West Bengal)

Mr. Shrivastava presented the progress of the project of Murshidabad district. Five

lentil improved varieties Moitree, Subrata, PL-6, Asha and NDL-1 have been provided

to the selected farmers. On the basis of three year experiments it was found that

Subrata, Moitree and PL-6 performed better when compared to local check. NDL-1

also performed well although it was provided only third year of the project. In third year

582.86 q of Foundation Seed and 904.49 q of Truthfully Labelled Seed (TLS) of

different varieties have been produced by farmers’ participation and all certified seed

have lifted by State Government of West Bengal. Chairman said that more emphasis

should be given to the sustainability of seed hubs at farmers’ level.

Dr. S. Bandhopadhya, MESADM, Kalyani – Malda (West Bengal)

Dr. Bandhapadhya presented report of Malda district of West Bengal. In third year four

improved varieties (Moitree, HUL-57, Subrata and Asha) have been supplied to the

farmers along with the production package. On the basis of three years’ findings,

Moitree, HUL-57 and Subrata were preferred by the farmers of Malda District. Asha

also performed well, although it was supplied in third year of the project. In 2012-13

total 748.24 q of quality seed have been produced by the farmers.

The Chairman, Co-chairman and the House were satisfied with the progress of the

project in three years. The Chairman mentioned that results are very encouraging.

Improved varieties along with improved production technologies were adopted by

farmers, and appropriate varieties identified for various cropping systems, huge

amount of quality seeds have been produced, seed hubs have been created, farmers

have been empowered. Chairman also emphasized that more effort should be given

towards pulses production through collaborative efforts. Dr. Malik, Co-Chairman,

suggested that focus should be given to remote areas where more tribal/backward

class people are living.

Following major recommendations emerged from the session.

To increase the production and area under lentil, concentrate only on 2-3 varieties

which are preferred by the farmers and performing best in that area, on the basis of

findings during the last three years.

Specific technological interventions (2 % foliar spray of urea, seed treatment with

fungicide, Rhizobium, etc.) should be provided to the farmers to boost the yield.

Additionally, application of Borax in acidic soils should be followed as per

recommendation.

In many states, relay cropping performed well like Malda (West Bengal, Assam),

therefore, it was recommended that in those states relay cropping with recommended

97

varieties should be continued. Zero-tillage or minimum tillage should be promoted in

some states, like Bihar.

Presently the Seed Hubs in the form of seed society, and the partners are providing

Foundation Seed, Certified Seed to National Seed Corporations (NSC) and SSC.

However, there is a need to have some criteria for the sustainability of the Seed

Hubs at village level and also develop suitable strategies to keep seed at village level

to meet farmers’ requirements in that area.

Establish linkages between seed hubs and concerned State Government. Buy-back

system of quality seed from the project funds should be in place.

Keeping nutritional security in mind, high Fe and Zn containing varieties (like Pusa

Vaibhav) should be provided to the farmers. Periodic analysis of Fe and Zn contents

to be done.

Realizing the progress under the project in terms of varietal identification in various

cropping situations/systems/states, seed production of different categories, capacity

development of farmers/extensionists, the project activities should be expanded in

new areas.

Remote areas, backward regions, rice-fallow, marginal farmers, schedule caste and

tribal community etc. should be given emphasis in next phase of the project

It was strongly recommended by the Chairman, Co-Chairman and the House that the

project should be continued to achieve more production of lentil to address mal-

nutrition in the country.

Plenary Session

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Chairman : Dr J. S. Sandhu, Agri. Commissioner, DAC, New Delhi

Co-chairman : Dr B B Singh, ADG (OP), ICAR, New Delhi

Rapporteur : Dr C Bharadwaj, IARI New Delhi

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr J S Sandhu, Agriculture Commissioner, DAC welcomed the participants, and all three

session’ rapporteur presented the recommendations.

Based on presentations of recommendations of three technical sessions, suggestions by

Chair, Co-Chair and the participants, the following recommendations were adopted.

Lentil Enhancement

Top performing 2-3 lentil varieties which have been identified state-wise should be promoted along with their matching production technologies including Borax application in acid soils. Identified specific varieties for relay cropping, zero-tillage and sole-cropping, mixed-cropping should be made available to farmers.

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The establishment of Seed Hubs at village level is highly encouraging. The concept should be expanded further. Although linkage has been established in some cases with state Govt. to take up the surplus seed available from farmers and Hubs, this approach should be followed in all states. There should be no wastage of quality seeds. Provision of buy-back of Foundation Seed and Certified Seeds and for that a separate fund should be provided in next phase of the project.

Lentil should be included in “Nutri-Farm” project as this pulse crop is the house of various essential nutrients including Fe and Zn. Analysis of these micro-nutrients in recently released varieties to be done and high content varieties to be identified and promoted.

Districts which are low in productivity need to be identified and future work to be extended in these areas. While selecting new project areas, backward and remote places with high population of marginal and small farmers and tribal people should be considered.

Chickpea should also be included in some states to replace old varieties with high yielding recent varieties.

Honourable Chairman and Addl. Commissioner, DAC and ADG (OP) asked

ICARDA to submit a new proposal combining lentil, grasspea and chickpea

together based on the points mentioned above.

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Annexure-vi

Proceedings of 1st Steering Committee

Proceedings of 1st Steering Committee Meeting of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR Collaborative Projects under NFSM-Pulses held on 01/09/11

Venue: Committee Room No. 112, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

The 1st Steering Committee meeting of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR collaborative projects (i)

Enhancing lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved rural

livelihoods and (ii) Enhancing grasspea production for safe human food, animal feed,

and sustainable rice-based production systems in India under NFSM-Pulses was held

on 01 September, 2011 in the Committee Room no. 112, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-

110001. List of participants is appended.

1. Dr. B.B. Singh, ADG (OP), ICAR welcomed the Honourable Chairman, Co-Chairman

and other members of the Steering Committee on the occasion. Dr. Singh elaborated

the importance of quality seed in the success of the project and eventually in increasing

the crop production. He stressed for increasing the production of Breeder, Foundation

and Certified seeds of pulse crops and making them easily available to the farmers for

boosting the pulse production in years to come.

2. Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, DAC and Chairman steering

committee, in his opening remarks stressed on need for setting last year’s pulse

production of 18.1 m tonnes as bench mark for enhancing pulse production in years

ahead. He stressed on increasing the pulse productivity by including the areas like rice

fallow, which are not utilized for any cultivation practice as during kharif 2011 the area

under kharif pulses has reduced by approximately 1.3 m ha as compared to that of

kharif 2010.

3. Dr. Ashutosh Sarker, Regional Coordinator, ICARDA-SACRP presented the activities

done under both the projects during 2010-11. He discussed the role of pulses especially

lentil in daily diet of Indian people and that of grasspea for fodder purposes. He stressed

on breaking the mono cropping for ensuring self sufficiency in pulses in future and

intervention with improved technologies especially in the low productivity areas including

the rice fallows (approximately 11.3 m ha area exits in the states of Uttar Pradesh,

Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa) where

tremendous scope exits for introducing the rabi pulses. He informed the house that

farmers are still unaware of the new improved varieties of lentil released for cultivation in

their region.

He informed the members that the project “Enhancing Lentil Production for Food

and Nutritional Security, and Improved Livelihoods” was implemented in the states

of Assam, Bihar , Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal with partners in respective states namely

Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam; Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa,

Bihar; SPARK (NGO), Patna, Bihar; Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar

Pradesh; MESADM (NGO), Kalyani, West Bengal and Pulses & Oilseeds Research

Station, Berhampore, West Bengal with the major objectives of:

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Enhancing productivity of lentil and establish it as a second crop in rice-fallows to

break mono-cropping, thus increasing cropping intensity

Produce and distribute quality seeds of farmer-preferred lentil varieties along with

production technologies (conservation technologies, seed priming, weed control,

foliar spray of urea, etc.)

Improve capacity at field levels for farmer-participatory adaptive research and

technology transfer for adoption and expansion of improved lentil production

technologies

Empowerment of farmers and participating local institutions to establish village-

based seed system(s) to achieve self-sufficiency in seeds

Back-up research for further improvement of lentil varieties and refinement of

production technologies.

He told the house that a total of 814 farmers were selected in 69 villages of 9

districts in the four target states of the project. In Nagaon District of Assam under relay

cropping in rice-fallow and normal crop in rice-fallows 6 villages involving 144 farmers

were selected. HUL-57 and Arun exhibited yield advantage of 38.9 and 39.4%

respectively over local varieties under relay cropping system. In normal sown crop in

rice fallow, PL 406 exhibited yield advantage of 32.9% over local variety.

In Bihar four villages of Muzaffarpur District were selected for intervention. HUL -57

and Arun exhibited yield advantage of about 70% over local variety. PRA of Nalanda

district revealed that farmers’ had never used seed treatment with fungicides and

Rhizobium and they have never practiced soil testing and mostly they replace seeds

after 4-5 years or even more. Non availability of quality seeds > non availability of

fertilizers in time > technological interventions are the major causes for low productivity.

He mentioned that under Lentil enhancement project for farmers participatory

programme, four varieties; NDL-l, HUL-57, IPL-81 (Noori) and Arun were sown in

farmers' field at Nalanda with improved package of practices. Out of these, two varieties

of lentil HUL-57 and NDL1 were selected by farmers for normal sown condition while for

late sown (rice-fallow) IPL-81 was selected under Farmers Participatory Varietal

Selection Trials (FPVSTs). All the varieties performed better than Arun in all the villages,

giving about 40% to 47% higher yield over the local practice in Nalanda district. At Patna

five villages: Auta, Bilap, Baghakol, Gopalpur & Sihi involving 63 farmers, covering 90

acres were selected. It was found that farmers in the selected villages, had neither gone

for soil testing nor they treat the seed with chemicals or Rhizobium culture. These things

were undertaken for the first time. Lentil varieties provided to farmers under farmers'

participatory program, included HUL-57, IPL-81, NDL-I & Arun. The increase in yield

over local was 46-57% in HUL-57, IPL-81 and NDL-l, the NDL-l exhibiting yield

advantage of over 57%. The average yield of lentil under normal sown crop has been

about 1200 kg/ha while under rice-fallow 780 kg/ha (crop sown after harvest of paddy by

the end of November). Under normal sown condition, NDL-1 and HUL-57 ranked 1st

and 2nd respectively on the basis of yield performance, while IPL-81 as the best for

sowing after harvest of paddy.

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He informed the House that Travelling Workshop made several farmers of UP and

Bihar aware of the fact that the use of high seed rate for sowing normal crop is harmful

in getting higher yield. In Fatehpur and Ballia districts in Uttar Pradesh NDL 1 emerged

as best lentil variety. Effect of Trichoderma, Rhizobium inoculation and their combined

effect were also studied. Participatory lentil production resulted in net income of Rs.

34860 and 19850 from NDL 1 giving a B:C ratio of 3.3 and 2.5 per rupee invested in

Fatehpur and Ballia districts. In Chandauli, out of three varieties, NDL-l, HUL-57 and

IPL-81 (Noori), under the normal sown condition, HUL-57 and NDL-1 were ranked 1st

and 2nd under FPVSTs, giving about 48% and 40% higher yield than local practice,

while for late sown condition, after the harvest of Paddy, Noori performed best. In

Chandauli district, especially Chakia Tehsil, where water recedes from paddy field by

the 2nd week of November, demand for Noori variety has been more based on its

performance. Yield advantage in Zero-Till sown lentil in Chandauli was found to be the

best when sown after harvest of paddy. Farmers gave 45-50% weightage to timely

sowing, while 55-50% to technological interventions for higher lentil production. Impact

of technological intervention (seed treatment and 2% urea + fungicide spray at flowering

stage) gave up to 46% higher yield over none technological interventions using the

same variety.

