ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute

The two-day (8-9th June) Annual Group Meet of the AINP on Arid Legumes was conducted at the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur under the chairmanship of Dr. B.B. Singh, Asst. Director General (Oilseed & Pulses). In his opening remarks he envisaged that under global warming the arid legumes would be the future crops and laid stress on proper follow up of research on these crops with extension and advisory services for greater adoption by farmers. He expressed that in spite of the rapid strides being made in genomics the role of breeding and field testing will continue to be relevant for development of technology for farmers. Renowned cowpea breeder Dr. B.B. Singh, Visiting Professor at G.B.P.U.A.T., Pantnagar emphasised the need for short duration varieties and use of balanced nutrition in pulses. He recommended the introduction of these crops in high potential areas and cropping systems. Mr. S.K. Sharma, Secretary, Guar gum Manufacturers Association of India in his address on importance of guar gum from cluster bean urged upon the need to keep the industrial requirements in view while conducting the research on cluster bean for grain. Dr. R.K. Bhatt, Director of C.A.Z.R.I. Jodhpur remarked about the gaining importance of arid legumes under changing climate and development of climate resilient varieties. Dr. N.P. Singh, Director of I.I.P.R., Kanpur informed about the research priorities of arid legumes. The Nodal Scientist, Dr. Shiv Sewak from I.I.P.R., Kanpur presented the annual progress report of the project for 2014-15. During the Meet the research programme for 2015-16 was formulated in respect of crop improvement, management, protection and quality of the four arid legume crops namely, cluster bean, cowpea, moth bean and horse gram. Scientists from Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala working on these crops participated in the meeting.

(Source: ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur)