In a major boost to climate change-ready crops research, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has identified 40 germplasm lines of chickpea with resistance to extreme weather conditions such as drought, high temperature and salinity.

Six germplasm lines of chickpea were found to have resistance for both extreme weather and for pests and diseases. The institute screened 211 lines for attributes such as high yield and drought tolerance and zeroed in on 40 lines. This research had a spin-off effect. The institute’s Genebank scientists team could identify 31 lines with resistance to pests and diseases.

The latest findings are the result of a 14-year effort by the team led by Hari D Upadhyaya, Head of Genebank at ICRISAT.

Rich in protein, starch, fiber, minerals and vitamins, Chickpea is an important legume in the world, with a total worldwide production of 11.6 million tonnes from 13.2 million hectares. India accounts for 71 per cent of the world chickpea production, while Australia, Turkey, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Iran and Pakistan are among other important chickpea producers.

ICRISAT Director-General William Dar said the climate resilient germplasm lines would strengthen the institute’s efforts to develop adaptation measures and support mitigation measures to help small farmers.

"Climate change is here and is happening. We have been experiencing extreme weather events such as the severe floods in India last year that devastated the northern states," he said.

He warns that such extreme events would only increase, adversely affecting agriculture.

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