In Malda District 147 farmers from 27 villages in area of 67 acres were selected. Five

varieties of lentil, Moitree, Subrata, Arun, HUL-57 and Suvendu, were planted under

farmers’ fields in participatory program. Moitree and Arun exhibited yield advantage of

45.9 and 42 over farmers' practice Based on their yield performance, under FPVSTs,

farmers ranked Moitree, Arun and HUL-57 as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Five

villages were selected in two blocks, Berhampore and Sagardighi involving 129 farmers

in about 73.5 acres area. Five improved varieties of lentil, Moitree, Subrata, Arun, HUL-

57 and Suvendu, were tested under farmers' participatory program. It was found that

Moitree and Subrata registered 20% yield advantage over farmer practice. The

technological interventions in the form of seed priming and seed treatment with

fungicide followed by two spraying of 2% urea and fungicide before and after flowering

reported to be the major factor in yield increase over farmers practice. He mentioned

that with farmers participation, proper guidance and supervision at critical stages of crop

growth, about 1966 qtls quality seed of farmers' preferred lentil varieties was done for

farmer to farmer distribution next year. He also explained about the import of various

materials (germplasm and lines) from different countries.

5. Shri Mukesh Khullar, Jt Secretary (Crops) and Mission Director, NFSM mentioned that

the technology developed by the scientists must reach the farmers in right time and

should have no gestation period, and for this, it is essential for scientists to take their

technology directly to the field. He suggested that some baseline research should be

conducted to analyze that why there is this kind of problem that the farmers don’t grow

any crop in a particular season. He welcomed the good projects in different fields and

said that for result-oriented projects, there is no dearth of money and Department of

Agriculture and Cooperation will happily fund the projects if they are convinced that a

project would give the desired output. He suggested for analysis of the causes for failure

and their remedial approaches to be taken up next year that happened during the 1st

year of the projects implementation. He suggested that steps for incorporating Lathyrus

102

(Grasspea) under Accelerated Fodder Production Programme may be taken up for

ensuring fodder availability.

6. Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, DAC and Chairman steering

committee suggested for taking up field experimentation/demonstration for site specific

nutrient management and trials for ascertaining role of management practices and

variety to observe the yield due to individual limiting factors viz. Fertilizer, quality seeds

and plant protection measures alone. They assured for paying the remuneration to the

farmers that the farmer’s would get under normal conditions if the crop under

trial/demonstration fails. Besides Agriculture Commissioner, Joint Secretary (crops)

suggested to take areas with very low productivity under the lentil project and to conduct

PRA in close collaboration with State department of Agriculture and ATMA, etc. They

also suggested for proper checking and validating before publishing any success story.

7. Dr. Michael Baum, Director, BIGM, ICARDA suggested for a project on edible cactuses

for their use for food sustainability and for bio-fencing of pulse and other crops as

ICARDA is having large number of edible and multipurpose cactuses, the proposal was

appreciated by Agriculture Commissioner. He also suggested that site specific studies

for Rhizobium must be done about the native Rhizobium and recommendations should

be made based on Rhizobium population in soil.

8. The Chairman suggested for inclusion of more area of rice fallows under the lentil and

grasspea enhancement projects and for implementation of recommendations. After the

detailed discussions and comments, following action points emerged on which chairman

asked to take note of the same for implementation:

Both in Lentil and Grasspea, latest varieties recommended for the specific area

should be taken to the farmers and more area under rice-fallows should be included

(Action: All participating Centers)

Separate trials to ascertain impact of varieties over local and technological

interventions may be taken up (Action: All participating Centers)

No Truthfully Labelled seed production should be encouraged. Only certified seeds

are to be produced after registration with seed certification agency. (Action: All

participating Centers)

Farmers training and field school should be encouraged and farmers to be educated

to use only recommended seed rate not more to avoid the disease spread and

losses. (Action: All participating Centers)

Traditional area in grasspea should be identified, where no other crop is grown. No

crop shall be replaced with grasspea. High toxin local cultivars should be replaced

with low toxin improved varieties of grasspea. (Action: All participating Centers)

Lathyrus (Grasspea) crop may be undertaken under Accelerated Fodder Production

Programme (AFPP) for ensuring fodder availability. (Action: DAC)

Village based-seed hub system be established and farmers need to be encouraged

to form their own self-help groups (Action: All participating Centers)

Taking up trials for ascertaining role of management practices and variety to observe

the yield due to individual limiting factors viz. Fertilizer, quality seeds and plant

protection measures (Action: All participating Centers)

Proper monitoring should be done comprising of a team of scientists/officials to

monitor the experimental fields, especially in pre-breeding project for evaluation.

103

(Action: ICARDA South Asia Centre)

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to Chair by Dr. S. Gupta, Project

Coordinator, MULLaRP, IIPR, Kanpur.

List of Participants of 1st Steering Committee of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR Collaborative Projects under NFSM-Pulses

Venue: Committee Room No. 112, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

S. No. Name

1) Dr. Gurbachan Singh Agriculture Commissioner, DAC,

Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

Chairman

2) Shri Mukesh Khullar Joint Secretary (Crops) and

Mission Director, NFSM, DAC,


Co-Chairman

3) Dr. Michael Baum Director, BIGM, ICARDA, Syria Member

4) Dr. Ashutosh Sarker Regional Coordinator, ICARDA-

SACRP, New Delhi

Member

5) Mrs. A. Neeraja Director (Crops) DAC,


Member

6) Dr. Jai Pal Singh Director (DMD), DAC,


Member

7) Dr. S.A. Faruqui Director, IGFRI, Jhansi Member

8) Dr. B.B. Singh ADG (OP), ICAR, New Delhi Member

9) Dr. S. Gupta Project Coordinator,

MULLaRP, IIPR, Kanpur

Member

10) Dr. Narendra Kumar Assistant Director, NFSM, DAC

11) Dr. Sankar Lal National Consultants, NFSM, DAC

12) Dr. B.K. Gupta National Consultants, NFSM, DAC

13) Dr. R.S. Malik National Consultants, NFSM, DAC

14) Dr. Rajendra Choudhury Liaisoning Officer,

ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

15) Dr. Vipin Kumar Singh P.I.-Grasspea,


16) Mr. Kameshwar Kumar Rai Admin. Associate,


104

Annexure-vii

Proceedings of 2nd Steering Committee Report

Proceedings of the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR Collaborative Projects under NFSM-Pulses held on 14/09/12

Venue: Conference room of International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), South Asia & China Regional Program, NASC Complex, New Delhi-110012

The 2nd Steering Committee meeting of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR collaborative projects

(i) Enhancing lentil production for food, nutritional security and improved rural

livelihoods and (ii) Enhancing grasspea production for safe human food, animal feed,

and sustainable rice-based production systems in India under NFSM-Pulses were held

on 14 September, 2012 in the Conference room of International Center for Agricultural

Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), South Asia & China Regional Program, NASC

Complex, New Delhi-110001. List of participants is enclosed.

4. Dr. N. Nadarajan, Director, IIPR welcomed the Honourable Chairman, and other

members of the Steering Committee on the occasion. Dr. Nadarajan informed the

house about ICAR-ICARDA collaborative project which really achieved the targets under

rice fallows. He also informed that the production of quality seed is increased due to

advanced package of practice and varieties.

5. Mr. M. Khullar, Joint Secretary (Crops) and Mission Director, NFSM and Chairman of

Steering Committee, open the meeting with the remarks that cost economics should

always be considered along with new development of technologies and these

technologies must reach to the farmers within short time. He also raised several

questions, like if advanced varieties are available why farmers are not adopting? Why

are they not replacing the seeds? He also questioned that asynchrony in maturity in

lentil may produce undeveloped seeds at the top canopy and may be a problem in

harvesting.

6. Dr. A. Sarker, Regional Coordinator, ICARDA-SACRP presented the activities done

under both the projects during 2011-12. He reported to house about importance of lentil

under rice fallow and low toxin varieties of grasspea for food as well as fodder purposes.

The scope of lentil and grasspea under fallow condition are well suited for the increase

of pulse production. He also stated that introduction of high yielding varieties along with

advanced practices will help in enhancing the production level. He informed the

members that the project “Enhancing Lentil Production for Food and Nutritional

Security, and Improved Livelihoods” was implemented in the states of Assam, Bihar ,

Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal with partners in respective states namely Assam

Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam; Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar;

SPARK (NGO), Patna, Bihar; Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar

Pradesh; MESADM (NGO), Kalyani, West Bengal and Pulses & Oilseeds Research

Station, Berhampore, West Bengal with the major objectives of:

Enhancing productivity of lentil and establish it as a second crop in rice-fallows to

break mono-cropping, thus increasing cropping intensity

105

Produce and distribute quality seeds of farmer-preferred lentil varieties along with

production technologies (conservation technologies, seed priming, weed control,

foliar spray of urea, etc.)

Improve capacity at field levels for farmer-participatory adaptive research and

technology transfer for adoption and expansion of improved lentil production

technologies

Empowerment of farmers and participating local institutions to establish village-based

seed system(s) to achieve self-sufficiency in seeds

Back-up research for further improvement of lentil varieties and refinement of

production technologies.

He told the house that a total of 1547 farmers were selected in 98 villages of 9

districts in the four target states of the project. In Naugaon District of Assam under pure

crop in rice-fallow and relay crop in rice-fallows 9 villages involving 158 farmers were

selected. HUL-57 and Moitree exhibited yield advantage of 47.6 and 40.6%, respectively

over local varieties under pure crop system. In relay crop in rice fallow, Moitree and

HUL-57 exhibited yield advantage of 41.8 and 36.0% over local variety, respectively.

In Bihar, four villages of Muzaffarpur District were selected for technological

intervention. HUL-57 and Arun exhibited yield advantage of approximately 70% over

local practices. At Nalanda, quality seeds of improved varieties besides other inputs

were given to the farmers along with improve technology interventions. Soil samples

collected from the selected farmers’ field for soil analysis to ascertain the amount of

nutrients to be provided to the crop. He added that non availability of quality seeds, non-

availability of fertilizers in time; technological interventions are the major causes for low

productivity. On the other hand, result of the technical interventions showed that higher

yields compare to the yields realized by farmers with farmers practice and old varieties.

PL-6 (70%) followed by HUL-57 (63%) performed best over the farmers local cultivars

grown with traditional technology. Similarly, in rice fallow and normal sown conditions

showed significantly higher returns. At Patna district, a total of 112 demonstrations

(Normal + Rice fallow) along with seed production programs were conducted in selected

villages. Under normal conditions HUL-57 (62%) followed by KLS-218 (58%) exhibited

fair yield advantage over local while under rice fallow Moitree (62% over local) followed

by IPL-81 (57% over local) identified as best varieties.

