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1
Annual Progress Report 2011-12 DAC-ICARDA-ICAR Collaborative Project
on
“Enhancing Grasspea Production for Safe Human Food, Animal Feed and Sustainable Rice-based Production
Systems in India”
Submitted to
National Food Security Mission
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (Crop Division)
Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India
Submitted by
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
South Asia & China Regional Program (SACRP), New Delhi
In collaboration with Indian Institutions
2
Table Of Contents
Sl. No. Item Page Nos.
General Information 3-4
Executive Summary 5-7
1 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
8-9
9
2 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) 10
3 Activities and Outcomes
3.1 Target Districts; Villages and Area Coverage
3.2 Seed Distribution
3.3 Achievements
3.3.1 BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal
3.3.2 PORS, Berhampore, West Bengal
3.3.3 UBKV, Cooch Behar, West Bengal
3.3.4 IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
3.3.5 SPARK, Patna, Bihar
3.3.6 IGFRI, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
3.3.7 ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi
10-30
11
12
12-14
14-16
16-18
18-20
21-22
22-25
26-30
4 Seed Production 30-31
5 Capacity Building and Exchange of Scientists
5.1 Capacity building, strengthening of the seed production chain
involving farmers (Training, Farmers’ Day, Workshop and
Awareness Camps)
5.2 Scientific Visits/Exchange of Scientists
31-34
31-33
34
6 Publications (Literature Published) 34
7 Technical Program 2012-13 35-36
8 Research Staff 37
Project Centres and Project Sites 38
3
General Information
Name of the Project : “Enhancing Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)
production for safe human food, animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India”
Sanction No. & Date : CPS No. 5-34/2010-NFSM Dt. 29.10.2010
Name of Coordinator : Dr. Ashutosh Sarker
Coordinator ICARDA South Asia & China Reg. Program NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus New Delhi-110012
Report Period : 2011-2012 Technical Program : 2011-2012
1. Selection of 2-3 new villages in each selected districts with retention of 50% earlier
selected farmers
2. Benchmark survey through PRA and selection of 10-15 farmers/farmer groups in
intensive grasspea-growing areas in the selected districts/villages of states involved in
the project
3. Supply of inputs and verification and demonstration of low-ODAP varieties (Nirmal,
Prateek, Ratan, Mahateora) and improved technology (seed rate, time of planting,
priming and weeding schedules, etc.) to be conducted in farmers’ fields. This will lead
to select farmer-preferred varieties, which will enable faster technology
dissemination, adoption and farmer-to-farmer seed diffusion
4. IGFRI, Jhansi to evaluate grasspea lines for high biomass and quality for fodder and
feed and value addition
5. ICARDA and IGKVV will develop and supply new low-ODAP lines with higher grain and
fodder yields to test in various agro-ecologies of project areas, importing from
Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Syria, if need be
6. Quality/certified seed production of improved varieties will primarily be carried out
by public organizations. In addition to that, seed production will be carried out
through contract farmers and NGOs, if necessary
4
7. To develop new varieties, a farmer-participatory varietal selection approach (PVS) will
be followed. All available low-toxin lines will be planted in farmers’ fields at several
sites in each state. Individual farmers, groups of farmers, extensionists, NGO staff and
the breeders will participate in selection of promising lines for eventual release. ODAP
analysis will be carried out at IGKVV and at ICARDA before release of a variety
8. As a part of human resources development, farmers will be empowered by NGO and
extension staff for post and pre-harvest trainings through Farmers’ Field School,
Farmers’ Fair, Travelling Workshops and Field Days
9. Women/house-wives will be specifically trained on removal of toxic compounds
before consumption by various methods. This information will also be broadcasted by
mass media, poster, leaflets, etc.
10. Arranging visit of scientists & research/development managers to Syria and India (as
the case may be) for field evaluation and selection of lines suitable to Indian
conditions for incorporation in project areas and beyond
11. Annual workshop, publication of training materials and mid-term evaluation
12. Seed production of selected varieties by farmers and creation of Village Seed Hub
13. Biochemical parameters including ODAP estimation at IGFRI, Jhansi
14. Analysis of data and selection of lines with good biomass and animal nutrition quality
15. Evaluation of lines at IGFRI, Jhansi for agro-morphological and animal nutritional
parameters
16. Monitoring and evaluation of various activities at different project sites by team of
scientists from ICARDA
17. Annual workshop of DAC-ICARDA-ICAR
5
Executive Summary
With financial assistance received from National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Department
of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture (Govt. of India) a pilot project entitled
“Enhancing Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe human food, animal feed and
sustainable rice-based production systems in India” has been implemented to address the issues
related to enhancing production, productivity and also popularization of low toxin grasspea varieties
in the country; and ultimately boosting national pulse production by encouraging underutilized crops
like Khesari, to develop and promote various technologies detoxify the -ODAP to enable availability
of safe food and feed and to implement activities that relate to enhancement of grasspea
production in rice fallows.
The activities primarily aimed at development and adaptation of technologies to enhance
grasspea productivity in rice fallows along with ensuring nutritional safety by replacement of high
ODAP grasspea varieties with low ODAP high yielding varieties. Collaborative activities with
strategically located and mandated international and national agricultural Research and
Development Programmes constitute the mainstay of our activities especially with regard to
extending the improved technologies of grasspea cultivation in target states.
As the project was sanctioned on 29th October, 2010, it could start only by November, 2010,
when most of the grasspea sowing was at the end. It resulted in unavailability of low ODAP grasspea
seed and very little progress was made during the first year. So practically, 2011-12 is the year of
effective implementation. The collaborating partner, IIPR, Kanpur did not take up the work and
surrendered the 1st year fund un-utilized. With the approval of DAC, Min. of Agriculture vide Letter
No. 5-34/2010-NFSM dt. 13.7.2011, two new co-operating centres, PORS, Berhampore and BCKV,
Kalyani in West Bengal were added in place of IIPR, Kanpur, with revision of budget of BCKV, PORS
and IGKV, Raipur (this SAU also did not start the project during 2010-11). During 2011-12 under the
project several activities as per stated objectives of the project were carried out and these are briefly
presented hereunder:
Four low toxin, high yield and higher biomass verities, Nirmal, Prateek, Mahateora and Ratan
were introduced
6
Table: Salient achievements made under grasspea enhancement project during 2011-12
Particulars Research Institutions Total
ICARDA PORS, Berhampore
UBKV, Cooch Behar
BCKV, Kalyani
SPARK, Patna
IGKV, Raipur
IGFRI, Jhansi
Target Districts 2 1 2 3 1 3 1 13
Villages covered 22 5 17 27 4 4 4 83
Area covered (Acre) 143 47 140 42 94 80 15 561
Farmers (Nos.) 251 127 199 298 39 34 10 958
Seeds distributed (kg)
Nirmal 3500 550 2500 1200 2500 - 100 10350
Ratan 1000 550 - 400 700 - - 2650
Prateek 240 - - - - 920 - 1160
Mahateora 100 - - 100 - 370 - 570
Total (kg) 14730
Avg. Yield (kg/ha)
Nirmal 1386 1846 1150 1238 1341 - 900 1310.2
Ratan 1446 1950 - 1465 1414 - - 1568.8
Prateek 1375 - - - - 1108 - 1241.5
Mahateora 1369 - - 791 - 1132 - 1097.3
Yield Advantage over local (%)
Upto 45 19-43 Upto 62 21-29 20-46 45-88 Upto 40
Seed Produced (kg)
Nirmal 26350 16725 - 19250 19300 - 900 82525
Ratan 16021 17949 - 4900 19100 - - 57970
Prateek 3690 - - - - 2600 - 6290
Mahateora 652 - - 450 - 1525 - 2627
Total 149610
Variety/Technology Impact Assessment
Imp. Variety V/s Local
31-38% - - - - - - 31-38%
Imp. Technology V/s F.P.
13-43% - - - - - - 13-43%
Demonstration and farmers’ participatory varietal selection programme with tow toxin and high
biomass varieties were taken up in 561 Acre (224.4 ha) area introduced (no target was fixed).
1496.10 qtls of low toxin Grasspea seed, certified by State Seed Certifying Agency were produced
against the target of 200.00 qtls seed for replacement of high toxin seeds next year. Four Seed hubs
for the production of low toxin and high biomass seed production has been established (no target
was fixed). Two trainings of trainers, 37 workshops, 15 trainings on seed production / PHT/
Processing including one women’s training and 4 awareness villages level camps were organized
during 2011-12 under the project in the selected districts. Project has been implemented only in the
rice-fallow and degraded land without replacement of any other crop. Farmers selected two best
7
varieties viz.; Ratan and Nirmal for high yield of seed and biomass having low toxin and have been
put under seed production by the seed hubs. Trials were conducted for assessing impact of
Improved Variety V/s Locals and Improved Technology V/s Farmer’s Practice revealed an advantage
of 31-38 per cent and 13-43 per cent respectively. Introduction of high- biomass and low toxin
grasspea varieties for enhancing fodder and straw yields: 57 advance breeding lines of GIYT-
E/HB/LO introduced (no target was fixed). 54 germplasm lines were also provided to the partners
for their utilization in their crop improvement programme.
Information on improved technology and low toxin grasspea varieties of grasspea and
various approaches for reduction of ODAP content in seeds of grasspea were published for
circulation among the grasspea growing farmers, in common as well as local languages. A list of all
publications is appended at end.
8
1. Introduction Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) also called as Khesari/Teora/Lakh/Lakhadi is one amongst
various popular pulse crops in India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Pakistan. It is also grown in many
countries of Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Chile and Brazil mainly for animal feed and to
a lesser extent as human food. Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) occupies an important place amongst
pulses in both rabi as well as kharif season in grasspea growing states of the country viz.
Chattishgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam, West Bengal and
eastern Uttar Pradesh. Because of its easy and low-cost cultivation, and its resistance to drought,
flood, salinity, diseases and insect pest attack, farmers are attracted to grow this crop despite of
official discouragement. When other crops fail due to adverse conditions, grasspea can be the only
available food source for the poorest section in grasspea growing regions. It is predominantly grown
as a relay crop, popularly known as utera, in rice field, which is a well established popular rice-based
cropping systems and farmers do not have a better alternative under such a harsh rainfed
conditions. Grasspea is also grown as mixed and intercrop with other rabi crops, thus minimizes risk
of total crop failure. It is a rich source of protein (up to 34%) and contains essential micronutrients,
thereby providing nutritional security to its consumers, who are mostly poor section of the society.
Keeping advantage of this its cultivation packages were already worked out for betterment of
grasspea growing farmers of the country.
Primarily it is used in the form of Dal, Pakoda, and Flour, and in some parts it is used for
adulteration with Tur dal and Gram Flour. Local people are of the opinion that mixing flour of
grasspea in gram flour the Pakodas adds to taste of their desire. But presence of Beta-ODAP (β -N-
oxalyl –L- α, β-diaminopropionic acid) in seeds is highly undesirable, which causes neuro-lathyrism a
“nutritional curse” if consumed excessive for a longer period of 4 to 5 months continuously in major
quantities (>400 gms per day) caused an ambivalent reputation to the crop.
Therefore cultivation of low-ODAP/ODAP-free cultivars is highly desirable. In this endeavor,
low-toxin (<0.1%) grasspea varieties with higher yields having desirable attributes like disease and
pest resistance along with matching production technologies have been developed by various Indian
institutions and ICARDA:
Variety Toxin level
Ratan
Prateek
Mahateora
Nirmal
0.06%
0.08%
0.07%
0.15% (duel)
9
The pilot project entitled “Enhancing grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe
human food, animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India” is planned to
address the issues related to enhancing production, productivity and also popularization of low toxin
varieties in the country and ultimately boosting national pulse production by encouraging
underutilized crop like Khesari and also to develop and promote various technologies detoxify the -
ODAP to enable availability of safe food and feed.
