The Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development (ISPRD) (Regn. No. 877) was founded in 1987 with the following objectives: To advance the cause of pulses research To promote research and development, teaching and extension activities in pulses To facilitate close association among pulse workers in India and abroad To publish quarterly Journal of Food Legumes, which is the official publication of the Society
Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development
Identification of traits contributing to high temperature tolerance in urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) genotypes
In the present investigation, seventeen genotypes of urd bean were evaluated under high temperature (>40°C) in order to identify heat tolerant genotype/s and quantify the impacts on morphological, seed yield, and yield contributing characters. High temperature influenced pod setting, seed filling and significantly reduced the seed yield; however, there was significant variation in the magnitude of response among the genotypes. Among the seventeen urd bean genotypes, PLU 294 and IPU10-26 performed better for seed yield and yield contributing traits under both summer and kharif seasons with moderate reduction at high temperature. From the present study, it is evident that adequate genetic variability exists within the urd bean genotypes that can able to tolerate high temperatures. The yield contributing characters, such as pod number, seed number, and 100-seed weight, are three key traits, which are useful in screening the genotypes for high temperature tolerance along with better seed yield in urd bean by plant breeders.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Food Legumes
Screening of chickpea germplasm against stem rot disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
In the present study, 89 chickpea germplasm lines were screened against the highly destructive stem rot disease. None of the germplasm lines showed complete immunity or resistance. Twenty-two germplasm lines (C-20197, C-20193, C-20219, C-20196, C-20168, C-20217, C-20207, C-20163, C-20214, C-20215, C-20183, C-20191, C-20117, C-20121, NDG 19-1, PUSA-372, IPC 2006-77, GNG-2207, GNG-2144, RVG-202, RVG-203, IG-14) were identified as moderately resistant. Fifty-one germplasm lines were found moderately susceptible, thirteen were susceptible, and three germplasm lines were highly susceptible.
Dynamics of area, production, productivity and export of pulses from India
The present study was conducted to know the growth rate, instability and trade dynamics of total pulses of India over a period of 20 years using secondary data. The data was collected from different e-resources. The major findings of the study revealed that the growth rate in productivity was higher than the growth rate in area under cultivation. A low instability index indicated that the area, production, and productivity of total pulses were relatively stable with minimal fluctuations. The present study also revealed that the export of pulses from India showed significant positive growth and a high instability index, indicating significant fluctuations in the export. Markov chain and transition probability analysis identified that the countries pooled under the category ‘others’ were the most loyal countries to India in importing pulses, followed by the USA, China, and Bangladesh.
Comparative assessment of instability, decomposition, and forecasting of soybean production
The goal of the present study is to measure the instability, a factor affecting the production, and forecast the area, production, and yield of soybean in Madhya Pradesh and India. Secondary data for the period 1970 to 2023 was used to analyse soybean area, production and productivity. Instability analysis showed a decline in instability from Period I to Period II, except in the case of soybean yield in Madhya Pradesh. Decomposition analysis showed that in Madhya Pradesh and India, yield had a greater contribution to production than the area effect for the entire study period. Using R2, MAE, MAPE, and RMSE, two forecasting models, ARIMA and Holt’s Linear Exponential Smoothing,were compared. In both regions, ARIMA performed better than Holt’s method for the majority of parameters. ACF and PACF residual diagnostics were used to verify the model’s adequacy. According to the forecast, Madhya Pradesh and India will produce 6,195.5 thousand and 15,881.5 thousand tonnes of soybeans, respectively, by 2030. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh and India are expected to cultivate 6,755.2 thousand hectares and 14,483.9 thousand hectares of soybeans, respectively. The findings show that the ideal model varies based on the parameter taken into consideration and that no single model performs best across all evaluation criteria.
Price forecasting of chickpea using the ARIMA model for major markets in Maharashtra
The present study examined price behavior and arrivals of chickpea in five major APMCs of Maharashtra viz., Akola, Washim, Khamgaon, Murtizapur, and Akot, using 18 years (2005–06 to 2022–23) of monthly data. Seasonal indices were estimated through the moving average method, and price forecasting was carried out using the ARIMA model. The results revealed distinct seasonal patterns, with peak prices generally observed during postharvest months, while lower prices prevailed in the early months of the year. Forecast accuracy remained high, with deviations mostly within ±10%, except during unexpected market shocks. The study highlights the usefulness of price forecasting models in strengthening market intelligence and supporting farmers’ decisions on storage and timing of sale to enhance price realization.