In Uttar Pradesh, at Chandauli districts KLS – 218 and HUL -57 produced the best

followed by IPL-81 and Moitree, as these high yielding varieties gave almost double (75-

97%) yields compared to the local lentils grown by traditional means. However, under

rice fallow and normal sown conditions the improved varieties cultivated with improved

technologies gave a yield advantage of 36-56% and 11-23% respectively. At Fatehpur

and Ballia districts effect of Trichoderma, Rhizobium inoculation and their combined

effect were also studied and found significantly higher yields compared to yields of

without seed treatment. Seed treatment with Trichoderma resulted in significant

reduction in wilt infestation and in turn resulted in higher yields compared to the non-

treated lentil. The cost benefits ratio revealed significant higher returns compare to what

farmers getting with their own practice (1.19) is in range of 1.88 for HUL-57 to 2.43 for

106

PL-6. This shows importance of high yielding varieties and improved technologies over

local varieties and farmers practice.

In West Bengal, at Maldah district 227 farmers from 13 villages were selected and five

varieties of lentil Moitree, HUL-57, Subrata, and Subhendu were planted under farmers’

field in participatory program. Moitree and HUL-57 exhibited yield advantage of 74 and

58 % over farmers’ practice respectively. At Murshidabad, five new villages were

selected. Five improved varieties of lentil, Moitree, Subrata, HUL-57, PL-6 and Asha

were tested under farmers' participatory program. It was found that Moitree and Subrata

registered 60% yield advantage over farmer practice. The technological interventions in

the form of seed priming and seed treatment with fungicide followed by two spraying of

2% urea and fungicide before and after flowering reported to be the major factor in yield

increase over farmers practice.

He informed the house that Travelling Workshop made several farmers of UP and Bihar

aware of the fact that the use of high seed rate for sowing normal crop is harmful in

getting higher yield. He mentioned that with farmers’ participation, proper guidance and

supervision at critical stages of crop growth, about 3077 quintals quality seed of farmers'

preferred lentil varieties was produced. He also quoted an example for area conversion

from local to improved variety (ies) after implementation of the project. Total area under

improved variety of lentil in selected villages after two years of project implementation is

around 259 ha instead of 40 ha during 2010.

He also mentioned about the follow-up on the recommendations of 1st Steering

Committee like inclusion of latest varieties, performance of improved varieties with

quality seed over local, impact of improved technologies over farmers’ practice, variety

wise seed production of high yielding lentil varieties.

7. Dr. R. P. Gupta, National Consultant, NFSM, DAC mentioned that the soils representing

the experiment areas are deficient in Sulphur and Boron along with macro- nutrients. He

suggested for site-specific nutrient analysis and management.

8. Dr D. V. Singh, National Consultant, NFSM, DAC advised to have a complete survey of

disease like Stemphylium blight, stages of disease, basic idea of epidemiology so that

we can have some lines resistant to these kind of diseases. Dr Nadarajan appraised

that such a program will be taken-up by IIPR pathologist.

9. Dr B. B. Singh, National Consultant, NFSM, DAC suggested the adaptation trials of the

varieties before implementing into the project so that correct data can be generated.

10. Dr D. A. Sarnaik, Director of Research, IGKVV, Raipur informed about the variety

release procedure while answering to the question of Chairman. He also mentioned that

the work with IGKVV is moving well in 3 district and farmers adopted Mahatiora and

Prateek varieties. To answer the question of the Chairman, he informed that asynchrony

in pulses is an inherent trait, not varietal or species specific. However, the crop can be

harvested at 80% physiological maturity, Dr Nadarajan added.

11. Dr N. Nadarajan¸ Director, IIPR, Kanpur informed the chairman that there are some

reports which states that the cattle are being affected by continuous feeding of Lathyrus

107

straw but it is still not confirmed that it is because of Lathyrus. However, he suggested

an in-depth study on this issue.

Recommendations/Suggestions

The following suggestions/recommendations were made:

Latest varieties of both Lentil and Grasspea along with advanced package of

practice should be transferred. (Action): All participating centers)

Adaptation trials for the selected varieties should also be done. (Action): All

participating centers)

The toxin content (ODAP) of grasspea straw should also be analysed along with

grains as it is used as fodder. (Action): All participating centers)

Soil and nutrient management should be done before sowing of the crops, e. g.

physical and chemical properties of soil should be checked and corrected if possible.

(Action): All participating centers)

Improved practices should include fertilizer package recommended by ICAR and

based on field level findings. (Action): All participating centers)

In-depthScientific data should be recorded and cross checked with SAUs. (Action):

All participating centers)

Survey of diseases, most particularly Stemphylium blight of lentil should be done e.g.

stage of disease, basic idea of epidemiology. (Action): IIPR will lead)

Like lentil, cost-economics for the grasspea should also be done. (Action): All

participating centers)

New areas should be taken into consideration in addition to area covered, and rice-

fallow should be given more importance. (ICARDA)

The Chairman thanked all for their participation in this important meeting

List of Participant:

I. Mr Mukesh Khullar Joint Secretary (Crops) and MissionDirector, Chairman

NFSM, DAC, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

II. Dr. N. Nadarajan Director, IIPR, Kanpur Member

III. Dr. Ashutosh Sarker Regional Coordinator, ICARDA-SACRP, Member

New Delhi

IV. Dr. D. A. Sarnaik Director Research, IGKVV, Raipur Member

V. Dr. B.B. Singh National Consultants, NFSM, DAC

VI. Dr. R. K. Gupta National Consultants, NFSM, DAC

VII. Dr. D. V. Singh National Consultants, NFSM, DAC

VIII. Dr. A. H. Rizvi Research Associate, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi

108

Annexure –viii

109

Annexure-ix

110

Annexure-x

Report of National Monitoring Team for the Year 2011-12

Evaluation Report of National Consultant (Seeds), NFSM for the DAC-ICAR-ICARDA collaborative project on Pre-breeding, Enhancement of lentil and Grasspea

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, GOI vide its letter Nos. CPS 5-25/2009-

NFSM dated 25.8.2010 & CPS 5-34/2010 NFSM dated 29.10.10 sanctioned the following

three DAC-ICARDA-ICAR collaborative projects to ICRADA for initial period of two

years(end of NFSM):

I. Project I: Pre-breeding and genetic enhancement in breaking yield barriers in Kabuli

chickpea and lentil.

II. Project II: Enhancing chickpea production for food, nutritional security and improved

rural livelihood.

III. Project III: Enhancing grass-pea production for safe human food, animal feed and

sustainable rice based production system in Indian nutritional security and improved rural

livelihood.

For monitoring the progress of these collaborative projects the DAC vide its letter no

CPS 5-34/2010 NFSM dated 1.2.12 has constituted the following National Level monitoring

team

Director, of Crop Development Directorate of Assigned State Convenor

Dr. Balram Sharma, Ex Lentil Breeder, IARI Member

Dr. Shanker Lal, National Consultant (NFSM) Member

Shri A. K. Das, Uner Secretary (Finance) Member

Sri Narendra Kumar, Joint Director (NFSM) Member

For evaluating these projects in the State of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Shanker Lal, National

Consultant (NFSM) and Shri A. K. Das, Unedr Secretary (Finance) could not join due to

some pre-engagements and following members visited IIPR, Kanpur and Fatehpur, during

February 7-10, 2012, where projects were under operation:

Dr. V. K. Yadav, Director, Directorate of Sugarcane Development Convenor



Under the budget allocation for IIPR, Kanpur under Pre-breeding lentil and chickpea,

total Rs. 8.52 lakhs and Rs. 9.9 lakhs have been provided during 2nd year. However, even

the balance of last year, especially under the equipment head could not be utilized fully. The

fund utilization is not satisfactory. They reported that some of their expenditure is being met

from Institute fund, so the expenditure from project is a bit slow. However, they assured

that, since equipment order has been placed, the expenditure is expected to be satisfactory

by the end of this financial year as the equipment and drought shelters would be ready by

that time.

In Fatehpur, the lentil enhancement project was in progress. Discussing with farmers

and observing the fields we could the feedback

111

Lentil crop has been introduced after paddy harvest for past 2-3 years, specifically

under this project.

Crops in the farmers’ fields were

very good and farmers were

very satisfied with the lentil

cultivation. They like HUL-57

and NDL-1 very much which

have been introduced during last

year under this project.

All the inputs viz. improved

seeds, fertilizer, fungicides and

seed treatment materials were

provided to the farmers.

Frequent monitoring and

technological advice were

provided to farmers and SRF

were regular in visiting the fields.

Farmers have formed their Self Help Group through they are producing the seed and

farmer to farmer marketing also. However, their seeds were mostly truthfully labelled

seed.

Last year some quantities of seeds were also bought back by the IIPR, Kanpur for

distribution among the farmers.

The following deficiencies were observed which required proper attention:

No line sowing has been observed either in seed production or demonstration on

lentil and Seed rate was high

Some of the fields were infested with weeds, however any obnoxious weeds were

not found

Out of the allocation of Rs. 28.00 lakhs for the Fatehpur and Ballia, only about 50-

55% funds were utilized

For evaluating these projects in the State of Bihar, Dr. Shanker Lal, National

Consultant (NFSM) and Shri A. K. Das, Under Secretary (Finance) could not join due to

some pre-engagements and following members visited IIPR, Kanpur and Fatehpur, where

projects were under operation during February 11-13, 2012:

Dr. M. C. Divakar, Director, Directorate of Rice Development Convenor



On 11th February, the Chairman was given with the list of villages, farmers in the Patna

district where the two projects on lentil enhancement and Grasspea enhancement are under

operation and executing agency is one NGO, Society for promotion of Agricultural Research

and Knowledge (SPARK). The Chairman decided to visit some of the villages where the

project was implement during last year and some of the villages where project has been

implemented during this year. It was also decided to visit some of the fields where Seed

production has been undertaken. Out of the villages where last year (2010-11) project was

Monitoring team at Fatehpur 2011-12

112

implemented (Gopalpur, Arap, Bilap, Sihi and Baghakol), the team decided to visited

Gopalpur and Sihi Villages and among the

villages (Tarari, Mohanpur-Abgilla, Auta in

Mokam Tal, Yaropur and Babhanlai) where

project is implemented during this year (2011-

12), visit of Auta in Mokam Tal, and

Mohanpur-Abgilla was finalised during the

period of 11-13 February in Patna district.

Visiting the villages, Sihi and

Gopalpur, where from last year, the project is

under operation and villages Auta in Mokam

Tal, and Mohanpur-Abgilla, where this project

has been implemented, we observed:

Mostly the lentil has been sown as

broadcast and after harvest of paddy

The crop condition of both the Lentil and Grasspea was very satisfactory and farmers

were very happy with the technological interventions and provision of new seeds.

Last year farmers were provided with HUL-57, NDL-1, IPL-81, Arun and KLS-218,

while this year farmers were provided Moitree, PL-6, HUL-57, KLS-218 and IPL-81.

Farmers were so happy with the performance of NDL-1, HUL-57 and IPL-81, even

after not getting the seed of NDL-1 from SPARK, large number of farmers have sown

the NDL-1 getting seed from other farmers who grew last year.

Farmer to farmer distribution of NDL-1, HUL-57 and IPL-81 has been maximum and it

has gone to other blocks and districts also.

Farmers were given seed, rhizobium culture, and fungicide for seed treatment along

with the packet of seeds. However, the basal dose of fertilizer was not given to all the

farmers. On enquiry, it was informed by the SPARK representative that before giving

the chemical fertilizer the soil testing was done and in the fields of paddy where

nutrients were available (from the application of fertilizer in paddy), no basal dose of

chemical fertilizer was to those farmers. However, where ever requirement was there,

DAP and Muriate of Potash was provided.

Frequent monitoring and technological advice were provided to farmers and SRF were

regular in visiting the fields.

The registration for production of foundation seed and certified seeds of lentil varieties

viz. HUL-57, PL-6, PL-8, Moitree and KLS-218 and Grasspea varieties Ratan and

Prateek has been undertaken. Grasspea seed production has been taken only in

Nalanda district and one variety in one village. One visit of Seed Certification agency

was already completed.

Farmers liked lentil variety HUL-57 and NDL-1 very much for normal condition and

IPL-81 and Moitree for sowing after paddy harvest, which have been introduced under

this project and earlier farmers were growing only their traditional variety or Arun

among the improved one.

In the village, Mohanpur-Abgilla, a group of farmers were given plant protection

equipment, the Gator Sprayer, where the lentil was destroyed twice by the caterpillar

Monitoring team at Patna 2011-12

113

at the initial stages after germination. The farmers were advised to spray the crop

three-four times with 2% urea and now farmers were happy with the crop condition.

The farmers who did not spray and left, they had to go for re-sowing which did not

perform well.

Farmers were also provided with Ista (N:P) and other NPK mixture for spray along with

SAAF (combination to Carbendazim and Monkeba) fungicide for spraying the crop at

flowering and afterward.

We saw some of fields of lentil completely giving the burning look with negligible pods,

where neither seed treatment nor fungicide spraying was done nor crop was sown very

early, whereas the fields have improved variety with seed treatment and application of

fungicide, the crop was very healthy with lot of pods.

However, the following deficiencies were observed which required proper attention:



Some of the fields were infested with weeds, however any no weeds were found in

seed crop.

Out of the allocation of Rs. 11.97 lakhs for the Patna, about 60-70% funds were

utilized.

In Nalanda also, we visited both the

villages where project was implemented last year

as well as this year. Here, the project is

implemented directly by ICARDA. Here also our

observation and farmers reaction was the same

as in Patna district, except that;

In Nalanda, farmers’ first choice is HUL-57

and 2nd choice IPL-81. They liked Moitree

also but said that after harvest only they

would give its rating.

In this district, spread of varieties, HUL-57

and IPL-81, which was introduced first

time by ICARDA has been very fast and in

more area.

Farmers were happy for the door to door provision of improved technology and new

seeds. They never did seed treatment with fungicide and rhizobium earlier. This has

increased the yield and also reduced the wild in their fields.

The farmers’ preference for Ratan variety of Grasspea was much more than Prateek,

Mahateora and Nirmal because of big grain and high biomass.

Among the input, the basic dose of fertilizer have also been provided to the farmers

and soil testing has also been done, the report of which was not available during the

period of supply of inputs.

The fund allocated has been utilized properly. However, here also the following deficiencies

were observed which required proper attention:



Monitoring team at Nalanda 2011-12

114

Some of the fields were infested with weeds, however any no weeds were found in

seed crop.

Some off type plants and mustard plants were also found along with lentil crop in the

fields

For evaluating these projects in the State of West Bengal, Shri A. K. Das, Under

Secretary (Finance) could not join due to some pre-engagements and following members

visited from 17.2.12 to 21.2.12 (Nadia and South 24 parganas, Murshidabad and Malda) for

evaluation of two project on lentil enhancement and grasspea enhancement.

Dr. S. K. Biswas, Director, Directorate of Jute Development Convener


Dr. Shanker Lal, National Consultant (NFSM) Member


At Murshidabad, we visited some of the villages where lentil project was implemented

during last year. Here, implementing agency is Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station of

Department of Agriculture, govt. of West Bengal.

Among 5 varieties of lentil (Moitree, Subrata, HUL-57, Subhendu, NDL-1), Moitree

has been found most promising. It has been taken up in seed production

programme.HUL-57 has been found resistant to rust.

In the village Bhola, Basudeva Khali, mostly crop were under the Rice fallow and

under utera cultivation

The crop of lentil and in Basudeva Khali some of farmers in a group have planted

mostly Lentil variety, Moitree and Subrata and grasspea variety Ratan for seed

production

Foundation stage 1 seed of Moitree procured from oil seed and pulses Research

Stattion, Murshidabad has been taken up in foundation stage II production

programme in most of the places. The fields have been registered by the Seed

Certificate Agency. One inspection has already been done. Most of the seed will be

purchased by the project under buy back system for next year’s distribution. Rest of

the seed will be procured by the State Seed Corporation for further sale.

Application of rhizobium culture has been made popular among farmers by PORS.

.This practice will improve the soil fertility.

There has been observed district difference between the improved and local

varieties. Therefore, the farmers were enthusiastic in adopting the improved varieties

(mostly Moitree)

All the inputs (Seed, rhizobium culture, fungicide and fertilizers) were provided to the

farmers.

Out of the allocation of Rs. 13.99 lakhs to PORS, Berhampore, fund utilization was

found to be satisfactory.

However, following deficiencies were observed which needs improvement:

The PORS, Berhampore has experienced the difficulties in getting approval for

various activities and expenditure from Writers Building in Kolkata(Govt. of WB)

115

Except in one demonstration visited on lentil no line sowing has been observed either

in seed production or demonstration on lentil.

Very high seed rate in both the pulses was used which adversely affected the

flowering and podding in these crops.

In most of the demonstrations and seed production fields the weed infestation was

noticed.

In lathyrus, off types were frequently observed.

Non availability of certified seed of released varieties of lentil and lathyrus has

discouraged the farmers to increase the area under these pulses.

At Malda, we visited some of the villages in Ratua block where lentil project has been

implemented. Here, implementing agency is a NGO, ‘Madhyamgram Eco Friendly

Sustainable Agricultural Development Mission. Here the project is implemented for past

two years. Visiting the fields and discussing with farmers following points emerged;

The crop of lentil in the farmers’ field was very good.

Mostly the variety HUL-57, Moitree and Subrata were planted. HUL-57 was

introduced for the first time under the project last year.

Farmers like very much the Moitree and HUL-57.

Most of the lentil sowing has been done after the harvest of paddy. Few plots of

utera cultivation with Moitree were also observed.

All the inputs have been provided to the farmers and seed treatment with rhizobium

and fungicide was to be popularised under the project.

Foundation stage 1 seed of Moitree procured from oil seed and pulses Research

Stattion, Morshidabad has been taken up in foundation stage II production

programme in most of the places. The fields have been registered by the Seed

Certificate Agency. One inspection has already been done. Most of the seed will be

purchased by the project under buy back system for next year’s distribution. Rest of

the seed will be procured by the State Seed Corporation for further sale.

Some of the seeds were procured by the MESADM under buy back system from the

seeds produced last year by the farmers.

Out of the allocation of Rs. 11.97 lakhs to MESADM, approximately, funds have been

utilized in fully.

Monitoring team at Murshidabad 2011-12

116

However, following deficiencies were observed which needs improvement:


lentil.

Very high seed rate in both the pulses was used which adversely affected the

flowering and podding in these crops.

In most of the demonstrations and seed production fields the weed infestation was

very high. In the lentil, the Vicia sativa (Akra) was noticed, which is an objectionable

weed.

Non availability of certified seed of released varieties of lentil and lathyrus has

discouraged the farmers to increase the area under these pulses.

Although, certified seeds were produced by farmers which were procured by

MESADM, still farmers were provided only truthful seeds for demonstration.

The reporting of variety i.e. in field and in register did not match, which showed that

visit of scientists have not been frequent. This may be because; the NGO’s Reg.

Office is located in Howrah and Project Office in Nadia district.

117

Annexure- xi

Notional Monitoring Team Report for the Year 2012-13

Monitoring Tour Report of Mr. Lalit Sharma, Asstt. Director, Directorate of Jute

Development, Kolkata: Monitoring in West Bengal

Under the Pilot project entitled “Enhancing grasspea production for safe human food, animal

feed and sustainable rice-based production system in India” and also Pilot project entitled

“Enhancing lentil production for Food, Nutritional Security and Improved Rural Livelihood”

funded by DAC-ICARDA-ICAR, the visit has been undertaken to Nadia, Murshidabad and

Malda districts of West Bengal as per details indicated hereunder:

02-03-2013: Nadia

The grasspea project is being implemented in the district by Bidhan Chandra Krishi

Viswavidalaya, Directorate of Research, Kalyani. The visit was undertaken to Birnagar,

Paharpur and Hatpukar villages of Nadia district of West Bengal where the fields of grasspea

inspected. It was observed during the field visits after interaction with the farmers that the

Ratan variety of the crop was sown in the field which was distributed among them under the

programme and majority of the sowing was done during the 1st week of November, 2012.

Besides, it was gathered that the inputs like fertilizer (N:P:K @ 20:40:40/ha) and Rhizobium

culture for seed treatment @ 300 gm/bigha were also distributed to the beneficiaries under

the programme. During field visits, it was gathered that the farmers used two foliar sprays of

2% Urea (one before flowering and another before pod formation) in their grasspea crop. In

village Paharpur, it was observed in few fields of grasspea that some patches of the field

have been dried/damaged due to incessant rain during mid November, 2012 which creates

seepage of water in the field from nearby field resulted in stagnation of water in the field. The

crop was found at maturity stage during field visits in the mentioned villages. In village

Hatpukar, the farmer’s field day was organized and interaction was held with the

participating farmers on performance of grasspea crop in their fields. During field visits, it

was gathered that the farmers seems to be pleased with the way the crop is performing and

expecting better yield from the crop than normal crop and will continue to grow the same in

future.

03-03-2013: Murshidabad

Both lentil and grasspea projects are being implemented in the district by the Pulses and

Oilseeds Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal. The

visit was made to Ramna Sekhpara and Khoyramari villages of Murshidabad district of West

Bengal. Besides, the participation was also made in the farmer’s field day organized in the

Ramna Sekhpara and Khoyramari villages. In the farmers’ field day, the interaction was held

with the farmers participated in the programme and it was gathered that four HYVs of lentil

namely, WBL-77 (Moitree), Subrata, PL-6 and NDL-1 were being cultivated by the farmers

and out of them ,PL-6 and NDL-1 have been introduced first time for cultivation. It was also

118

gathered after interaction with farmers that PL-6 and Moitree are giving higher yield than rest

of the two varieties. Besides, the beneficiary farmers informed that the inputs like like

fertilizer (N:P:K @ 20:40:40/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 300 gm/bigha

for raising grasspea while fertilizer (N:P:K @ 30:60:60/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed

treatment @ 200 gm/bigha for raising lentil crop were also distributed to them under the

programme. In Ramna Sekhpara village, some fields of lentil crop cultivating therein breeder

seed of the aforesaid four HYVs was visited

and it was observed that the majority of

sowing of the crop was done in the first

week of November, 2012 while in some

fields, the crop was also sown in third and

fourth week of November, 2012. In

Khoyramari village, the sowing of breeder

seed of Moitree and Subrata HYVs of lentil

crop and also Ratan, Nirmal variety of

grasspea crop was done in fields during the

month of November, 2012. The breeder

seed of both lentil and grasspea crops was

used from their own source. It was gathered

after interaction with the beneficiary farmers

of the programme that the expected harvesting of both lentil and grasspea crops will be

around mid March, 2013. It was also gathered that some of the farmers has cultivated the

lentil crop first time in their fields after the persuasion by the concerned officials related to the

programme. Both lentil and grasspea crops were found at maturity stage in fields. During the

field visits, the infestation of stem phyllium blight disease was observed in a patch of nearby

field wherein the local variety of lentil crop was sown. As a whole, the beneficiary farmers

informed during discussions in the field visits that they are getting benefits by cultivating

these crops under the programme and would like to continue to grow these crops in future in

their fields.