1.1. Objectives
The Pilot project “Enhancing grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe human food,
animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India” was undertaken in
collaboration with Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh; Indira
Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh; Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research
and Knowledge, Patna, Bihar; Uttar Banga Krishi Vishvidyalaya, Cooch Bihar, West Bengal; Bidhan
Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal and Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station,
Berhampore, West Bengal with the following major objectives during 2011-12:
1. Enhancing fodder and straw yields through introduction of high- biomass and low toxin grass
pea varieties to support nutritional feed & fodder where only paddy straw is available as cattle
feed
2. Replacement of indigenous high toxin grass pea varieties available with farmers with low toxin
& high biomass varieties through farmers’ participatory approach
3. Identification of new grass pea varieties through adaptive research, multi-locational testing by
farmers’ participatory selection
4. Developing strong seed production and distribution system of quality dual purpose seeds of
farmers’-preferred varieties along with matching production technologies
5. Capacity building of farmers , extension personnel etc. for farmer-participatory adaptive
research and technology transfer for adoption and expansion of improved production
technologies, quality seed production through training, visits, workshops, seminars et al.
6. Back-up research (farmers’ participatory) for further identification of grass pea varieties and
refinement of production technologies
10
2. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
Participatory Rural Appraisal conducted in the target districts in the major grasspea growing
states revealed useful information, which are:
1. Farmers’ have a tradition of lathyrus cultivation (>60%) for feed and fodder purpose
2. The grasspea growing farmers have never practiced soil testing
3. Seed treatment with fungicide and Rhizobium is not known to farmers
4. Improved production technology of grasspea cultivation is not availbale
5. Quality seeds of low ODAP high yielding grasspea varieties not available, and
6. No knowledge of post harvest technologies, etc. is available to farming community
3. Activities and Outcomes
Various research and developmental activities carried out during 2011-12 under the project at
different research centers and their outcomes are discussed hereunder:
Technology Interventions infused-
Seeding
• Using zero till seed drill at the rate of 40-50 kg/ha instead of utera/paira* cultivation
• Seed treatment with fungicide, Carbendazim (1 g a.i. / kg seed) + Thiram (2 g/ kg seed)
• Seed priming with Rhizobium inoculum (15-20 gm/kg seed)
Nutrition
• N:P:K:S @ 20: 50: 30: 20 Kg ha-1
(Phosphocompost/FYM/green manure @ 5 t ha-1 to maintain soil health)
Weed management
• Pendimethalin P.E. @ 1.5 kg ai/ha
• Post-emergence herbicide Quinzalofop-ethyl (Targasuper) @ 40-50 gm/ha at 15-20 DAS or
one hand weeding at 40-45 DAS
Insect and disease management
Aphids
• 5% crude neem extract or 2% neem oil 3000 ppm or Dimethoate 30 EC (1.7 ml/l) and
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.2 ml/l
• Coccinellid beetles, their grubs and Chrysoperla
Powdery mildew
• Foliar spray of wettable Sulphur/Sulfex/Thiovit @ 3 kg/ha, or carbendazim 50 WP @ 1 g/l
(0.05%), benlate (0.05%) and topsin-M (0.15%) for management of powdery mildew
11
• Spray with NSKE @ 50 g/l or eucalyptus leaf extract 10% at initiation of the disease may also
be done
• Seed treatment with Carbendazim (1 g a.i. / kg seed) + Thiram (2 g/ kg seed) should be done
for management of soil borne disease viz., Fusarium wilt, downy mildews and seed/seedling
rots
3.1. Target Districts; villages and area coverage
During crop year 2011-12 the project “Enhancing grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) production for safe
human food, animal feed and sustainable rice-based production systems in India” was undertaken
in a total of 13 districts covering a total of 83 villages. Low toxin grasspea varieties were introduced
to a total of 958 farmers in four target states covering an area of 561 acres. In Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar a total of 300 farmes were involved in the project from 30 villages of four districts namely
Chandauli and Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh; and Nalanda and Patna in Bihar covering an area of 252 acres
of land; in Chhattisgarh the project was implemented in 4 villages of three districts with the majority
under grasspea covering an area of 80 acres with involvement of 34 farmers, while in West Bengal
624 farmers were selected for project implementation having an area of 229 acres in 47 villages of 6
districts. The names of villages involved in the project are given in the table below:
Particulars Target Districts
Villages covered
Area covered (Acre)
Farmers (Nos.)
Village Name
ICARDA 2 22 143 251 Nalanda- Chandi, Kooruth, Jalapur, Tina, Paradisha, Lacchubigha, Mahoori, Badhauna, Ariawan, Bhadaru, Shahpur, Khapura & Premanbigha Chandaluli - Barora, Khuruhja, Mainpur, Ramlaxmanpur, Amarshipur, Katwa Mafi, Kanera & Rampur
SPARK, Patna 1 4 94 39 Auta, Sihi, Yaropur and Gopalpur
IGFRI, Jhansi 1 4 15 10 Mahobkanth, Sarsai , Aunta , Itkaur and Chilli
PORS, Murshidabad
1 5 47 127 Basudebkhali, Maharajpur, Sargachhi, Tentulia and Gazipur
UBKV, Koch Behar
2 17 140 199 Patchora, Petbhata, Folimari, Maghpala, Chilkarhat, Marangabari, Barabhita, Nayarhat, Kharikabari, Paradubi , Petla Nepra, Changmari, Salmara, Panikhawa, Chhotosalbari, Falakata and Dhanirampur
BCKV, Kalyani
3 27 42 298 Khulna, Hatganda, Bermajur, Rabinagar, Manmathnagar, Jargopalpur, Atapur, Manipur, Pirraboni, Khanta, Moutora, Gopalpur, Jambedia, Bagdiha, Poragola, Dolpur, Malbedia, Raghabpur, Durgapur, Shibpur, Kamagachi and Dakshin Chandamari
IGKV, Raipur 3 4 80 34 Madanpur, Khamtarai, Gidha and Sonth prasada
Total 13 83 561 958
12
3.2. Seed distribution
Under the grasspea enhancement project during crop season 2011-12 a total 147.30 quintals of
quality seeds of low ODAP grasspea varieties were distributed for replacement of high toxin low
yielding grasspea in the target states. Centre-wise/variety-wise seed distribution is mentioned
hereunder:
Seeds distributed (kgs)
ICARDA PORS, Murshidabad
UBKV, Koch Behar
BCKV, Kalyani
SPARK, Patna
IGKV, Raipur
IGFRI, Jhansi
Total
Nirmal 3500 550 2500 1200 2500 - 100 10350
Ratan 1000 550 - 400 700 - - 2650
Prateek 240 - - - - 920 - 1160
Mahateora 100 - - 100 - 370 - 570
Total (Kgs) 14730
In all the areas the seeds were distributed as replacement of high toxin local cultivars and for
assuring this the seeds of high toxin varieties were crushed and fed to the animals. Proper care is
also taken in terms of isolation distance (400m) for production high quality seeds of the introduced
low toxin varieties of grasspea.