Assessment of the seed hub project for quality seed production and farmer participation in the Hamirpur district of the Bundelkhand region
The introduction of high-yielding pulse varieties is vital for sustainable production in rainfed regions. To strengthen seed quality and availability, the Pulse Seed Hub Program was launched at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in 2016–17 with farmer participation through buyback agreements. Between 2017–18 and 2021–22, KVK produced 2,239.01 quintals of quality seed, covering 2,759.7 hectares and benefiting 2,866 farmers. Fieldpea dominated production (1,346.73 q), with IPFD 12‑2 emerging as the most preferred variety due to superior yield and market demand, while chickpea (JG‑14, RVG 202, JG‑36) and lentil (IPL‑316) were widely adopted for their adaptability and disease resistance. Demonstrations confirmed superiority over farmers’ older varieties, with mean yield gains of 22.8% in chickpea, 27.8% in fieldpea, and 24.3% in lentil. The program generated a gross income of ` 1.63 crores, with a net profit of ` 62.31 lakhs reinvested in seed facilities. Farmers received 20% higher procurement prices than support rates, adding ` 19.84 lakhs in extra remuneration and enabling entrepreneurial diversification. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative created employment for rural youth, women, and farm workers. Overall, the Seed Hub Program enhanced varietal replacement, improved farmer livelihoods, and demonstrated a replicable model for strengthening pulse production in rainfed agro‑ecosystems.
Cost efficiency and profitability: a relative advantage analysis of pigeonpea and sugarcane cultivation
The present study was conducted to assess the relative advantage between two major annual crops i.e., pigeonpea (Arhar) and sugarcane in different category of farm size. Multi-stage stratified purposive cum random sampling technique were employed to collect primary information of 240 farmer households. The findings revealed that sugarcane cultivation was significantly more lucrative than pigeonpea across all farm size categories. On an overall average, sugarcane cultivation yielded a net return of ` 1,19,028.65/ha with a benefit cost ratio of 1:2.29, compared to pigeonpea, which yielded a net return of ` 32,372.60/ha and a benefit cost ratio of 1:1.65. Moreover, the production cost per quintal for sugarcane had the lowest (` 142.22) than pigeonpea (` 4,783.69). Sugarcane relative advantage as a more economically sustainable option in North Eastern Plain Zone. Policymakers and agencies can use the study’s insightful findings to help farmers grow more profitable crops.
Standardization, quality assessment and storage stability of soy flour and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) enriched cookies: a functional approach
Demand and desire for protein-enriched functional foods are growing worldwide. Keeping in view, an attempt is being made to develop wheat flour-based protein-enriched cookies by using a combination of wheat flour, soy flour, and moringa leaf powder (MLP). Further, the enriched cookies’ nutritional composition, sensory quality, and textural properties were also assessed along with storage stability. Optimal formulation of base flour was determined through sensory evaluation, which consisted of 30% soy flour and 70% wheat flour. This composite flour was further fortified with MLP at varying proportions (3%, 6%, and 9%) to enhance the cookies’ nutritional profile. Cookies formulated with moringa leaf powder and soy flour exhibited elevated levels of protein, fat, ash, and crude fibre. Cookies packed in polypropylene and low-density polyethylene were stored at 27 degree celcius for 45 days for shelf life assessment. Acceptability of the cookies remained satisfactory up to the 45-day storage period, particularly in terms of moisture and peroxide value. Therefore, combining moringa leaf powder and soy flour can be a valuable strategy for addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly in developing countries.
Research Paper Temporal trends in production of pulses in Uttar Pradesh
The study was conducted to analyse the growth and stability of major pulse crops via CAGR and CDVI during last two decades (2003-23) for Uttar Pradesh state. Secondary district level data on area, production and productivity collected from DES and utilized for the computation. The overall study period (2003–23) was subdivided into two sub periods, i.e., I (2003–04 to 2012–13) and II (2013–14 to 2022-23). The average productivity of pulses in Uttar Pradesh state witnessed a positive growth rate in all the three periods, with highest annual growth rate (6.36%) during sub period-II. The study also revealed a low instability index in area and productivity of pulses in Uttar Pradesh state during all the three time periods. Further the instability index was found to be low during sub period-I (12.12) and sub period-II (11.18), while it was medium (18.23) during overall sub period-III (2003-23). The year 2016-17, registered highest enhancement in the total area (6.27 lakh ha), production (10.19 lakh tons) and the average productivity (251 kg/ha) of pulses in UP state. However, wide technological interventions are needed for fulfilling the production and productivity demand in UP state as well as at national level.