04-03-2013: Malda

The lentil project is being implemented in the

district by NGO namely Madhyamgram

Ecofriendly Sustainable Agriculture

Development Mission. The visit was

undertaken to Narharipur, Chandipur and

Madia villages of Malda district of West Bengal.

During field visits, it was gathered after

interaction with the farmers that the foundation

seed of Moitree variety of lentil crop was used

for sowing in the field. Moreover, the inputs like

fertilizer (urea – 5 Kg/ bigha, SSP – 35 Kg/

bigha and MOP – 5 Kg/ bigha) and plant

protection chemicals like Bavistin/ Thiram @

15 gm/ bigha with Rhizobium culture for seed

Monitoraing Team at Malda 2012-13

Monitoring Team at Murshidabad 2012-13

119

treatment @ 200 gm/bigha for raising lentil crop was also distributed to the beneficiaries

under the programme. It was observed during field visits that the farmers have sown their

crop during the month of November, 2012 and few farmers have sown the crop as

intercropping with linseed and wheat crop in their fields. In Narharipur village, the infestation

of stem phyllium blight disease was observed in some area of a field where the foundation

seed of Moitree variety of lentil crop was cultivated on 17th November, 2012. In Chandipur

village, the farmers have sown the Breeder seed of Subrata variety of lentil crop in the first

week of November. In Madia village, the farmers have sown the Foundation seed of Moitree

variety in few fields and the Breeder seed of Subrata variety in few other fields. The crop

was found at maturity stage in fields. During discussions with the farmers in field visits, the

farmers informed that they are likely to get better yield from the crop than normal crop and

will continue to grow the lentil crop in future.

05-03-2013: Malda

The visit was made to Bandhakuri, Saharatala, Harekestopur and Pindaltala villages of

Malda district of West Bengal. It was gathered during field visit at the village Bandhakuri after

interaction with the farmers that the truthfully labelled seed of HUL-57 variety and the

Breeder seed of Asha variety of lentil crop was used for sowing in the field. In Saharatala

village, the foundation seed of Moitree variety of lentil crop was also used for sowing. In

Harekestopur village, the breeder seed of Asha variety of lentil crop was used as utera for

sowing. In Pindaltala village, the breeder seed of HUL-57 variety and the breeder/foundation

seed of Moitree variety of lentil crop were used for sowing in the field. Moreover, the inputs

like fertilizer (urea – 5 Kg/ bigha, SSP – 35 Kg/ bigha and MOP – 5 Kg/ bigha) and plant

protection chemicals like Bavistin/ Thiram @ 15 gm/ bigha with Rhizobium culture for seed


under the programme. Generally, the farmers have sown their crop in the first fortnight of

November and some farmers have also sown the lentil crop in the third week of November. It

was observed in Bandhakuri village that the farmers have sown the crop as intercropping

with linseed and wheat crop in few fields. The crop was found at maturity stage in fields.

During field visits, the farmers expressed happiness over the performance of the crop

expecting better yield than normal crop and will continue to grow the lentil crop in future.

Summary of the observations recorded during the visit are indicated hereunder

1. Both grasspea and lentil crops were grown in the farmer’s field as seed innovation

program i.e. to mutiply seed and establish seed hub in a village under the above-mentioned

DAC-ICARDA-ICAR pilot projects.

2. For cultivation of grasspea under the project, mainly seed of Ratan and Nirmal variety was

distributed among the beneficiaries and other inputs like fertilizer (N:P:K @ 20:40:40/ha) and

Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 300 gm/bigha was also distributed. For cultivation of

lentil under the project, mainly seed of Moitree, Subrata, PL-6 and NDL-1 variety was

distributed among the beneficiaries and other inputs like fertilizer (N:P:K @ 30:60:60/ha) and

Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 200 gm/bigha was also distributed.

120

3. During the field visits, the crop condition of both grasspea and lentil crops was good and

found at maturity stage.

4. The minor incidence of infestation of stem phyllium blight disease was observed in a field

of lentil crop in Narharipur village of Malda district. In village Paharpur of Nadia district, it was

observed that some patches of the field of grasspea have been dried/damaged due to

incessant rain during mid November, 2012 which creates seepage of water in the field from

nearby field resulted in stagnation of water in the field. It is suggested that selection of plot

may be done at suitable location for the crop to avoid such problems.

5. During the field visits, the beneficiary farmers were very happy with the growth of the crop

in their field under the above-mentioned DAC-ICARDA-ICAR pilot projects and expected

better yield than normal crop and would like to continue to grow these crops in future. During

discussions with the farmers in farmer’s field day, some of the beneficiary farmers impressed

upon providing the seed of PL-6 and Moitree varieties of lentil crop to them for cultivation for

the next crop season.

Monitoring Tour Report of Dr. Shashi Bhushan Sharma, Scientist, CRIJAF,

Barrackpore, Kolkata: Monitoring in West Bengal

Under the Pilot project entitled “Enhancing grass pea production for safe human food, animal

feed and sustainable rice-based production system in India” and also Pilot project entitled

“Enhancing lentil production for Food, Nutritional Security and Improved Rural Livelihood”

funded by DAC-ICARDA-ICAR, the visit has been undertaken to Nadia, Murshidabad and

Malda districts of West Bengal as per details indicated hereunder:

02-03-2013: Nadia

In Nadia district we visited Birnagar, Paharpur and Hatpukur village were grass pea project

is being implemented by Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidalaya, Directorate of Research,

Kalyani. During field visit and farmers interactions it was found that under the project several

scientific interventions in grass pea have helped farmers to rediscover its nutritional and

ecological advantages in the area. Introduction of low neurotoxin containing grasspea

varieties like Ratan and Nirmal got popular among farmers in the area for both grain (pulse)

and fodder. Such high biomass producing varieties with low neurotoxins have helped

farmers to meet their nutritional as well as fodder requirement in the area were previously

cereal based crops being grown on subsistence basis. The crop has also carved a niche in

the mind of farmers due to its ability to sustain soil fertility and rejuvenate rice-based

production system in the area. Production interventions like sowing during 1st week of

November, application of fertilizer (N: P: K @ 20:40:40/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed

treatment @ 300 gm/bigha and two foliar sprays of 2% Urea (one before flowering and

another before pod formation) in their grasspea field has helped farmers to realize the

potential yield of these varieties which was hitherto not experienced by farmers in the area.

In village Paharpur, the crop was found at maturity stage. During field visit it was observed

that some patches of the field have been dried/damaged due to incessant rain during mid

November, 2012 which creates seepage of water in the field from nearby field resulted in

121

stagnation of water in the field. In village Hatpukar, the farmer’s field day was organized and

interaction was held with the participating farmers on performance of grasspea crop in their

fields. Overall, farmers in the area were found to be enthusiastic of crop performance and

expecting better yield from the crop than local landraces under subsistence cultivation

practices.

03-03-2013: Murshidabad

Both lentil and grasspea projects are being implemented in the district by the Pulses and

Oilseeds Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal. The

visit was made to Ramna Sekhpara and Khoyramari villages of Murshidabad district of West

Bengal. Besides, the participation was also made in the farmer’s field day organized in the

Ramna Sekhpara and Khoyramari villages. In the farmers’ field day, the interaction was held

with the farmers participated in the programme and it was gathered that four HYVs of lentil

namely, WBL-77 (Moitree), Subrata, PL-6 and NDL-1 were being cultivated by the farmers

and out of them ,PL-6 and NDL-1 have been introduced first time for cultivation. It was also

gathered after interaction with farmers that PL-6 and Moitree are giving higher yield than rest

of the two varieties. Besides, the beneficiary farmers informed that the inputs like fertilizer

(N:P:K @ 20:40:40/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 300 gm/bigha for

raising grasspea while fertilizer (N:P:K @ 30:60:60/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed

treatment @ 200 gm/bigha for raising lentil crop were also distributed to them under the

programme. In Ramna Sekhpara village, it was observed that the majority of sowing of the

crop was done in the first week of November, 2012 while in some fields; the crop was also

sown in third and fourth week of November, 2012. In Khoyramari village, the sowing of

breeder seed of Moitree and Subrata HYVs of lentil crop and also Ratan, Nirmal variety of

grasspea crop was done in fields during the month of November, 2012. The breeder seed of

both lentil and grasspea crops was used from their own source. It was gathered after

interaction with the beneficiary farmers of the programme that the expected harvesting of

both lentil and grasspea crops will be around mid March, 2013. It was also gathered that

some of the farmers has cultivated the lentil crop first time in their fields after the persuasion

by the concerned officials related to the programme. Both lentil and grasspea crops were

found at maturity stage in fields. During the field visits, the infestation of stem phyllium blight

disease was observed in a patch of nearby field wherein the local variety of lentil crop was

sown. As a whole, the beneficiary farmers informed during discussions in the field visits that

they are getting benefits by cultivating these crops under the programme and would like to

continue to grow these crops in future in their fields.

04-03-2013: Malda

The lentil project is being implemented in the district by NGO namely Madhyamgram

Ecofriendly Sustainable Agriculture Development Mission. The visit was undertaken to

Narharipur, Chandipur and Madia villages of Malda district of West Bengal. During field

visits, it was gathered after interaction with the farmers that the foundation seed of Moitree

variety of lentil crop was used for sowing in the field. Moreover, the inputs like fertilizer (urea

– 5 Kg/ bigha, SSP – 35 Kg/ bigha and MOP – 5 Kg/ bigha) and plant protection chemicals

122

like Bavistin/ Thiram @ 15 gm/ bigha with Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 200

gm/bigha for raising lentil crop was also distributed to the beneficiaries under the

programme. It was observed during field visits that the farmers have sown their crop during

the month of November, 2012 and few farmers have sown the crop as intercropping with

linseed and wheat crop in their fields. In Narharipur village, the infestation of stem phyllium

blight disease was observed in some area of a field where the foundation seed of Moitree

variety of lentil crop was cultivated on 17th November, 2012. In Chandipur village, the

farmers have sown the Breeder seed of Subrata variety of lentil crop in the first week of

November. In Madia village, the farmers have sown the Foundation seed of Moitree variety

in few fields and the Breeder seed of Subrata variety in few other fields. The crop was found

at maturity stage in fields. During discussions with the farmers in field visits, the farmers

informed that they are likely to get better yield from the crop than normal crop and will

continue to grow the lentil crop in future.

05-03-2013: Malda

The visit was made to Bandhakuri, Saharatala, Harekestopur and Pindaltala villages of

Malda district of West Bengal. It was gathered during field visit at the village Bandhakuri after

interaction with the farmers that the truthfully labelled seed of HUL-57 variety and the

Breeder seed of Asha variety of lentil crop was used for sowing in the field. In Saharatala

village, the foundation seed of Moitree variety of lentil crop was also used for sowing. In

Harekestopur village, the breeder seed of Asha variety of lentil crop was used as utera for

sowing. In Pindaltala village, the breeder seed of HUL-57 variety and the breeder/foundation

seed of Moitree variety of lentil crop were used for sowing in the field. Moreover, the inputs

like fertilizer (urea – 5 Kg/ bigha, SSP – 35 Kg/ bigha and MOP – 5 Kg/ bigha) and plant

protection chemicals like Bavistin/ Thiram @ 15 gm/ bigha with Rhizobium culture for seed


under the programme. Generally, the farmers have sown their crop in the first fortnight of

November and some farmers have also sown the lentil crop in the third week of November. It

was observed in Bandhakuri village that the farmers have sown the crop as intercropping

with linseed and wheat crop in few fields. The crop was found at maturity stage in fields.

