Bengal gram / Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Bengal gram or chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is India's most important rabi pulse, with India producing ~75% of global supply. The crop is grown on residual monsoon moisture in cool weather (15-25 degC) across MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and AP.

Key characteristics

• Mandate Institute: ICAR-IIPR Kanpur
• Global Share: India ~75% of world chickpea production (2023)
• Season: Rabi crop, 15-25 degC optimum
• Fertilizer: 15-20 kg N + 50-60 kg P/ha as basal

Cultivation and adoption

ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur is the mandate institute and runs AICRP on Chickpea; nutrient recommendation is 15-20 kg N + 50-60 kg P/ha. Pre-breeding with wild Cicer species has yielded varieties like PBG 8.

References

1. Chickpea - ICRISAT Crops Overview. https://www.icrisat.org/crops/chickpea/overview
2. AICRP Chickpea PC Report - ICAR-IIPR. https://www.icar-iipr.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PC-report-Chickpea_2021-22.pdf