3.3. Achievements
Under the grasspea enhancement, all the partners performed activities as mentioned in the project
proposal and also as per the objectives assigned to respective research centres.
3.3.1. BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Kalyani, West Bengal was included as our new
project partner in West Bengal during the year 2011-12. BCKV, Kalyani introduced low toxin grasspea
varieties of grasspea in 9 villages of Bankura; 5 villages in Nadia and 13 villages of salinity affected
coastal areas of South 24 Parganas, covering an area of 42 acres involving 298 farmers. Most of the
areas where low toxin grasspea were introduced were either rice fallows or the lands affected with
salinity or the waste lands. BioL 212 (Ratan) in Nadia district
13
With concerted efforts in the target areas farmers realized very good yields of low toxin/safe
grasspea varieties over traditionally grown grasspea cultivars with high toxin. In general 21-29 per
cent higher yields were obtained except for Mahateora.
In the districts of Nadia, Bankura and South 24 Parganas with farmer participatory varietal selection
Ratan and Nirmal were selected as farmer preferred varieties and were ranked I and II respectively
on the basis of preference of the farmers.
In addition to higher grain yields farmers also got good yields in terms of green fodder in areas
where no fodder is available for feeding the milking animals.
Besides the stated objectives as per project Evaluation of around 200 genotypes of lathyrus were
done in Research Farm of BCKV- to identify high biomass low ODAP lines. Multilocation evaluation of
selected varieties and advanced lines through farmer’s participatory approach. Evaluation of high
biomass received from ICARDA and from various breeding generation was also carried out and few
high biomass lies were selected. The biomass ranged from 9.72-42.46 g/plant.
1049 1116 792
1041 860
Nirmal variety in gangajolghati, Bankura
Poor crop establishment due to early moisture stress in Malbedia, Bankura
Farmers field at Moutora cluster of Bankura
14
Grasspea lines
received from
ICARDA*/Breeding
Populations
Single plant
dry biomass
(g)
Grasspea lines
received from
ICARDA*/Breeding
Populations
Single plant
dry biomass
(g)
Range
27202* 18.57 28114* 19.78 9.72 - 42.46 g
27203* 28.47 28115* 26.48
27212* 19.50 BK-8-1 32.51
27213* 42.46 BK-10-1 32.00
27215* 39.99 BK-6-1 26.00
28101* 23.05 BK-212-4 30.05
28102* 17.81 BK-31-4 33.40
28103* 39.93 BK-13-2 29.41
28105* 18.07 BK-10-2 29.13
28106* 23.8 P-24 23.01
28108* 20.98 NIRMAL 21.03
28109* 20.07 Bankura Local 13.18
3.3.2. PORS, Berhampore, West Bengal
In Murshidabad district of West Bengal, Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station (PORS), Berhampore
was given the responsibility for undertaking the project activities. In the district five villages as
shown in figure below were selected for project implementation covering an area of 47 acres with
involvement of 127 farmers. Here two low ODAP grasspea varieties namely Nirmal and Ratan were
introduced to the farmers under normal and Utera method of cultivation.
15
Village Block No. of
farmers
Area
(acre)
Nirmal Ratan
Normal
(acre)
Utera
(acre)
Normal
(acre)
Utera
(acre)
Basudebkhali
Maharajpur
Sargachhi
Tentulia
Gazipur
Berhampore 25 07 - 3.3 1.7 2.0
Berhampore 22 10 1.3 3.7 1.3 3.7
Beldanga-I 24 10 5.0 - 5.0 -
Mur-Jiaganj 30 10 5.0 - 5.0 -
Suti-II 26 10 5.0 - 5.0 -
TOTAL 127 47 16.3 7.0 18.0 5.7
Under normal condition Nirmal and Ratan varieties were sown in 16.3 and 18.0 acres and in Utera
condition these varieties were sown in 7.0 and 5.7 acres area respectively.
Nirmal (Utera) Ratan (Utera)
16
Village
Mean Seed Yield (Kg/ha)
Variety Mean
Mean yield of FP
% Increase over FP Nirmal Ratan
Sargachhi 1723 1805 1764 1125 56.8
Gazipur 1780 1889 1835 1463 25.4
Basudebkhali 1943 1852 1898 1500 26.5
Tentulia 1978 2223 2101 1575 33.4
Maharajpur 1812 1962 1887 1125 67.7
Mean 1847 1946 1897 1358 39.7
% Increase over FP 36.1 43.4 39.7
In the selected villages of Murshidabad district farmers realized 36.7 to 43.4 per cent higher yields
over traditionally grown grasspea cultivars having high toxin content. Mean yield advantage over
local cultivars in the villages, Saragachhi, Gazipur, Basudebkhali, Tentulia and Maharajpur was 56.8,
25.4, 26.5, 33.4 and 67.7 per cent respectively. With farmer participatory varietal selection Ratan (I)
and Nirmal (II) were selected as preferred grasspea varieties.
At Maharajpur village farmers fetched good amount of revenue by selling their crop as green fodder.