During field visits, the farmers expressed happiness over the performance of the crop

expecting better yield than normal crop and will continue to grow the lentil crop in future.

Summary of the observations recorded during the visit are indicated hereunder:

During the field visits, the crop condition of both grasspea and lentil crops were good

and found at maturity stage.

For both crop namely lentil and grasspea newly developed HYVs have been

disseminated and those variety performed well compare to local landraces in field.

Hence, under the project newly released varieties reached to unreached people of

remote rural part of the state.

Farmers have been motivated and mobilized for adopting pulse crops like lentil and

grasspea to meet their food and fodder requirement at sustainable basis in the

region.

123

Dissemination of low neurotoxin producing varieties of grasspea like Ratan and

Nirmal in the region is not only helping in realizing more profit but also replacing local

poor yielding landraces producing very high neurotoxins . Therefore reducing

neurotoxin burden in farmer’s diet.

Stem phyllium blight disease is one of the serious problems for lentil in the area.

Varieties like PL-6 identified as resistance in field against the disease. Dissemination

of such variety helps to restore farmer’s confidence in pulse crop’s profitability in the

area.

For cultivation of grasspea under the project, production interventions like fertilizer

(N: P: K @ 20:40:40/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 300 gm/bigha

recommended. Similarly, for cultivation of lentil under the project inputs like fertilizer

(N: P: K @ 30:60:60/ha) and Rhizobium culture for seed treatment @ 200 gm/bigha

was recommended. These interventions helped farmers to increase their pulse

production and farm profitability.

The minor incidence of infestation of stem phyllium blight disease was observed in a

field of lentil crop in Narharipur village of Malda district. In village Paharpur of Nadia

district, it was observed that some patches of the field of grasspea have been

dried/damaged due to incessant rain during mid November, 2012 which creates

seepage of water in the field from nearby field resulted in stagnation of water in the

field. It is suggested that selection of plot may be done at suitable location for the

crop to avoid such problems.

In Murshidabad district, some fields had relatively higher weed pressure. That may

be due to late sowing of crops which should be avoided.

In lentil field (Malda district), higher seed rate compare to recommended dose has

been applied. This resulted in dense vegetative growth of the crop and increased

their susceptibility to stem phyllium blight in the region.

Overall, during the field visits, the beneficiary farmers were very happy with the

growth of the crop in their field under the above-mentioned DAC-ICARDA-ICAR pilot

projects and expected better yield than normal crop and would like to continue to

grow these crops in future. During discussions with the farmers in farmer’s field day,

some of the beneficiary farmers impressed upon providing the seed of PL-6 and

Moitree varieties of lentil crop to them for cultivation for the next crop season.

Monitoring Tour Report of Dr. S.K.Singh, Pr. Scientist, ICAR Res. Complex,

Patna: Monitoring in Bihar

Name of Officer : Dr. S. K. Singh

Duration of tour : 2 days from 8.00 am of 07.03.12 to 8.30 pm of 08.03.13

Project under which : D.L.W.M

124

Tour was proposed

Objective of the tour: To monitor the farmers field in Patna & Nalanda districts for

the two projects, one on the Lentil & other

Lathyrus, sponsored by DAC-ICARDA-

ICAR, in the name of project on Lentil is

“Enhancing Lentil Production for food,

Nutritional security & Improved Rural

Livelihoods” and other Project on

Lathyrus is “Enhancing Grass pea

Production for safe human food, Animal

feed & sustainable rice-based cropping

system in India”

Place of visit: Farmers field in the village

of Sihi & Jawarpur-Koraiya, Block –

Dulhin Bazar in Patna district. And farmer

field visit in village, Tharthari dih, PS & Block Tharthari, Kooruth and Dayalpur in Chandi

Bkock of Nalanda district.

Farmers field visit district Patna: Name of farmers of Sihi village, were Shri Birendra

Kumar S/O, Late Janardan Singh, Sidhnath Sharma S/O, Late Raghuvash Pd. Singh,

Akhilanand Sharma S/O, Late Balbhadra

Narayen Sharma, Shri Rambinay Sharma

S/O, Rajbalam Sharma & Ranjit Kumar S/O,

Shri Arun Sharma. The other village was

Jawarpur – Koraiya and the farmers whose

field was visited were Ramnarayen S/O, Shri

Vinda Yadav & Rabindranath S/O, Shri

Bharat Prasad.

Farmers field visit district Nalanda:

Farmers viz. Bipin Kumar S/O, Late Harihar

Prasad, Rajkishor Prasad S/O, Shri Jowala

Prasad, Sadan Prasad S/O, Late Harihar

Prasad & Vinay Kumar S/O, Rajkishor

Prasad in Tharthari dih, village Kooruth

farmers viz. Tezbali S/O, Laldev Prasad, Nawal Gop S/O, Panchbadan Yadav & village

Dayalpur farmers viz. Rambiranjan Singh & Shashikant Kumar in Nalanda district.

Specific observation of farmers field visit Patna district (07.03.2013): 28 farmers of Sihi

were doing the Lentil demonstration and seed production from last two years sponsored by

DAC-ICARDA-ICAR & 12 Farmers have conducted demonstration and seed production of

Lathyrus. Prior to the interventions by DAC-ICARDA-ICARthe farmers were doing the Lentil

cultivation with there own local varities in traditional way. This year seven varities of Lentil

i.e. PL-6, PL-8, IPL-406, NDL-1, HUL-57, KLS-218 & IPL-81 have been introduced, along

with two varities of Lathyrus with low ODAP i.e. Ratan & Prateek provided to the farmers.

Rambinay sharma & Sidhnath Sharma has grown PL-6 variety of Lentil in 1.0 ha & 0.5 ha

respectively, Akhilanand Sharma has grown PL-8 variety of Lentil 0.8 ha birendra Kumar has

Monitoring team at Nalanda 2012-13

Monitoring team at Patna 2012-13

125

grown IPL-406 in 0.8 ha. Ranjit Singh of the same village has grown Ratan variety of

Lathyrus in 0.6 ha as a Paira crop. All the selected farmaers have done the seed treatment

with Rhizobium culture and Bavestin. Some of the farmers have applied DAP @ 1kg / Kattha

they have also applied NPK solution at foliage stage. For the protection of Stem phyllium

blight they have also applied SAAF (Carbendazim + Mancozeb). No foliage disease and

insect damaged there observed the crop condition is excelent & Farmers are expecting a

good yield of 1.5 to 1.8 ton/ha. Some of the farmers have sown Lentil & Lathyrus crop late as

water recieded from there plot very late. Some small patches of wilt were also observed

specially in PL-6 of Lentil variety. The other village visited by us dated 07.03.13 was

Jawarpur – Koraiya . Here Rabindranath & Ramnarayen Yadav has also done the Lathyrus

cultivation as a Paira crop in 1.25 ha each. Ramnarayen has cultivated NDL-1 variety of

Lentil in Fallow & Rabindra nath has sown PL-6 variety of Lentil in Rice fallows. They have

also followed the instruction provided by the DAC-ICARDA-ICAR project i.e. seed treatment

& latest technology. The crop condition is good and the farmers happy with there crop

condition. After the field visit was over the members of monitoring team also participated in

the field day organized by SPARK in local High School premises. About 50-60 farmers from

these two villages particpated on the occasion. Farmers intracted freely and frankly with the

members of the team and asked many questions regarding cultivation of Lentil & Lathyrus.

The farmers were informed regarding latest information pertaining to cultivation of Lentil &

Lathyrus. They were also adviced to the grow Lathyrus variety with low ODAP i.e. Ratan,

Prateek & Nirmal etc. As good as for human food & animal feed.Specific observation of

farmers field visit Nalanda district (08.03.2013) : The village viz. Tharthari dih, Block –

Tharthari, Kooruth & Dayalpur, Block – Chandi were visited by the monitoring team the plots

four farmers Rajkishor Prasad, Vinay Kumar, Sadan Prasad & Bipin kumar have Rajkishor

Prasad & Vinay Kumar has grown IPL-406 variety of Lentil in 0.75 & 0.5 ha respectively

where as Sadan Prasad & Bipin Kumar has sown NDL-1 variety of Lentil in 1.0 & 0.5 ha

respectively. All the demonstrations were sown in Normal sown situation in between 9th Nov.

to 28th Nov. 2012. In village Kooruth the field of Nawal gop & Tezbali Kumar there visited

both of them have planted PL-6 in 1.0 ha each. In this village sowing have done is Rice

fallows. In Dayalpur village of Chandi Block the field of Shashikant Kumar & Rambiranjan

Singh there visited. Rambiranjan Singh has sown NDL-1 & Shashikant grew PL-8 variety of

Lentil in Normal sown situation. All the 8 Lentil growing farmers have followed the package

of practices i.e. seed treatment Rhizobium & Fungicides along with protection for disease &

Insect pest infestations. The crop condition was excellent with traces of any disease & insect

attacked. The farmers here happy with the crop condition and expecting a good harvest of

1.5 to 1.8 ton/ha.

The fields of Lathyrus were also visited in kooruth village of Chandi Block. Here

Nawal Gop & Tezbali Kumar has sown Ratan variety of Lathyrus with low ODAP content.

Other Lathyrus variety viz. Prateek was also grown by five farmers. Crop condition are

excellent and farmers are expecting a good yield 1.6 to 2.0 ton/ha.

After the field visit was conducted with the farmers at two location i.e. Tharthari dih &

Dayalpur. Some ladies farmers also interacted with with monitoring team specially about

nutritional aspect of Lentil and advantage that may be obtained from the cultivation of

Lathyrus varieties i.e. Ratan & Prateek with low ODAP content. At both the group meeting all

together 40- 50 farmers were present and participated.

126

Considering the present price of lentil, the receipt from such pulses will be Rs.

45,000-54,000/ha for grain alone and Rs.4, 500 to 5, 400 for bhusha. The cost of cultivation

for lentil crop was assessed to o be only 15,000 to 17,000/ha. Similarly the Ratan and Pratik

grass pea has proved to be promising. Thanks to ICARDA’s efforts in this direction, which

may easily lead these districts to climb up on the pressing needs of second green revolution

in time.

Follow up-action: Seeing the good progress, ICARDA has decided to shift such

interventions to new sites from next year.

Monitoring Tour Report of Vipin Kumar, STA, Directorate of Rice Development, Patna

of the State of Bihar during 7th to 9th March, 2013

I visited Patna on 7th March, 2013 and

Nalanda on 8th March, 2013 with Dr. Ashutosh

Sarkar, Regional Coordinator and Food Legume

Breeder, ICARDA, South Asia and China Program

and Dr. S. K. Singh Senior Scientist ICAR

Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna. I

also visited Muzaffarpur district with Dr. Ashutosh

Sarkar and Dr. I.S. Solanki, Head of Regional

Centre of IARI, Pusa, Samastipur on 9th March

2013, a monitoring team of field evaluation of

DAC- ICARDA- ICAR collaborative projects under

NFSM Pulses.

General observation at Patna, Nalanda and Muzaffarpur districts:

Crop: Lentil.

i. Inputs of various components i.e. seeds, Bavistin & Rhizobium culture were supplied to the

farmers in Patna, Nalanda districts. In Muzaffarpur district various components i.e. Seeds,

Pendamethalin, Bavistin & Rhizobium culture were supplied to the farmers under

Enhancing Lentil Production for Food,

Nutritional Security and Improved Rural

Livelihoods scheme.

ii. Seeds of IPL-406, PL-06 &PL-08 lentil

varieties were given to the farmers in

Patna district. In Nalanda district seeds

of IPL- 406, NDL-1, PL-06 lentil

varieties were given to the farmers.

