Farmers Alert: Follow These Steps Before Sowing Chickpeas to Double Your Yield

Key Highlights

• Experts from Tabiji Farm Ajmer shared tips to boost chickpea yield by up to 25%.

• Use fertile loamy soil and perform proper soil and seed treatment before sowing.

• Apply Trichoderma, Carbendazim, or Thiram to protect seeds from fungal diseases.

• Use Quinalphos, Fipronil, or Imidacloprid to control termites and other pests.

• Apply balanced nutrients and biofertilizers like Rhizobium and PSB for better growth.

As the Rabi season begins, farmers across India have started sowing chickpeas (gram). Experts say that by treating the seeds and soil properly before sowing, farmers can protect their crops from diseases and pests while also boosting production by up to 25%. Agricultural scientists from Tabiji Farm in Ajmer, Rajasthan, have shared detailed scientific methods to help farmers increase their chickpea yield safely and effectively.

Also Read: UP Government Announces ₹800 Subsidy on Potato Seeds for Farmers: Boost to Production and Income

Choose the Right Land and Sowing Time

According to Manoj Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director of Agriculture (Crops) in Ajmer, chickpea is a major Rabi legume crop grown in Jaipur Division Zone-3A. Fertile loamy soil with good drainage is ideal for this crop. The current period is considered the most suitable for sowing chickpeas. Sharma emphasized that proper soil and seed treatment not only protects the crop from pests and diseases but also helps increase production by 15–25%.
He also advised farmers to wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and full clothing when handling agricultural chemicals to avoid health risks.

Treat Seeds to Prevent Crop Diseases

Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Agricultural Research Officer (Plant Diseases), explained that seed treatment is an essential scientific step before sowing. It helps protect the crop from soil-borne and seed-borne diseases such as root rot, dry root rot, and wilt, which can severely damage plants in the early stages.

To prevent these diseases, farmers should follow crop rotation and perform soil treatment using Trichoderma. Mix 2.5 kg Trichoderma with 100 kg of moist cow dung manure, keep it in shade for 10–15 days, and then mix it into the soil before sowing (per hectare).

For seed treatment, farmers can use one of the following:

• 1 g Carbendazim + 2.5 g Thiram per kg seed, or

• 2 g Carboxin (37.5%) + Thiram (37.5%), or

• 10 g Trichoderma per kg seed.

This helps the crop stay healthy and resist fungal infections effectively.

Control Pests Effectively

According to Dr. Suresh Chaudhary, Assistant Agricultural Research Officer (Insects), major chickpea pests include termites, cutworms, and wireworms, which damage seeds and reduce germination rates.

To control these pests:

• Apply 25 kg Quinalphos 1.5% powder per hectare before the final plowing.

• Treat seeds with Fipronil 5 SC (10 ml) or Imidacloprid 600 FS (5 ml) per kg of seed.

This treatment protects the seeds during germination and ensures strong plant growth from the start.

Use Biofertilizers and Nutrients Before Sowing

Dr. Kamlesh Chaudhary, Agricultural Research Officer (Chemistry), advised farmers to treat chickpea seeds with liquid-based biofertilizers such as Rhizobium, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Sulfur, and Zinc solutions.
Use 3–5 ml of these biofertilizers per kg of seed. These biofertilizers improve the activity of beneficial microorganisms in the root zone, enhance soil fertility, and lead to higher yields.

Ensure Balanced Nutrition and Weed Control

Dr. Ramkaran Jat, Agricultural Research Officer (Crops), emphasized the need for balanced nutrient application for better chickpea production.

• In unirrigated areas, apply 10 kg nitrogen and 25 kg phosphorus per hectare.

• In irrigated areas, apply 20 kg nitrogen and 40 kg phosphorus per hectare at a depth of 12–15 cm during the final plowing.

For weed control, spray either 2.5 liters Pendimethalin 30 EC or 1.9 liters Pendimethalin 38.7 CS per hectare, mixed in 600 liters of water, after sowing but before seed germination. This ensures a weed-free environment and supports healthy crop growth.

Expert Advice for Farmers

By following these scientific methods and adopting proper soil, seed, and pest management practices, farmers can achieve higher chickpea yields and better profits. Experts recommend that farmers always consult their nearest agriculture department or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) before using chemical fertilizers or pesticides and use them only under professional supervision.

Also Read: UP’s Big Step for Farmers: Digital Agriculture Policy to Bring Real-Time Crop, Weather, and Market Updates!

CMV360 Says

Proper soil and seed treatment before sowing chickpeas is the key to healthier crops and higher yields. With guidance from agricultural experts and scientific methods like Trichoderma soil treatment, biofertilizer use, and pest control measures, farmers can double their gram production this Rabi season and ensure sustainable farming practices for the future.