Table: Green fodder value realised by farmers at Maharajpur village in Murshidabad district
Variety Area (ha) Selling Rate (Rs.) Sold at
Nirmal 0.133 Rs. 3000 65 DAS
Nirmal 0.133 Rs. 2800 63 DAS
Mean Rs. 2900 (Rs. 21,750/ ha)
Ratan 0.133 Rs. 3450 70 DAS
Ratan 0.133 Rs. 3300 67 DAS
Mean Rs. 3375 (Rs. 25,313/ ha)
3.3.3. UBKV, Cooch Behar, West Bengal
In district Cooch Behar villages Patchora, Petbhata, Folimari, Maghpala, Chilkarhat, Marangabari,
Barabhita, Nayarhat, Kharikabari, Paradubi , Petla Nepra, Changmari, Salmara, Panikhawa,
Chhotosalbari and in JalPaiguri District Falakata and Dhanirampur village was selected for
implementation of grasspea enhancement project during crop season 2011-12. Uttar Banga Krishi
Vishwavidyalaya, Pundbari, Cooch Behar was the project implementing agency in these two districts.
Here only one grasspea variety Nirmal was introduced to the grasspea growing farmers and a total
of 199 farmers were involved in the project covering an area of 140 acres in two districts. Most of
the farmers belong to marginal category.
17
Following are the major cropping
patterns in these districts:
i) Jute/ summer vegetables - Rice-
fallow
ii) Rice-winter pulses / tobacco
/winter oilseeds / winter
vegetables cropping intensity-
200%
Broadcasting Grasspea Inoculated Seeds in Standing Paddy Field as Paira Crop
18
Crop was sown from 28th October to 20th November, 2011, and after following standard crop
cultivation package, the farmers realized an average yield of 10.0-11.5 qtls/ha compared to 6.0-7.0
qtls/ha yield of local grasspea cultivars with high toxin, resulting into an yield advantage of 37.5-62.0
per cent of Nirmal over locals.
In addition to carrying out activities as per stated objectives three advanced grasspea nurseries
namely GIYT-E/HB and LO-2011 were also evaluated at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya,
Pundbari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal and several promising lines were identified and selected for
involving them in their crop improvement program.
3.3.4. IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh the state with lion share under grasspea cultivation is one of the target states under
the grasspea enhancement project. During crop season 2011-12 grasspea enhancement project was
implemented in three major districts namely, Raipur Durg and Bilaspur with involvement of 34
farmers covering an area of 80 acres. Lack of high yielding varieties with low ODAP content, lack of
suitable agro-technology for Utera cultivation, non-availability of quality seed of improved varieties
and lack of knowledge about improved varieties and technologies are considered as major
constraints for grasspea cultivation in the state. The project was implemented in four villages namely
Khamtarai, Sonth Prasada, Gidha and Madanpur during rabi season 2011. In Chhattisgarh, two low
ODAP grasspea varieties namely Prateek and Mahateora were introduced to the grasspea growing
HYV-Nirmal
Local
19
farmers. With provision of improved cultural practices farmers realized upto 88 per cent higher
yields compared to traditionally cultivated high toxin grasspea cultivars.
Name of variety
Introduced
Districts No. of villages
covered
No. of farmers
Yield (kg/ha.) excluding
damaged
crop area
% yield improvement over
local
Prateek Durg
Bilaspur Raipur
2
1 1
6
10 10
925
1108 875
54.1
84.6 45.8
Mahateora Durg
Bilaspur Raipur
1
1 1
4
2 2
1002
1132 925
67.0
88.6 54.6
Total 4 34
In Chhattisgarh heavy rains during the month of
January during flowering stage caused severe flower
drop and resulted in poor yields although the crop was
very good during vegetative stage.
The crop was also affected by thrips that also resulted
in poorer yields.
In addition three advanced grasspea nurseries were also evaluated at IGKV, Raipur the results of
these trials are summarised hereunder:
GIYT-E-2012 for earliness
Top five entries in yield out of 16 entries
• Mahateora – 12.81 q/ha maturing in 107 days (ODAP- 0.164 %)
• IF 1348 – 11.58 q/ha maturing in113 days (ODAP- 0.326 %)
• IF 1328 – 8.03 q/ha maturing in 109 days (ODAP- 0.331 %)
• IF 2156 – 7.53 q/ha maturing in 118 days (ODAP- 0.380%)
• IF 1872 – 7.12 q/ha maturing in 116 days (ODAP- 0.340%)
20
GIYT-HB-2012 for High biomass
Top five entries in yield out of 25 entries –
• IF 1327 – 18.75 q/ha maturing in 98 days (ODAP- 0.280 %)
• IF 1309 – 18.16 q/ha maturing in100 days (ODAP- 0.266 %)
• IF 1346 – 15.99 q/ha maturing in 99 days (ODAP- 0.279 %)
• Mahateora – 15.62 q/ha maturing in 91 days (ODAP- 0.110 %)
• IF 1347 – 15.41 q/ha maturing in 91 days (ODAP- 0.310 %)
GIYT-LO-2012 for Low ODAP
Top five entries in yield out of 16 entries –
• IF 1348 – 11.34 q/ha maturing in 109 days (ODAP- 0.253 %)
• IF 1310 – 10.53 q/ha maturing in119 days (ODAP- 0.252%)
• Mahateora – 10.07 q/ha maturing in 106 days (ODAP- 0.1 %)
• IF 1309 – 9.08 q/ha maturing in 116 days (ODAP- 0.297%)
• IF 1346 – 8.45 q/ha maturing in 111 days (ODAP- 0.323 %)
Field view of sets of experiments
for GIYT-E-2012, GIYT-HB-2012 &
GIYT-LO-2012 received from
ICARDA, conducted for earliness,
high biomass and low ODAP
content.
21
3.3.5. Society for Promotion of Agricultural Research and Knowledge (SPARK),
Patna
In Patna district in Bihar Two grasspea varieties Nirmal and Ratan were introduced in four villages
namely, Auta, Sihi, Yaropur & Gopalpur covering an area of 94 acres with involvement of 39 framers
in rice-fallows. A total of 41 demonstrations were conducted to educate farmers about the
advantages of high yielding varieties and improved technology over farmer’s variety and farmers
practice. Recommended agronomic practices
were followed for cultivation of HYV of low
toxin grasspea varieties like; seed priming,
seed treatment with rhizobium and fungicides,
nutrition and proper after care was also
assured in terms of weed management/pest
and disease management.
A famer applying 2% urea Spray
as Technological Intervention
Healthy Grasspea Crop
22
Table: Performance of improved grasspea varieties in Patna district in Bihar
Sl. No.
Varieties % of farmers % increase of Improved over Local
Rank
Av. of Local
Av. of Improved
1 Ratan 53.00 936.25 1278.50 36.75 I
2 Nirmal 46.75 1043.75 1246.25 19.75 II
With active involvement of farmers and as also revealed by table above Ratan was selected as best
variety followed by Nirmal over farmer’s variety with high toxin content.
3.3.6. IGFRI, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
IGFRI, Jhansi the institute with mandate for research on grasses and forage crops was given
responsibility of evaluation of introduced grasspea varieties and advanced breeding nurseries and
germplasm for their feeding quality. Nirmal, Ratan, Mahateora, Pusa 24, Prateek and 18 exotic
germplasm lines were evaluated for agronomic features the results are summarised hereunder in
table:
PL HT (cm)
Leaf length (cm)
Leaf width (cm)
days to first flowering
Days to 50% flowering
GFY kg /sq m
Min 25.00 4.38 0.53 52 73 0.25
Max 78.08 8.60 1.52 59 91 1.30
Av 60.16 6.99 1.20 54 77 0.80
Mahateora 37.00 5.30 0.67 57 87 0.82
Prateek 40.33 5.50 0.57 67 87 0.91
Ratan 59.20 6.73 1.07 52 84 1.23
Nirmal 42.00 6.47 0.78 52 83 1.16
PUSA 24 55.20 6.18 1.07 52 81 1.46
“Ratan”- Farmer Preferred variety
23
IGFRI evaluation trials
Besides tow GIYT trials for low ODAP and biomass were also evaluated for agronomic features. The
results are presented in table below:
Table: Morphological characterization of GIYT-LO-2011
PL HT (cm)
Leaf length (cm)
Leaf width (cm)
Days to flowering initiation
Days to 50%
flowering
GFY kg /sq m
Min 29.25 5.00 0.43 52 84 0.76
Max 40.72 7.47 0.78 68 107 1.53
Av 34.39 6.34 0.58 55 92 1.09
Ratan 34.10 4.78 0.67 52 84 0.90
Nirmal 35.58 6.50 0.75 52 84 0.63
PUSA-24 41.42 6.37 0.78 53 84 0.57
Table: Morphological characterization of GIYT-HB-2011
PL HT (cm)
Leaf length (cm)
Leaf width (cm)
Days to flowering initiation
Days to 50%
flowering
GFY kg /sq m
Min 28.55 4.72 0.37 52 83 0.81
Max 45.45 8.13 0.73 60 99 1.86
Av 36.89 6.52 0.54 54 88 1.19
Nirmal 49.50 8.02 0.80 53 83 0.53
Ratan 38.43 7.42 0.58 55 83 1.05
From these advanced trials promising high yielding (grain and Biomass) lines were selected for
involvement in crop improvement program.
24
Nutritional evaluation
At 50% flowering stage: The crude protein content varied (P<0.01) greatly among the
different accessions and ranged from 13.97- 21.32 percent in accession EC-25 and accession E14-
41107, respectively; NDF ranged from 35.72 – 52.45 %; ADF 27.18- 41.45 %; Hemicellulose 6.50-
14.43; Cellulose 20.17-32.45% and lignin 4.70-9.39 % at 50 percent flowering stage. The results of
nutritional evaluation trial are presented here in table:
NDF% ADF% Hemicellulose Lignin CP%
Avg 44.84 35.03 9.85 7.75 17.38
Min 35.72 27.18 6.50 4.70 13.97
Max 52.45 41.45 14.43 9.39 21.32
Ratan 41.4 31.6 9.8 7.3 17.6
Pusa-24 42.8 32.3 10.5 7.6 16.2
At maturity stage: CP content decreased with advancement of maturity and ranged from 8.85-
12.58 %, in accession EC-21 and E19-41118, respectively. Fiber fractions increased with the plant
maturity, the lignin content showed maximum increase over checks.
NDF% ADF% Hemicellulose Lignin CP
Avg 52.72 38.14 14.80 9.56 10.68
Min 45.66 33.44 7.69 7.74 8.85
Max 59.06 43.41 21.42 12.72 12.58
Rattan 54.0 33.3 20.7 7.3 10.2
Pusa-24 51.6 35.8 15.8 9.5 10.7
In vivo nutritional evaluation
To determine the nutrient intake and utilization on grass pea based feeding, a feeding trial of 30
days duration followed by 7days digestibility trial was conducted on 12 crossbred heifers. The
chemical analysis of samples collected during digestibility trial is under progress.
Besides the responsibility of evaluating the feeding quality of introduced grasspea varieties
demonstrations in farmers’ fields were also conducted in five villages of Hamirpur and Mahoba
districts in fields of 10 farmers covering an area of 15 acres.
25
District Village Date of Sowing Green Fodder Kg/ha
Seed Yield Kg/ha
Mahaoba Mahobkanth 25/11/11-6/12/11 2000 1100
Hamirpur Sarsai 30/11/2011 2500 825
Aunta 23/11/2011 2000 860
Itkaur 22/11/2011 1450 1250
Chilli 3/12/2011 1567 870
Besides all these activities, germplasm collection from farmer’s field was also done from nearby
districts and a total of 28 lines were collected and were evaluated for morphological characters. The
results are presented in table below:
PL HT (cm)
Leaf length (cm)
Leaf width (cm)
Days to flowering initiation
Days to 50%
flowering GFY kg / sq.m
Min 52.08 4.38 0.53 52 73 0.25
Max 78.08 8.60 1.50 59 91 1.30
Av 63.65 6.75 1.08 54 76 0.82
Ratan 65.23 7.72 1.40 53 74 0.33
Nirmal 65.38 5.83 1.00 55 76 1.07
PUSA-24 64.53 8.38 1.52 58 81 1.00
Field view of introduced low
ODAP grasspea variety Nirmal in
farmer’s field
26
3.3.7. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas-
South Asia & China Regional Program (ICARDA-SACRP), New Delhi
ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi, implemented the project in two grasspea growing districts of Uttar
Pradesh (Chandauli-Barora, Khuruhja, Mainpur, Ramlaxmanpur, Amarshipur, Katwa Mafi, Kanera &
Rampur) and Bihar (Nalanda-Chandi, Kooruth, Jalapur, Tina, Paradisha, Lacchubigha, Mahoori,
Badhauna, Ariawan, Bhadaru, Shahpur, Khapura & Premanbigha) covering an area of 143 acres of
land in 22 villages involving 251 farmers. Four low toxin grasspea varieties namely, Nirmal, Ratan,
Prateek and Mahateora were provided to the farmers along with recommended improved package
of practices in the target districts. With active involvement of farmers throughout the crop season
farmers realized up to 45 per cent higher yields over farmers variety cultivated with traditional
cultivation practice.