However, in Muzaffarpur district seeds

of HUL- 57, PL-06, KLS-218 lentil

varieties were also given to the

farmers or seed production during Rabi

2012-13.

Monitoring team at Muzaffarpur

Monitoring Team at Nalanda 2012-13

127

iii. Better performance of new varieties of lentil in the field of seed production in

comparis to old varieties was observed.

iv. Farmers sowed lentil seed by broadcast method. They have not preferre line sowing.

v. Some farmers have delayed sowing i.e after 15th November, the optimum sowing

period is from 15th Oct. to 15th Nov. Delay in sowing causes reduction in yield but the

magnitude of reduction was large after 15th Nov. day to day.

vi. Crop condition was very good in the seed production plot. Crop was at poding stage

but some plants were in flowering to pod filling stage.

vii. Farmers told that if new varieties of lentil show better performance, then they will

replace the old varieties with the new varieties in the next season.

viii. Crop rotation have been used by the farmers i.e. Rice- Lentil ,Fallow- Lentil,

ix. Other Crop should not mix for Seed production programme.

Details of field visited of lentil crop given as under:

(i) District: Patna, Name of Block: Dulhin Bazar Crop: Lentil Sl No.

Name of farmers

Father’s name Village & Panchayat

Name of variety

Date of sowing

Crop Condition

1 Virendra Kumar

Late Janardhan Sharma

V. & P.- Sihi IPL-406 11.11.12 Very good and pod filling stage

2 Ashok Kr. Sharma

Shri Rajballam Singh

-do--

IPL-406 21.11.12 Very good and pod filling stage

3 Akhila Nand Sharma

Late Balbhadra Prasad Sharma

-do- PL-08 11.11.12 -do-

4 Rabindra Nath Prasad

Bharat Prasad Jwarpur – Koraiya &Sihi

PL-06 13.11.12 good and pod filling stage

5 Shidhnath Sharma

Late Yadvant Prasad Singh

V. & P.- Sihi PL-06 14.11.12 good and pod filling stage

(ii) District: Nalanda, Name of Block: Tharthari Crop: Lentil Sl No.

Name of farmers

Father’s name

Village & Panchayat

Name of variety

Date of sowing

Crop Condition

1 Bipin Kumar Harihar Prasad

Tharthari Dih

NDL-1 9.11.12 good and pod filling stage

2 Rajkishor Prasad Jwala Prasad

-do- IPL-406 12.11.12 -Do-

3 Sadan Prasad Harihar Prasad

-do- NDL-1 20.11.12 wilt disease

4 Vinay Kumar Rajkishor Prasad

-do- IPL-406 15.11.12

-Do-

(b) Name of Block: Chandi Crop: Lentil Sl

No. Name of farmers


Name of variety

Date of sowing

Crop Condition

1 Tezbali Kumar Late Laldev Yadav

Kooruth & Chandi

PL-06 15.11.12 good and pod filling stage

2 Nawal Gop Panch Badan Yadav

-do- PL-06 19.11.12 -Do-

3 Rambiranjan Lt. Ram Dayalpur & NDL-1 20.11.12 -Do-

128

Singh Lakhan Singh Hasani

iii. District : Muzaffarpur

(a) Name of Block : Mouroul Crop: Lentil

(b) Name of Block: Bochahan Crop: Lentil

Dated: 8.4.2013 (Vipin Kumar)

S.T.A.

Monitoring Report of Dr. Arunav Pattanayak, Principal Scientist, ICAR Res.

Complex, Shillong: Monitoring in Assam and Meghalaya

Report of monitoring trip on 13-16 March, 2013, Submitted by A. Pattanayak

On the first day (13.3.2013) visited the plots at Moukhuli, Halapara (Cheohamukh) under

block Khagarijan.

At the first site there were two plots of Md. Khalil where he had grown lentil varieties Moitree

as pure crop. He followed seed priming. Crop was grown without any irrigation. The crop

growth was very good, number of pods per plant was high and pod filling appeared more

than 95%. There were very isolated instances of wilt. Two plots together were about 0.5 ha.

The farmer was expecting nearly 12-13 q/ha yield. At the second site, there were five plots of

different farmers among whom we met Shri Jadav Sharma. Total area was about 1.1 ha in

which HUL-157 (pure and relay), IPL-81 and KLS-218 (relay) were grown. Seed priming and

Rhizobium application was done for both the crops. For the pure crop, fertilizer was also

applied (urea 3 kg/bigha; SSP-30 kg/bigha; MOP-3 kg/bigha). Seed rate was approx. 40

kg/ha for pure crop and 60kg/ha for relay crop one irrigation at pod filling stage was given.

Sl No.

Name of farmers


Name of variety

Date of sowing

Crop Condition

1. Shambhu Narayan

Lt. Raghubansh Narayan Singh

Pilkhi & Gajpath

KLS- 218 20.11.12 Good and flowering to pod filling stage

Sl No.

Name of farmers


Name of variety

Date of sowing

Crop Condition

1. Md. Khaleel Ansari

Lt. Md. Nabbu Gurmi & Authar Jagdishpur

HUL-57 15.11.12 Inter cropping with linseed

2. Ram Bhajan Singh

Lt. Rajkumar Singh

-do- PL-06 15.11.12 Infestation of weeds

3. Dinesh Kumar Ram Bhajan Singh

-do- HUL-57 15.11.12 Mixed with linseed

4. Jiya lal Roy -do- KLS-218 15.11.12 Good condition and pod filling stage

129

In Sri Sharma’s plot, the crop was excellent, uniform and the farmer expected

approx. 10q/ha. However, in the pure crop, expected yield is about 12 q/ha.

During discussion with the

farmer’s group several of them

expressed their desire to take up

lentil in rice fallow. Many of them

were earlier growing local lentil and

then left it because of poor return.

Observing the performance of these

new varieties and the simple

agronomic practice, they were again

willing to take up lentil cultivation. It

appeared that there is no problem of

accepting lentil in the rice fallow.

More technological backstopping in

terms of new varieties, packages, demonstrations and training is required.

On the second day, the visit was to Sologuri in the Batadrava block.

First plot was of Mr. Tulsi Das where he had grown IPL-81 in about 0.13 ha. Seed

treatment and soil application of fertilizer (NPK) was practiced. The farmer also applied

Rhizobium. The crop was good, no wilt problem was seen. However, there was some

problem of weed. The farmer was very happy about the performance of the variety and

expected about 12-13 q/ha yield.

We also visited the plot of Mr. K. Hazarika, who grew IPL-81 as a pure crop. The

crop was ready for harvest. Pod filling was very good and maturity was uniform. Plant

population was also optimum. The farmer used seed treatment, Rhizobium, fungicide and

soil application of fertilizer. Expected yield from the plot was 12 q/ha. Interestingly the farmer

was a traditional lentil and linseed grower. He was growing the improved variety for the first

time. In the next plot belonging to Mr. P.K. Das, the var. was HUL-57, which was nearing

maturity. Pod formation and pod filling was very good. No wilt was observed. The crop is

expected to yield more than 11 q/ha. In the nearly plot he grew his local lentil. The crop was

very poor and expected yield was less than 2 q/ha. This combination of plots was a good

demonstration of the potential of new varieties and farmers at the village were really

convinced about HUL-57 and IPL-81.

We also visited the plot of Mr. H. Rahaman where he was harvesting IPL-81. The plot

was somewhat upland type, and the crop faced some moisture stress at flowering stage.

Even then it appeared that the farmer would harvest in excess of 9 q/ha. Then we visited the

house of Mr. N. Das where he stacked harvested crop of HUL-57. Mr. Das was growing

HUL-57 for the second year. Pod number and pod filling was very good. He was expecting

about 12 q/ha yield. In the current year, his crop faced some moisture stress. As he

narrated, in the previous year, his crop was still better as rainfall in winter was adequate. His

harvest was 15 q/ha.

Monitoring team at Nagaon 2012-13

130

At Gandhibori (Palasguri), we visited two plots. In both the plots, ‘Moitree’ variety was

grown. Each plot was about 0.25 ha. Both the farmers used seed priming, bavistin treatment

and used Rhizobium. Soil application of fertilizer was practiced. The crop was ready for

harvest. Crop growth, pod number and pod filling were good. In both the fields, at last 12

q/ha yield was expected.

At Palashguri, we also took part in a field day where 68 farmers attended the

programme. The farmers were convinced that lentil has a good potential in the rice fallow,

and the crop does not compete with any of their main crops like rice and jute. In the question

answer session, farmers cleared several of their doubts about lentil cultivation. Questions

varied from varieties to weed management to disease management to dal mill, etc.

From the field visits and the group meetings, the following things were very clear.

1) Farmer is convinced that lentil is a potential crop for their rice fallow.

2) They want some improved varieties of suitable duration so that their traditional main crops

are not disturbed.

3) They also require some more demonstration and training on the cultivation package.

4) A small dal mill in the area would improve farm gate price as the produce (so far) is sold

without processing.

5) Lentil has a great potential in other parts of Assam, especially in North Lakhimpur,

Dhemaji and parts of Sonitpur districts where the main crop of rice is severely affected by

flood and the filed remains fallow after the flood water recedes towards the end of

September.

We also visited some plots in Meghalaya at heights ranging from 950 m (Umroi, Ri-

Bhoi district) to 300 m (Dangar, West Khasi Hills dist.) where varieties NDL 1, PL 8, PL-6,

HUL-57 and Moitree were planted. Except PL6, all other varieties were found performing

well. In the seed production plots at ICAR Complex, the yield was 12.9 q/ha. The most

important point to note here that the crop sown in the first week of November matured before

the first rain in March.

Yields reported from Farmer’s field - (Dangar- 9.8 q/ha (Moitree)), (Mawlasnai -10.2 q/ha

(Moitree)), Saiden-10.8 q/ha (NDL-1)).

The results of last two years trials conducted by ICAR Research Complex and KVK, East

Khasi Hills indicate that even for hills of Meghalaya lentil is a potential crop for the rice

fallow.

131

Monitoring Tour Report of Dr. D. V. Singh, National Consultant (Plant

Protection) for Assam in March, 2013

The tour was under taken to Nagaon district of Assam as a member of the team to monitor

the DAC-ICAR-ICARDA Collaborative project on “Enhancing lentil production for food,

nutritional security and improved rural livelihood”. The project is being conducted under the

supervision of Dr. Idrish Ali Sheikh, Principal Scientist (Pulses), RARS, Nagaon (Assam

Agricultural University, Jorhat). The team members were as follows:-

1. Dr. D. V. Singh, National Consultant (Plant protection), DAC, NFSM, Beej Bhavan, New

Delhi

2. Dr. A. Pattanayak, Principal Scientist (Pulse Breeding) ICAR Complex for NEH region,

Barapani, Assam

3. Dr. Rajendra Choudhary, Consultant, South Asia and China Regional Office, ICARDA,

New Delhi

The team visited three villages, where the project is being implemented along with

Dr. I. A. Sheikh and officials of State Department of Agriculture from Guwahati and Nagaon

on 13th and 14th March, 2013. The lentil is being grown in this area after the harvest of rice

crop and total area in the Nagaon district is about 2000 ha.

The details about the farmers contacted in 3 villages along with inputs provided to

them are given in Table 1, A, B and C.

