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Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is grown in rabi (post-rainy season) following kharif (rainy season) crop or kharif fallow. Late sowing (December-January) should be avoided as the late-sown crop may experience moisture stress and high temperatures at the critical stage of pod-filling, leading to reduced yield and seed quality. A pre-sowing irrigation may be needed, if the available soil moisture is not adequate for germination. Kabuli chickpea should never be irrigated immediately after sowing, particularly in deep black soils. Desi varieties are sown at plant geometry of 30 cm x 10 cm whereas wider row spacing (45–60 cm) can be used in large seeded kabuli chickpea and irrigated crops (both desi and kabuli types). Total quantities of N, P and K should be given as a basal dose. Foliar spray of 2% urea at flowering has been found beneficial in rainfed crops. Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 0.75 – 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 and one hand weeding or interculture operations at 25-30 days after sowing is economical. Two irrigations (30 mm each), one each at branching and pod filling stages, are recommended for higher yield. Machine harvesting of chickpea will reduce production cost. Tall and non spreading plant varieties are available with suitable mechanization package. |