Most of the areas covered under introduced crop
were either the fields where there is tradition of
grasspea cultivation or rice fallows/barren lands
left uncultivated during rabi season. The crop is
sown as paira in most of the areas and in some
areas using zero tillage machines to reduce the
expenditure on harrowing/ploughing.
27
When the crop was matured and in appropriate stage harvesting was done to avoid losses due to
shattering. After harvesting, threshing was done on clean floor separately for each variety to
maintain purity.
After cleaning and proper drying the seeds were stored in either in seed bins or in bags with proper
care, to avoid damage due to storage pests and diseases seed protectants were added to the storage
bins like Celphos/EDB etc. Neem leaves were also used by some of the farmers as putting neem
leaves in seeds also protects seeds from damage caused by storage pests.
Performance of Lathyrus Varieties from selected farmers under Rice Fallow-
District: Chandauli, (Uttar Pradesh)
S. No. Varieties
Seed Yield (Kg ha-1) % increase (Improved over
Local) Rank Av. of
Local Av. of
Improved
1. Nirmal 984 1378 40.04 II
2. Ratan - 1430 45.32 I
3. Prateek - 1344 36.58 III
4. Mahateora - -
28
In Chandauli at Uttar Pradesh, Ratan outperformed and was adjudged as best grasspea variety
followed by Nirmal as
evident by the table
above.
In U.P. Mahateora
didn’t performed well
as the crop suffered
severe flower drop
during flowering
season of the crop and
crop did not turned
into podding stage after flowering due to this flower drop. The yield advantage was because of
taking proper care of crop and proper nutrition being provided to the crop and because of high
yielding varieties altogether compared to farmers’ variety grown with farmers practice.
29
Dist.: Nalanda, (D/S – 29th Oct. 2011 to 29th Nov. 2011)
S. No. Varieties % of
farmers
Seed Yield (Kg / ha) % increase
(Improved
over Local)
Rank Av. of
Local
Av. of
Improved
1 Nirmal 42 1073 1386 29.17 III
2 Ratan 40 1014 1446 42.60 I
3 Prateek 10 1075 1375 27.91 -
4 Mahateora 07 1012 1369 35.28 II
In Nalanda District in Bihar
also Ratan was selected as
farmer preferred variety
followed by Mahateora and
Nirmal giving an yield
advantage of 42.60, 35.28 and
29.17 per cent respectively.
In addition trials were
conducted to ascertain yield advantage due to introduction of improved grasspea varieties and
improved technology over farmer’s variety and farmer’s practice. The results are shown in graph
below:
Impact of
Improved variety
30
The improved variety alone gave an yield advantage of 31.10-37.76 per cent over farmer’s variety,
while improved technology gave an yield advantage of 13.00-43.14 per cent over farmer’s practice.
In addition to activities as per stated objectives of the project ICARDA provided three grasspea
nurseries GIYT-E/LO/HB-2011 and 54 germplasm lines to Indian partners for their evaluation under
Indian conditions and further utilization in grasspea improvement programme in country.
4. Seed Production
With active involvement of the farmers involved in the project in four important grasspea growing
states good amount of quality seeds of four grasspea varieties namely Nirmal, Ratan, Prateek and
Mahateora were produced and a total of 1496.10 qtls seeds were produced for continuity of seeds
chain as against the target of 200 qtls set for the crop year 2011-12. Wherever seed registration is
permitted, the seed plots were registered with seed certification agencies except in U.P. where
registration of grasspea for seed certification is not allowed as the crop is banned for sale in the
state. Out of total 1496.10 qtls PORS and ICARDA produced 411.25 qtls of foundation seed as against
the target of 200 qtls quality seed out of which PORS produced 346.74 quintals of foundation seed
(Nirmal=167.25 & Ratan=179.49) while ICARDA produced 64.51 qtls (Ratan=43.41 & Prateek=21.10)
seed. Besides breeder seed of Nirmal and Ratan was undertaken by Pulses & Oilseeds Research
Station, Berhampore (West Bengal) and breeder seed of Prateek (25qtls) and Mahateora (5qtls)
were produced by Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh).
Impact of Improved
Technology
31
Seeds Produced (Kgs)
ICARDA PORS, Murshidabad
UBKV, Cooch Behar
BCKV, Kalyani
SPARK, Patna
IGKV, Raipur
IGFRI, Jhansi
Total
Nirmal 263.50 167.25 - 192.50 193.00 - 9.00 825.25
Ratan 160.21 179.49 - 49.00 191.00 - - 579.70
Prateek 36.90 - - - - 26.00 - 62.90
Mahateora 6.52 - - 4.50 - 15.25 - 26.27
Total 1496.10
5. Capacity building and Exchange of Scientists
5.1. Capacity building, strengthening of the seed production chain
involving farmers (Training, Farmers’ Day, Workshop and Awareness
Camps) Awareness camps for growing low-ODAP Lathyrus cultivars were organized in the following villages
by Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Raipur in the villages of Sonth Prasad, Gidha, Khamtarai
and Madanpur.
Farmers were acquainted with growing low-ODAP varieties like Mahateora, Ratan, Prateek and
Nirmal and detoxification process of high ODAP containing local varieties. Issue related to
importance of quality seed production of varieties with low-ODAP was raised amongst the farmers
as quality seed is minimal for better crop production and ultimately for better yields.
32
ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi, conducted farmers’ training in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh and Nalanda,
Bihar for capacity building of grasspea growing farmers. Besides, field days were organized at
different project areas during the visit of scientist teams under the leadership of Dr. Ashutosh
Sarker, Regional coordinator, ICARDA-SACRP, New Delhi.