Table 1 A – Village: Mahkhuli (Chechamukh), Block: Khagarijan (13-03-2013) Farmer

Syst.

Var. Area sown (ha)

Date of sowing

Seed rate (kg/ha)

Urea (kg/ha)

SSP (kg/ha)

MOP (kg/ha)

Rhizobium

*Bavistine

**Irrigation

Expected yield (q/ha)

Md. Khalil

Pure Moitree

0.13 18.11.12

30 22.5 220 22.5 20g/kg seed

2g/kg seed

Nil 14

Taru Mia

Pure HUL-57

0.13 18.11.12

30 22.5 220 22.5 -do- -do- Nil 12

Ghana Sharma

Relay

HUL-57

0.27 11.11.12

45 - - - -do- -do- One 8

Jadav Sharma

Relay

IPL-81

0.40 11.11.12

45 - - - -do- -do- One 10

Yusuf Ali

Relay

KLS-218

0.27 11.11.12

45 - - - -do- -do- One 9

* Carbendazim (Bavistine) as seed treatment; **one irrigation at pod filling stage Seed priming for 6-7 hours was done in both the systems

Table 1 B- Village: Sologuri, Block: Batadrava (14-03-2013) Farmer

Syst. Var. Area sown (ha)

Date of sowing

Seed rate (kg/ha)

Urea (kg/ha) **

SSP (kg/ha)

MOP (kg/ha)

Rhizobium

*Bavistine

**Irrigation


Talsi Das

Pure IPL-81

0.13 15.11.12

30 32 220 22.5 20g/kg seed

2g/kg seed

Nil 13

132

Purna Kt. Das

Pure HUL-57

0.13 30.11.12

30 32 220 22.5 -do- -do- Nil 12

Akkas Ali

Pure HUL-57

0.27 29.11.12

30 32 220 22.5 -do- -do- Nil 14

Nomal Das

Pure HUL-57

0.20 13.11.12

30 32 220 22.5 -do- -do- Nil 12

Khiteswar Hazarika

Pure IPL-81

0.27 08.11.12

30 32 220 22.5 -do- -do- Nil 12

* Carbendazim (Bavistine) as seed treatment; **Rhizobium was not applied Seed priming for 6-7 hours was done in both the systems

Table 1- C. Village: Gandhibori (Palashguri); Block: Raha (14-03-2013)

Farmer

Syst. Var. Area sown (ha)

Date of sowing

Seed rate (kg/ha)

Urea (kg/ha) **

SSP (kg/ha)

MOP (kg/ha)

Rhizobium

*Bavistine

**Irrigation


Kumud nath

Pure Moitree

0.20 17.11.12

30 22.5 220 22.5 20g/kg seed

2g/kg seed

Nil 12

Jyoti Pd. Nath

Pure Moitree

0.27 22.11.12

30 22.5 220 22.5 -do- -do- Nil 12

*Carbendazim (Bavistine) as seed treatment Seed priming for 6-7 hours was done in both the systems

Officials interacted with the team and farmers:

1. Dr. P. K. Das, Principal Scientist (Breeding) RARS, AAU, Shillongoni, Nagaon

2. Dr. Idrish Ali Sheikh, Principal Scientist (Pulse Breeder) RARS, AAU, Shillongoni,

Nagaon

3. Mr. Rahul Kumar Das, Joint Director Agri (Central Zone), Nagaon

4. Dr. Robin N. Chutia, Dy. Director Agric (T & P), Deptt.of Agric. Khanapara (Guwahati)

5. Sri Upen Borah, Dy. Director Agric. (Pulse & Oil Seeds), Deptii of Agric. Khanapara

(Guwahati)

6. Sri Lalit Chaudra Das, Sub-Divisional Agric. Officer (Sugarcane), Shillongani, Nagaon

7. Mr. Tarun Hazarika, Sr. ADO and Nodal Officer (NFSM-Nagaon, District), Nagaon,

Assam

8. District Agriculture Officer, Nagaon

Observations:-

1. In Nagaon district, lentil is being grown in Rice-fellow land as pure (normal) or relay

crop with rice. In relay cropping, the sowing was done 4-10 days before harvesting of

rice to take the advantage of soil moisture for germination.

2. The sowing of lentil crop was mainly sown from middle of November to first week of

December due to late harvesting of rice and pre preparation of field. Due to late

sowing, the maturity of the lentil crop coincide with rains in March which is

responsible for damage to the crop,

3. Weeds are the major problem in the fields as the farmers do not aware about the

losses caused by weeds and how to manage them.

133

4. There was a long dry spell without rains from November to February. Therefore, most

of fields were under water stress which resulted poor stand of the crop.

5. The seed supply by the State Department of Agriculture in the name of K75 was not

in flowering stage even in middle of

March.

6. The crop condition of lentil was good in

those fields where inputs were provided

by the ICARDA program. In general, the

farmers were happy to grow lentil as a

bonus crop with additional income from

rice-fellow land.

7. After harvest, marketing is the major

problem as farmers are not getting

proper price for their produce.

Suggestions and Actions Points:-

1. The early sowing of lentil should be advocated by October and or early November to

utilize the residual moisture and the crop will mature by the middle of March to

escape the rains.

2. The short duration varieties such as IPL-81 and Moitree, should be promoted which

can mature within 100-120 days to avoid damage from rains and gave higher yields.

3. Sometimes, there was a problem of proper germination in the rice-fellow field dur to

less moisture. It was suggested that there should be minimum tillage to conserve the

moisture for germination of lentil crop.

4. It was suggested that application of one spray of 2% urea or NPK spray formulation

before 10 days of flowering and second spray after flowering will support good

growth of the crop and gave higher yields.

5. When lentil crop suffers from long dry spell due to no rains, the farmers should give

at least one irrigation preferably by sprinkler to get good yields.

6. The awareness should be created amongst the farmers about the weeds and their

management in lentil crop by mechanical weeding or applying weedicides according

to type of weeds.

7. The Fusarium wilt of lentil was very common in the fields from Traces to 5%. The

farmers should be advised to treat the seeds with Carbendazim @ 2gm/kg of seed.

The infection of wilt was high in some fields where lentil is grown continuously for

more then 2-3 years. The farmers should not grow lentil in those fields and can be

rotated with non-host crop like linseed, which is commonly grown in this area.

8. Marketing of lentil after harvest is a major problem. Farmers are not getting

remunerative price of their produce. The state should take initiative in establishing

some small Pulse (Dal) Mills in this area.

Conclusion -

1. The farmers of visited villages were happy with the program as they are getting

additional bonus crop in their rice fellow fields. In normal conditions, they are

Monitoring Team at Nagaon 2012-13

134

expecting to get 10-15 q/ha yield of lentil, which is additional income. Mostly the

farmers wanted to grow pulses particularly lentil in future also. The State Department

of Agriculture Officials from district and blocks were also shown interest in the

program and were keen to have more districts of the State under this project.

2. A large area under rice-fellow is available for pulses production, if proper guidance

and inputs are given to the farmers they will adopt lentil as pulse crop to increase are

and production in this region.

3. Lathyrus can also be promoted in this because some famers are growing this crop.

The varieties grown at present are local with high content of toxin. If the farmers are

given proper guidance to grow new high yielding varieties with low content of toxin,

the crop can cover more area and increase the pulse production.

135

Annexure- xii

Center wise economic gain (2010-13)

Nagaon, AAU, Assam

Year Addl. Yield from demonstration (q)

Addl. yield from improved area expansion (q)

Total addl. Yield (q)

Value in Rs. Lakh

Quality seed Production (q)

Value in Rs. Lakh

Production of Addl. straw

Value of straw

Total economic gain to Society in Rs. lakh

2010-11 41.5 - 41.5 1.25 - - 66.0 0.20 1.45

2011-12 135.0 33.6 168.6 6.43 - - 272 1.08 7.51

2012-13 142.88 53.4 196.28 8.83 403.3 20.16 959 4.79 33.78

Total 319.38 87.0 406.38 16.51 403.3 20.16 1297 6.07 42.74

Muzaffarpur, Rau, Bihar




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 117.6 - 117.6 3.5 57.8 1.99 280 0.85 6.34

2011-12 235.5 136.8 372.3 14.15 474.5 20.5 1356 5.42 40.07

2012-13 147.3 421.4 568.7 25.59 608.9 37.66 1884 9.42 72.67

Total 500.4 558.2 1058.6 43.24 1141.2 60.15 3520 15.69 119.08

SPARK, Patna, Bihar




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 140.2 - 140.2 4.2 165.4 8.27 489 1.46 13.93

2011-12 237.9 272.3 510.2 19.39 646.3 28.7 1850 7.4 55.49

2012-13 353.9 437.9 791.8 35.64 1639.9 86.64 3891 19.45 141.73

Total 732.0 710.2 1442.2 59.23 2451.6 123.61 6230 28.31 211.15

136

Nalanda, Bihar, ICARDA- SACRP, New Delhi




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 125.6 - 125.6 3.77 146.0 5.30 435 1.3 10.37

2011-12 190.0 174.7 364.7 13.86 441.5 20.4 1290 5.16 39.42

2012-13 363.7 347.6 711.3 32.0 1836.9 98.24 4077 20.38 150.62

Total 679.3 522.3 1201.6 49.63 2424.4 123.94 5802 26.84 200.41

Chandauli, UP, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 98.5 - 98.5 2.96 221.0 6.63 512 1.53 11.12

2011-12 228.4 134.4 362.8 13.79 249.8 11.6 980 3.92 29.31

2012-13 - - - - 58.42 3.55 93 0.46 4.01

Total 326.9 134.4 461.3 16.75 529.2 21.78 1585 5.91 44.44

Ballia, IIPR, Kanpur, UP




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 29.9 - 29.9 0.90 136.0 4.08 266 0.79 5.77

2011-12 342.6 600.6 943.2 35.85 393.0 15.72 2138 8.58 60.15

2012-13 410.2 860.2 1270.4 57.17 2030.6 105.44 5282 26.4 189.01

Total 782.7 1460.8 2243.5 93.92 2559.6 125.24 7686 35.77 254.93

137

Fatehpur, IIPR, Kanpur, UP




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 295.7 - 295.7 8.87 148.0 4.44 710 2.13 15.44

2011-12 281.6 38.44 320.0 12.16 186.0 8.94 810 3.24 24.34

2012-13 110.0 - 110.0 4.95 376.0 22.63 777 3.88 31.46

Total 687.3 38.44 725.7 25.98 710.0 36.01 2297 9.25 71.24





Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 101.6 - 101.6 3.05 20.4 0.79 195 0.59 4.43

2011-12 172.1 38.0 210.1 7.98 350.0 17.56 896 3.58 29.12

2012-13 284.6 81.34 365.9 16.46 716.2 43.28 1731 8.66 68.4

Total 558.3 119.34 677.6 27.49 1086.6 61.63 2822 12.83 101.95

Murshidabad, PORS, West Bengal




Value in Rs. Lakh


Value in Rs. Lakh


Value of straw


2010-11 62.8 - 62.8 1.88 257.2 11.0 511 1.54 14.42

2011-12 133.5 282.48 416.0 15.8 519.0 29.71 1496 5.98 51.49

2012-13 283.3 151.9 435.2 19.59 785.3 47.25 1953 9.76 76.6

Total 479.6 434.38 914.0 37.27 1564.5 87.96 3960 17.28 142.51

----------------------X---------------------

consolidated final progress report 2010-11 to 2012-13

Documents