Seasonal ARIMA approach for forecasting whitefly population
The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), a polyphagous pest, has significant economic importance globally due to its adverse impact on pulse production, particularly as the primary vector of yellow mosaic disease in Vigna crops. In the present investigation, historical data were used to consider pest population forecasting, aimed at mitigating losses due to pest infestations and facilitating enhanced crop yields. By incorporating a weekly seasonality parameter, the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) time-series model was employed to model and forecast the whitefly pest population. The SARIMA model encompasses components of seasonal autoregression, seasonal differencing, and seasonal moving averages, in addition to the standard ARIMA components. The autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) were calculated, which facilitated the identification and development of Seasonal ARIMA models, aimed at elucidating the time series and assisting in future forecasts of the whitefly population. The model SARIMA (2,1,0) (0,0,2) [52] was found to be the most appropriate, based on the lowest values of σ² and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Advance forecasting of pest outbreaks will help farmers and researchers take necessary preventive measures to manage and reduce pest infestation.
Efficacy of indigenous strains of actinobacteria for the management of rootknot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in chickpea
The present study aimed to study the efficacy of indigenous strains and identify the promising nematicidal strain of actinobacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of pulses. In-vitro bioassays with the cell-free culture filtrates and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract ofthe actinobacterial strains revealed that Streptomyces ginkgonis (AIN 28) was found best with 97.61% and 98.29% of juvenile mortality, respectively, as compared to the control. Spectrophotometric assay with crude chitinase solution of all the strains reveals that S. ginkgonis (AIN 28) exhibited maximum chitinolytic activity (OD510 value 0.141), with production of maximum chitinase enzyme (51.84 μg/ml) and total protein (176.3 μg/ml). In-vitro bioassay with crude chitinase solution on egg-hatching revealed that S. ginkgonis (AIN 28) shown 90.79% inhibition of egg-hatching, followed by S. ginkgonis (AIN 59 and AIN 16) with 87.03% of inhibition. In-vivo pot experiments with sixbest performing strains revealed that the treatment with actinobacterium S. ginkgonis (AIN 28) significantly reduced the number of galls/plant (31.33), egg masses/plant (23.33) and total soil population of root-knot nematodes/100cc (329.33) as well asimproved the plant growth parameters of chickpea as compared to the control.
Characterization of pathogen causing chickpea wilt in wet terrace rice cultivation in Kohima, Nagaland
The present study was conducted to identify the cause of yellowing and wilting of chickpea plants grown under wet terrace rice cultivation (WTRC) fallow in Kohima, Nagaland. Pathogen isolated, from wilt-infected chickpea plants showed fluffy-cottony, thread-like mycelium with pinkish pigmentation at the bottom of the potato dextrose agar plate with microconidia of 5.27×3.10μm, macroconidia of 12.02×2.95μm, and chlamydospores of a diameter of 5.35μm. The isolate was found to be highly pathogenic, showing 94% pathogenicity on four chickpea cultivars reported to be resistant to Fusarium wilt. The original isolate from collected field samples and the re-isolate from the pathogenicity test were confirmed to be Fusarium oxysporum through molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. This is the first report of F. oxysporum causing chickpea wilt under WTRC in Kohima. The F. oxysporum strain isolated from this study can be used in future breeding programmes to develop resistant chickpea cultivars.
An efficient and reliable technique for isolation of Phytophthora cajani causing stem blight disease of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
The genus Phytophthora encompasses a diverse group of soil-borne and waterborne fungal pathogens with a global impact. The present study specifically targets a soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora cajani, responsible for a devastating disease known as stem blight of pigeonpea. Isolation of Phytophthora cajani presents a significant challenge due to the propensity for contamination by ubiquitous saprophytic fungi and bacteria. The developed protocol was tested on rhizospheric soil samples collected from PSB infected sick plots. The baiting method involved placing pears in moist, soil-filled cardboard boxes. Fungal cultures obtained from the decayed pears closely matched the morphological characteristics of P. cajani and showed minimal to no contamination. These results confirm that the pear-based baiting technique is a reliable, efficient and rapid method for isolating pure cultures of P. cajani, making it suitable for further pathological and genetic studies.
Evaluation of blackgram genotypes for morphological and biochemical host plant resistance traits against whiteflies and yellow mosaic virus
In the present investigation, 26 blackgram genotypes for morphological traits were evaluated for host plant resistance traits against whiteflies and yellow mosaic virus under field conditions, and analysed for biochemical parameters. The results showed that the mean population of whiteflies varied significantly and ranged from 2.8 to 8.8 whiteflies per leaf. Among twenty-six genotypes, LBG-752, MBG-1123, MBG-1179, MBG-1070, MBG-1152, MBG-1160 and MBG- 1166 were identified moderately resistant (MR) (WRI=2.0). Morphologically, resistant and moderately resistant genotypes recorded higher in leaf thickness (0.137 to 0.164 mm), trichome density (11.39 to 17.67 mm2) and length (1.58 to 1.83 mm), and biochemically with elevated tannin and phenol contents. Whitefly population showed a strong negative association with both morphological (leaf thickness, trichomes) and biochemical (tannins, phenols) traits, indicating their key role in conferring resistance to whiteflies and YMV in blackgram.
Utilisation of host plant defence against polyphagous defoliator: Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua Walker infesting blackgram, Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper
Bihar hairy caterpillar (BHC), Spilosoma obliqua Walker is a major defoliator infesting blackgram in India and other Southeast Asian countries. Its infestation in early crop stages severely impacts plant population establishment and results in yield loss. BHC, being a polyphagous insect pest, has developed insecticide resistance to chemical insecticides; therefore, sustainable management can be done only by finding a resistant source. Hence, in the present experiment, 59 blackgram genotypes and 10 wild germplasms were screened against BHC by deploying T-9 as susceptible check in the Dual choice assay for two consecutive seasons and found three wild germplasms viz., Vigna radiata (IC571775), Vigna silvestris (IC539798), and Vigna dalzelliana (IC247408), as promising based on preference index score (<0.08). Further, almost all cultivated genotypes have shown susceptibility to BHC, barring three cultivated genotypes: SUG11-25, PU-19, and Shekar-3. The field screening revealed that only five out of the 60 germplasms screened have shown susceptibility to BHC, with T-9 being the most susceptible cultivar with the highest percent damaged leaf per plant (43. 84).
Response of vegetable pea varieties to silicon under late-sown conditions
Late-sown vegetable peas often suffer yield loss and higher disease incidence due to unfavourable weather, yet they offer better market returns. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of silicon on different varieties of vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.). The results showed that the performance of both varieties (AP-1 and KP) differed significantly for plant height, number of pods/plant, and green pod yield, and they also responded to silicon application. Simple linear regression analysis showed that Si application of more than 2 ml L-1 could give detrimental results. Earliness of a variety shows its genetic potential; findings revealed that it could not be altered by the application of silicon. Regarding quality parameters, such as dry matter (%) in green pods and PLW (%) could not be improved by silicon application. Hence, it is obvious from the findings that the variety AP-1 with Si @ 2 ml L-1 would be suggested for the North-Western plains of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Commercial potential of speciality corn, groundnut and parching sorghum in pigeonpea based intercropping system in east and south eastern coastal plain of Odisha
The present study investigates the commercial potential of speciality corn (sweet corn and baby corn), groundnut, and parching sorghum in pigeonpeabased intercropping systems in Odisha. Pulses are soil-enriching crops, and conversely, corn and parching sorghum are exhaustive, but have much higher economic potential. A combination of both may be a sustainably profitable enterprise for small and marginal farmers. The intercropping of pigeonpea with baby corn in 1:2 proportion (replacement series) gave the maximum system pigeonpea equivalent yield (2461 kg/ha), closely followed by pigeonpea+groundnut in a 1:2 proportion (additive series), which gave PEY of 2448 kg/ha. However, maximum net return (Rs. 97,176/-) and B:C ratio (2.49) was recorded from pigeonpea+groundnut intercropping system. The maximum system Land Equivalent Ratio (LER=1.64) was recorded with the pigeonpea+groundnut intercropping system. This treatment also recorded the maximum monetary advantage index (Rs. 63,366/-). Pigeonpea recorded maximum competition ratio (2.49), Aggressivity (1.66), and relative crowding coefficient (20.63) when intercropped with groundnut. Pigeonpea was found as the dominant component, and intercrops are dominated through all intercropping combinations. However, pigeonpea+ groundnut (1:2) and pigeonpea+baby corn (1:2) intercropping are recommended for the farmers of the East and south eastern coatal plain agroclimatic zone of Odisha for higher profitability, depending on market demand.
Integrated use of farmyard manure, biofertilizers, and molybdenum enhances greengram productivity and soil health in the lower Gangetic Plains
In the present study, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of INM, including farm yard manure (FYM), biofertilizers, and molybdenum (Mo) in addition to inorganics, on the enhancement of greengram productivity and improvement of soil quality. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two levels of FYM (no FYM and with 5t FYM ha-1) in the main plots and five levels of seed treatments (control, Rhizobium, Rhizobium+PSB, Rhizobium+Mo, Rhizobium+PSB+Mo) in the sub-plots. Application of FYM and Rhizobium+PSB+Mo resulted in better nodulation and the highest grain yield. The yield increment was 7.9% with FYM over control. Nodulation efficiency increased 43.3% with Rhizobium+PSB+Mo and, produced 25.7% more greengram yield over the control. Moreover, the integrated application showed a positive impact on soil physico-chemical and biological properties, indicating improved soil health in the Lower Gangetic Plains.
SSR and ISSR marker-assisted evaluation of genetic diversity in horse gram cultivars and radiation induced mutants
Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.) is an underutilized, drought- tolerant legume with significant nutritional and medicinal value but limited breeding improvement. To elucidate its genetic diversity, we evaluated 35 genotypes, including 28 mutants induced by gamma radiation of CRIDA18R, using 17 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and 8 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Molecular marker analysis scored 145 loci, revealing 106 polymorphic loci (mean PIC = 0.346) and a pair-wise Jaccard similarity coefficient ranging from 0.557 to 0.925 (mean = 0.72), indicating moderate to high genetic similarity within the population. Among all the ISSR primers, UBC 820 and UBC 811 resolved the highest number of bands, amplifying 21 and 19 loci, of which 20 and 17 were polymorphic, respectively. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) partitioned the genotypes into two main clusters and four divergent lineages. Radiation-induced mutants revealed distinct patterns of genetic divergence, with most grouping within Cluster I, while mutants such as HM13, HM19, HM05, and HM27 formed independent lineages. Such distinct mutants potentially carry rare allelic combinations, making them promising, especially for introducing new and useful traits.
Unraveling heat tolerance in mungbean: insights from morpho-agronomical and physio-biochemical traits
The present study evaluated 36 mungbean genotypes, including interspecific derivatives and mutants, to identify heat-tolerant types based on morphological and physio-biochemical responses. Results revealed significant variability, with MML 2556, SML 2102, and MML 2558 exhibiting superior tolerance, characterized by higher relative leaf water content (RLWC), proline content, and antioxidant activity, whereas ML 2738 and SML 2341 were highly susceptible. Heat stress markedly reduced reproductive traits such as pollen viability, pod length, and seed yield, while oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide) increased. Correlation analysis showed positive associations of seed yield with RLWC, proline, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll under stress. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into tolerant, moderately tolerant, and susceptible categories. The findings highlight the value of physiological and biochemical screening for breeding heat-resilient mungbean cultivars, crucial for sustaining productivity under rising global temperatures.
Characterization of recombinant inbred lines for physiological and yield traits under drought conditions in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
In the present study, 194 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of lentil derived from the cross IPL 98/193 (long and profuse root system) × EC 208362 (short and poor root system) were evaluated for physiological and yield traits under drought conditions. Substantial variability was observed among RILs for relative water content (32.91–97.58%; mean 62.24%), membrane stability index (8.82– 70.80%), SPAD (19.85–46.88%), and NDVI (0.157–0.610%), with several lines showing transgressive segregation. Yield traits also exhibited wide variation, with biological yield ranging from 3.26 to 8.08 g, grain yield from 1.08 to 2.83 g, and harvest index from 28.21 to 45.07%, indicating differential assimilate partitioning under stress. Principal component analysis explained 48.72% of total variation, with major contributions from yield and physiological traits, showing a strong association between plant water status, chlorophyll stability, biomass, and grain yield under stress. Moderate to high coefficients of variation suggested good scope for phenotypic selection. Superior RILs such as RIL75, RIL109, RIL123, RIL58, RIL5, and RIL22 were identified as promising donors. The clustering pattern effectively distinguished droughttolerant lines, highlighting substantial genetic diversity and emphasizing the importance of physiological traits in drought tolerance breeding in lentil. The study demonstrates that integrating physiological traits with yieldbased selection is an effective strategy for developing drought-resilient lentil cultivars.
Advances in Abiotic Stresses Management in Pulse Crops
The pulse crops cultivation is in vogue since time immemorial in different parts of the world under varying growing environments, different seasons and agro-ecological regions. The nutri-dense grains of pulses when complimented with cereals, make perfect diet for the largely vegetarian population. In India, more than a dozen and half pulse crops are cultivated under varying environmental conditions covering ~27-28 m ha area producing about 24-25 mt of pulses’ grains annually. Out of these pulse crops, major ones are chickpea, pigeonpea, mungbean, urdbean, lentil, pea, lathyrus and rajmash. The cowpea, moth bean, horse gram, cluster bean, etc. are also under cultivation in sizeable area. Some of the crops like mungbean, urdbean and cowpea are cultivated during all three seasons viz., kharif, rabi and spring/summer. The abiotic stresses such as low and high temperatures, intermittent droughts and end of the season drought, soil salinity, alkalinity and soil acidity etc. are known to limit productivity of most of the commodities and crops and pulse crops are not the exception. Among various abiotic stresses affecting pulses production and yields are heat (during rabi, kharif and spring/summer season) and cool temperature (during rabi season), frost (during rabi season), intermittent droughts (mostly during kharif season), and end of the season drought (during rabi season), beside soil salinity/ alkalinity, soil acidity, nutrients deficiencies and metal toxicities those are known to affect crops’ yield in all the seasons. In India, National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES) has strong network in form of All India Coordinated Research Projects, national institutes (Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Indian Agricultural Research Institute), and agricultural universities. The international research institutes International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Area (ICARDA), International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) and several advance research institutes those are in India and elsewhere also carry out research leading to technology development including varieties and management practices etc. besides generating scientific knowledge. The plant genetic resources are treasure of the genes those are required for designing new varieties of crops. The national Genebank located at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi has vast collection of germplasm accessions including primitive landraces, crop wild relatives, elite breeding lines and trait specific donors. Besides, ICRISAT, ICARDA, CIAT, and WorldVeg also maintain huge number of accessions of grain legumes. The tools and techniques for throughput phenotyping have been standardized, and facilities have been created at several research institutions for identification of donor parents for their utilization in breeding programs. During recent past, many varieties of pulse crops including chickpea, lentil, mungbean, fieldpea, rajmash etc. having tolerance against drought, heat and low temperature stress have been developed and released. The present lecture highlights available research network, tools and techniques, genetic resources available and utilized, and achievements made in terms of development of varieties and other major management techniques. We are also discussing way forward to develop climate resilient varieties of the pulse crops not only to bring desired level of stability in yield but also to increase production and improve productivity of the targeted pulse crops further which will ensure food and nutritional security, better soil health and sustainable agricultural production system for next generation.
Forum Paper From Farm Gate to Fiscal Gate: Seeds, Logistics, Value Chains and Public Finance in India’s Pulses Mission
India’s pulses sector occupies a unique intersection between nutrition security, agricultural sustainability, rural livelihoods, and fiscal management. Despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India has historically faced structural supply-demand gaps that necessitated periodic imports, exposing the economy to global volatility and fiscal risk. The launch of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses in October 2025 (allocation INR 11,440 crore) marks a structural policy shift aimed at achieving self-sufficiency by 2030-31 through expansion of cultivated area to 310 lakh hectares, production increase to 350 lakh tonnes, and yield enhancement to 1130 kg/ha. This paper argues that achieving these targets requires an integrated reform framework built upon four pillars: strengthened seed systems, sustained research and lab-to-land translation, logistics-enabled value chain modernization, and digital public infrastructure. By conceptualizing logistic as a preventive fiscal efficiency lever, the paper demonstrates how farm-level productivity reforms translate into reduced procurement costs, lower fiscal volatility, import substitution and foreign exchange savings. The transition from farm gate to fiscal gate thus represents a structural alignment of agricultural policy with public finance sustainability and macroeconomic resilience.
Adoption pattern of chickpea production technologies in Gujarat
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Influence of organic amendments on nematode fauna and microflora of chickpea rhizosphere
Relationship between yield losses and gall index of Meloidogyne javanica in chickpea
Seasonal incidence of pupal parasitoids of pigeonpea pod fly (Melanagromyza obtusa Malloch) in Tamil Nadu
Antibiosis - a resistance mechanism governed by antinutritional factors of pigeonpea and its wild relatives against Helicoverpa armigera
Floral malformation in infected flowers and seed transmission of leaf crinkle disease in urdbean
Occurrence of pigeonpea wilt caused by Neocosmospora vasinfecta