Training, when properly conducted, is an activity that provides instant gratification for the trainer
and trainee. Two trainings of trainers, 37 workshops, 15 trainings on seed production / PHT/
Processing including one women’s training organised during 2011-12 under the project in the
selected districts.
33
Several field days were organised at different project sites 3 travelling seminars were also organised
during 2011-12.
For continuity of the seed chain and for
enabling faster farmer-to-farmer seed
diffusion Four Seed hubs for the production of
low toxin, high biomass seed production have
been established in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and
West Bengal.
To assure timely implementation of overall project activities a high level monitoring team from DAC
monitored various project sites during rabi season 2011-12.
Vice Chancellor of BCKV interacting with the farmers at Dalpur, Bankura
Farmers meeting and field visit at Dalpur, Bankura
34
5.2. Scientific Visits/Exchange of Scientists
Dr. Michael Baum (Director-BIGM), Dr. M. C. Saxena and Dr. Shiv Kumar Agarwal (Lentil
Breeder) from ICARDA visited India for examining performance of various materials and for over
viewing ongoing project activities (especially germplasm and trials).
6. Publications (Literature Published)
Information on improved production technology and about importance of low toxin grasspea
varieties of grasspea and various approaches for reduction of ODAP content in seeds of grasspea
were published in the form of leaflets and folders for circulation among the grasspea growing
farmers and their families for creating awareness about grasspea in common as well as local
languages of the project areas. Further these were shared with various ICAR research institutes and
State Agricultural Universities. Following publications were made for creating awareness amongst
grasspea growing farmers and farm women:
“Khadya Suraksha: Surakshit Khesari Utapaadan evam Upbhog” (Food Security:
Production and Utilization of Nutritionally Safe Grasspea) {in Hindi}.
“Grasspea: An Orphan Crop in a New Perspective” {in English}.
“Lathyrus: Deserves to Come Back” {in English}.
“Enhancing Grasspea Production for Safe Human Food and Animal Feed” {in
English}.
“Removal of toxic compounds from grasspea” and “Some Precautionary measures
to be taken to remove neurotoxins” {in Bengali}.
“Tiwra (Khesari) ki Unnat Kaasht Proudhogiki” {in Hindi}.
35
7. Technical Program 2012-13
Following technical programme will be undertaken during 2012-13:
i. Selection of 2-3 other Villages in each selected districts with retention of 25% from 1st year,
50% from 2nd year selected farmers with interested in seed multiplication and farmers
participatory research
ii. Bench mark survey through PRA and Selection of 10-15 farmers/farmer’s group in intensive
grasspea-growing areas in the selected districts/villages of states involved in the project
iii. Supply of inputs and Verification and demonstration of low-ODAP varieties (Nirmal, Prateek,
Ratan, Mahateora) and improved technology (seed rate, time of planting, priming and
weeding schedules etc.) will be conducted in farmers’ fields. This will lead to select farmer-
preferred varieties, which will enable faster technology dissemination, adoption and farmer-
to-farmer seed diffusion.
iv. IGFRI, Jhansi will evaluate grasspea lines for high biomass and quality for fodder and feed and
value addition.
v. ICARDA and IGKVV will develop and supply new low-ODAP lines with higher grain and fodder
yields to test in various agro-ecologies of project areas, importing from Ethiopia, Bangladesh
and Syria, if need be.
vi. To develop new varieties, a farmer-participatory varietal selection approach (PVS) will be
followed. All available low-toxin lines will be planted in farmers’ fields at several sites in each
state. Individual farmers, groups of farmers, extensionists, NGO staff and the breeders will
participate in selection of promising lines for eventual release. ODAP analysis will be carried
out at IGKVV and at ICARDA before release of a variety.
vii. Quality/certified seed production of improved varieties will primarily be carried out by public
organizations. In addition to that, seed production will be carried out through contract farmers
and NGOs, if necessary
viii. Traveling workshops, field days, training research, extension and NGO staff will be conducted
as a part of human resources development. Besides, farmers will be empowered through post
and pre-harvest trainings through Farmers field school, On farm farmers fair, Workshop,
training
ix. Women/house-wives will be specifically trained on removal of toxic compounds before
consumption by various methods. This information will also be broadcasted by mass media,
poster, leaflets, etc
36
x. Arranging visit of scientists & research/development managers to Syria and India (as the case
may be) for field evaluation and selection of lines suitable to Indian conditions for
incorporation in project areas and beyond
xi. Travelling seminars for farmers and govt. officials showing the outstanding lentils fields in
different states and interacting with farmers.
xii. Adoption and impact studies will be conducted at the end of the project period.
xiii. Annual workshop, publication of training materials and final evaluation of project
xiv. Seed production of selected varieties by farmers and creation of Village seed hub
xv. Submission of final report and joint publications in referred journal, book chapters,
Symposia/workshop proceedings, leaflets, extension message etc.
37
8. Research Staff
Project Coordinator Dr. Ashutosh Sarker
Regional Coordinator & Legume Breeder
ICARDA South Asia and China Reg. Program
NASC Complex, New Delhi 110012, India
Principal Investigator Dr. Vipin Kumar Singh
ICARDA South Asia and China Reg. Program
NASC Complex, New Delhi 110012, India
IGFRI, Jhansi, U.P. Dr. A. K. Roy
Head, G.S.M., IGFRI
Near Pahuj Dam, Gwalior Road, Jhansi, U.P.
IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh Dr. H. C. Nanda
Senior Scientist, IGKVV
Krishak Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
SPARK, Bihar Dr. Pawan Kumar
Pulse and Oilseed Breeder
Soc. for Promotion of Agril. Res. & Knowledge
A-7, Krishi Nagar; Ashiana Nagar; Patna, Bihar
UBKV, Cooch Behar, W.B. Dr. A. C. Sinha
Professor, Agronomy
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya
P.O. Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal
BCKV, Kalyani, W.B. Dr. R. Sadhukhan
Associate Professor, Genetics
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
Kalyani, West Bengal
PORS, Berhampore, W.B. Dr. M. P. Srivastava
Economic Botanist-II
Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station
Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal