Lentil Research and Development in Nepal

N.K.Yadav and R.Shresth

Abstract

Introduction

Agriculture still predominates in Nepal where 66% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Sixty one percent of total cultivated land (3,091,000 ha) is rain-fed where food legumes can be successfully grown under different cropping system. Food legumes, commonly known as pulses are important crops of Nepal. They play a crucial role in attaining food & nutritional security and alleviating poverty by raising farm income and uplifting the living standards of poor farmers in rural areas and play an important role in enhancing the fertility status of soil as they fix atmospheric nitrogen in symbiotic association with bacteria and reduce soil erosion due to their deep penetrating root system. Grain legumes occupy 10.22% of the total cultivated land of Nepal. It is grown in 316,010 ha with the total production of 265360 mt and the average productivity of 0.840 t/ha in the year, 2003/04 (Anon, 2004). Total area of food legumes is 316,010 ha with production of 265,360 metric ton given productivity 840 kg/ha. (2004, MOAC). Collectively grain legumes rank fourth both in term of area and production after rice, maize and wheat Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) is the major winter pulse crop of Nepal. It is distributed in the terai; inner terai and valleys especially in the area of dry humid to sub- tropical climatic belts of the terai of Nepal. Lentil is the leading pulse crop of Nepal. Lentil accounts for 59.29% in area and 59.79 % in production of total grain legumes in the country. The other legumes in order of importance are chickpea and grass pea in winter and black gram, pigeon pea, soybean, mungbean, beans, cowpea, horse gram and rice bean in summer

Nepal has dominating rainfed marginalized cropping systems where lentil crop can be successfully grown under different cropping systems. Only 32.8 % of the cultivated area is irrigated (0.97 mha) where these crops could get less importance. Crop residues and by product from process industries constitute valuable feed for livestock. Per capita consumption of pulses in Nepal is around 10kg/annum which is very low as compared to the standard FAO recommendation of 36 kg /capita/annum (Joshi, 1999). So, there is an urgent need to boost up the production and productivity of lentil by many folds in Nepal by promoting improved technologies and expand the acreage of lentil crop

Importance-Integration of lentil in the existing cereal based cropping system could increase

the cropping intensity and soil fertility. Long term sustainability of the vast areas of rice- –fallow cropping system of Nepal can be gradually enhanced by inclusion of lentil as relay cropping. Nepalese Government, has given priority in this aspect in Agriculture

Prospective Plan (APP), which keeps due concern in line of poverty alleviation by increasing income generating opportunities.

The crucial role of lentil is in supplying the cheapest sources of protein for human

diet, particularly acquainted as the main pulses of poor and middle class people of Nepal. It plays an important role in enhancing the fertility status of soil by means of symbiotic relationship on nitrogen fixation and used as a cover crop to check the soil erosion. Obviously, lentil contains 25% protein and is rich in calcium and iron. Lentil straw contains nitrogen in the range of 9-14 %, has less fiber than other pulses and is considered a palatable livestock feed by the farmers in Indian subcontinents, west Asia and North Africa (Singh and Erskine 1981). Now a day the importance of lentil in Nepal is also increasing due to export market to Bangladesh and other foreign countries (Yadav et al 1998). So, there is an urgent need for us to increase the overall production and productivity of lentil through variety improvement works and development of suitable agronomic management practices for different agro-ecological locations and/or production domains under rice and maize- based cropping systems in Nepal.

Major constraints-High /low moisture at harvest-In Nepal most of the lentil cultivation are done after rice as sole /mixed or relay cropping before rice harvest. Only 30% area is irrigated and remaining is rainfed. High moisture after rice harvest is the serious problem in terai area of Nepal where 70 % of the total lentil is grown. Due to no rain and high rain at the time of harvest high or low moisture occurs and create adverse condition for lentil planting and which delayed the sowing time.Poor plant population- It is observed that in farmers’ field plant population of lentil is very less as compare to required and gave very poor yield.

Farmers lack motivation- Adoption of technology

Yield instability due to biotic and a biotic constraint -Insatiability of lentil production occurs due to rainfall (excess and drought) stresses at emergence and during growing period, root rot /wilt diseases, stemphyllium blight ,high infestation of weed and lack of stable high yielding varieties suited to the system.

Low yield potential of local cultivars Therefore, efforts has made to identify and select stable high yielding, early maturity, bold size and disease tolerant/resistant varieties of lentil through variety improvement works and development of suitable agronomic management practices for different agro-ecological zones under rice and maize-based cropping systems.

Trend in area production and productivity. . Lentil cropped area has increased from 119,490 ha to 187,380 ha (1990/91 to 2003/04). The productivity has also increased from 611 kg/ha to 849 kg/ha during that period. The relevant causes of such progress in area and productivity are attributed to the availability

of production technology and its export in international market, additional technical support from different stakeholders working for its promotion and due to a ban on the cultivation and marketing of grass pea since 1991/92 in Nepal (Yadav et al, l993There is thus an ascending trend of area and productivity of lentil over years in Nepal. Adoption of the newly released variety will lead to further increases

Majority of lentil growing area (95%) lies in terai and inner terai. Distribution of the lentil under development region revealed that highest area (36%) and production (42%) remained in central development region followed by mid western (36 & 42%), eastern (16 & 15%), western (15 & 13%) and far western (12 & 11%) in area and production respectively. Production of lentil also revealed that highest production of pulses is in terai (78%) followed by hill (18%) and mountain (4%) (Figure 3)

Export and import -Nepal has exported lentil to India and over seas worth of 12.81 and 2.77 million US dollars during 2001/02, while at the same period Nepal has imported pulses of 6.06 and 0.26 millions US dollars from India and over seas respectively. It also showed that Nepal is pulse surplus country which earn 9.26 millions US dollars through pulse trading

Major challenges consider under the 10th 5 years plan- Agriculture for survival Low increment in crop production Un availability of high quality seed Mainly dependent on rainfall Low crop intensity High cost of cultivation as compare to output. No systematized marketing. High risk in crop production Fragmentation of Agriculture Research and Development.

Strategy for poverty alleviation through agriculture development

Priority for agriculture sector. To apply integrated package on the particular regional basis (Terai-Cereals, cash

crops, and livestock. Hills-Fruits vegetable, vegetables seed, livestock and Beekeeping)

To develop Agriculture station, Livestock farm and Food technology laboratory as source center and linked with Training centers

To increase the productivity and utility of quality food and livestock meet. To utilize the physical facility of Farm and station for income generation and to

make fruitful. To focus Research and Extension services directly in priority areas. To develop the technology for low cost production. To develop the quality seed in the participation of local farmers and enterprises Emphasized on Vegetable seed, cash crop and local food production in food

deficit district.

To involve participation of CBOs (community based organization), NGOs, INGOs and Private sector in Agriculture research, extension and development.

To develop Agriculture road, market and output collection center. To increase the uses of farmyard manures and balance use of chemical fertilizer. To reduce the use of pesticides and encourage the Integrated Pest management

technique for reducing the environmental pollution. To develop market center and do commercial farming near by the market.

Cropping systemLentil crop is grown in different agro-ecological locations and/or production domains under rice and maize- based cropping systems in Nepal. In rice based cropping pattern lentil crop is usually grown as a relay crop or sequential crop. It is also grown as an inter-crop and mixed crop with wheat or mustard. Nevertheless, now a day relay cropping of lentil is gaining popularity throughout the terai parts of Nepal. In terai, lentil crop is usually grown as a relay crop or sequential crop in rice based cropping pattern. It is also grown as an inter-crop and mixed crop with wheat or mustard. Nevertheless, now a day relay cropping of lentil is gaining popularity throughout the terai parts of Nepal.

Varietal improvement The limited lentil improvement activity began since 1977 but more emphasis on research works was geared-up after the establishment of the NGLIP at Rampur since 1985. Local land races have mainly small seeded and stable yields. High yielding medium seeded types need to be identified and recommended. Cultivars Simrik, Sindur and Sishir were released in 1979 and Simal and Sikhar in 1990 and Khajura Masuro 1 and 2 in 1999 and Shital in 2004, these all varieties are small seeded or microsperma. The NGLRP is paying more attention to introduce breeding materials for the development of high yielding, medium and bold seeded cultivars. A crossing program is underway to achieve this objective.

Germplasm collection and evaluation-Two hundred seventy-two lines were collected in 1995 from the different part of Nepal. They were evaluated and characterized at Rampur .

Crossing program- Wilt disease tolerant/resistance lentil genotypes have been selected from wilt sick plot at Nepalgunj and Khumaltar and used in breeding program.. Bold seeded lentil line (ILL4605) and adaptive lines has been used in crossing program to improve the seed size and tolerant to boron.

Generation nursery: . The materials developed from our local crosses as well as received from

ICARDA were planted in generation nursery every year at RampurThe segregating populations in F2 and F3 pod bearing plants were bulked to

upgrade the generation and provide the better environment for segregating., while .in F4 –F5 generation were advanced through individual plant selection and developed as progeny rows In F6-F7individuals were selected and followed by bulking similar in plant type, maturity and having high number of pods per plant. With regards to selection criteria, various scientists have reported different results. Seed yield per plant is not a

reliable criteria for selection because it has low inheritability (Erskine et al. 1985). Singh and Singh (1969) reported high inheritability estimates and genetic advance for number of pods; seed size and grain yield and they also observed that number of pod per plant had high association with grain yield.

The materials received from ICARDA in LI F5 N and Advance line are usually not bearing the pods. Selection from early generation materials from ICARDA is more useful than F5 or final products. Plants are selected in the generation nursery on the basis of vigor growth, disease resistant, pods per plant and maturity. The progeny of ILL 6037 x BM-2 and Sindur × khajura-2 showed large leaf lets. Progenies of Sikhar x ILL-4605 and Simrik ILL 4605 have good plant type and higher number of pods per plant.

Varietal trials- Genotype ILL-2580 released by the name of Shital due to it’s wider adaptability,

high yielder and tolerant to wilt disease in 2004 and other genotypes were probable candidate for release

Medium bold seeded lentil genotype ILL 7723 is identified promising for wilt and stemphyllium blight disease resistance and higher seed yield for the mid western terai

Medium bold seeded lentil genotypes, ILL 6829,ILL 7982 and ILL7979 identified for the mid hills are also performing well in central terai.

Other promising high yielding lentil genotypes preferred by the farmers are ILL 7164, ILL 7537R, ILL 7543 being evaluated in PVS

Genotype ILL8006 (Bari Masoor-4) is found one week earlier in maturity, resistant to wilt diseases and permit farmers existing cropping system rice-lentil-maize.

Seed size and yield potential of lentil has been increased through hybridizations Genotypes ILL 7162, Khajura 1 and ILL2580 (Shital) found superior under the

relay condition Genotypes ILL 7979, ILL7537R, ILL7162 and ILL6829 were found high yielding

under post rice

Farmers participatory seed increase and distribution of lentil –

Project has envisaged the development of community-based seed production and distribution systems in the project area. For this purpose, farmers' groups have been organized and duly oriented. Mechanism was developed to secure seeds of promising varieties from the trial plots the seed resource canters for promoting promising varieties through DADO's minikits and district seed sufficiency programme. This is particularly for popularizing the farmers preferred varieties by ensuring the availability of quality seed in and around the project villagesOn-station seed multiplication of chickpea (2.5mt), pigeon pea (2.5mt) was also undertaken at Nepalgunj.Besides it, 2.4 t soybean, 0.2 t cowpea ,0.15 mt mungbean and 0.1 t pigeon pea seeds were produced by NGLRP for the distribution through farmer- groups, district agriculture

extension agencies and participant farmers of different sites. Besides, seeds produced at the project sites they exchanged the seed among farmers and also to neighboring villages

Maintenance of elite lentil lines in seed increase at NGLRP, Rampur and on farm were conducted in the active participation of farmers, research scientist and extension. Seeds of genotypes ILL8006, ILL7164, ILL7982 and ILL3490 were produced in on station as well as in farmers field and. about 50 kg seed of these aforementioned promising lines are maintained in Rampur station. The farmers will save all the produced seeds for the next season.

At RARS, Nepalgunj, seed increase of varieties ILL7723, Khajura-1, ILL6829, ILL7537, ILL7982, Shital, ILL 4402, Sikhar, Simal, PL406, Nuri, ILL 7716, Khajura-2 were planted for the seed increase program. Released cultivars i.e. Khajura-1, Khajura -2, Simrik, Sikhar, Sindur and pipe line cultivar ILL 7723, ILL 7164 were scaled up in large plot size under the seed production program in Nepalgunj area.

Crop management-

Optimum planting time- Time of planting is important in getting the good environment and achieving the higher grain yield in Nepal Lentil is grown after the rainy season on conserved moisture either as sole crop or relay crop in rice field . y lentil is usually planted early in western as compare to eastern part. The optimum time for planting suggested to the farmers are15 th October to 15th November

Relay cropping-Relay crops permit sowing lentil before harvest rice. This gives plants more time for vegetative Shital is well suited for relay sowing. In this system Lentils should be broadcast uniformly into the standing rice crop two weeks before rice harvest after the drainage of excess water from the field. This practice saves the time of land preparation ensure even germination and emergence of lentils as a result the lentil crop is established earlier.. It has increased seed yield of this variety and reduces the cost of cultivation, permitted growth to plant on time and makes use of residual moisture. For relay sowing with rice, optimum soil moisture is a prime factor. If not possible, seed priming is recommended. This system is very popular in Nepal. 10 -15 days before rice harvested was found appropriate time for lentil planted.. Seed rate-Plant density of 200 to 250plants/m2 was found optimum to produce higher yield in lentil. For optimum plant stand seed rates of 30 to 40 kg per hectare have been recommended to the farmers.Seed priming- - Seed priming is old practice in Nepal for winter crops but many farmers unaware of its benefit and does not practice .In Nepal uneven plant population is one of the major constraint of low yield. Seed priming where by seed is soaked in plain water or mixed with cow dung for 12 hours followed by 2 hours air-drying before sowing is recommended for seed priming and then sown in normal soil moisture. The effect of seed priming condition was observed significant in the root length of seedling stage, days to emergence and days to flowering under post rice condition. Emergence of seedling was

the earliest (5.33 DAS) in seed priming with cow dung at 12 hours and seed priming with plain water at 12 hours (6 DAS) than the control non priming (11 days And produces % 28% higher yield

Mixed and intercropping- Though most of the lentil area is grown as sole crop in post and relay cropping but but it is also cultivated with linseed and mustard. Research finding suggested that at Rampur lentil + linseed and lentil + rape seed/ mustard at 2:1 ratio showed the least stemphylium blight severity (3 in 1-9 scale). Lentil sole showed the highest disease severity (4.33)

Disease management- Disease Resistance Fifty genotypes in Rampur & Eighty genotypes in Nepalgunj were evaluated in

SB screening nursery, 2004/05. The combine analysis over location revealed that genotypes LN00136, ILL7538, ILL3338, ILL4139, IL-1, AERIAL, Shital, ILL2712, ILL7164 and ILL6447 were found resistant to stemphyllum blight. Moreover these genotypes produced yield more than 1200 kg/ha.

Fungicides copper oxychloride (CuOCl), Indofil Z-78 and Dithane M-45 were found effective against stemphyllium disease in Rampur condition.

Three sprays of Uthane M –45 @ 2.5 g/liter was found the most effective to control stemphylium blight under Rampur condition . Efficacy of Bavistin Kriloxyl and Dithane Z-78 to control stemphylium blight was at par and far below than Uthane M-45First November sowing date was recorded the optimum both for the higher yield and the low severity & incidence against the Stemphyllium blight. The optimum plant spacing was also found 25 cm in terms of yield while low score in 30 cm apart against stemphyllium.

Pipeline genotype ILL 7982 was HR, ILL 3490 and ILL 6829 were resistant, and ILL 4402 & ILL 7723 were moderately resistant at Rampur station whereas ILL 3490 & Bari Masuro-4 were resistant, ILL 4402, ILL 7723, ILL 7982 and ILL 6829 were moderately susceptible in farmer's field. This controversial result suggests for rigorous screening in the research station.

Effect of crop mixtures on incidence of stemphylium blight of lentil. At Rampur lentil + linseed and lentil + rape seed mustard at 2:1 ratio showed the least stemphylium blight severity (3 in 1-9 scale) followed by lentil + coriander in 2:1 ratio (3.33). Lentil sole showed the highest disease severity (4.33) followed by lentil + rape seed (4) in 3:1 ratio.

Technology transfer-Non-adoption of improved technology was key problem for lower production. A complete package of practice including resistant variety, appropriate production technology, including optimum planting time, seed rate, seed priming, relay cropping, weed management and disease management were included in technology demonstration and dissemination of technology

Participatory approach motivational activities- The involvement of other partners is an important aspect. As a commodity program we have been running the participatory research and development activities on grain legumes in different districts of Nepal.

In Syangja we are working together in collaboration with District Agriculture Development Office (DADO), Syangja, other local CBO's and NGO's located in project areas so that wider dissemination of grain legumes technologies is accelerated. They need seed support projects.

Farmers’ field days during Farmers, field days were organized by IFAD project implementing agencies in different crops to familiarize the farmers, extension personnel, NGO and research staff on pulse production technologies and to have interaction among them. These activities were helpful in getting all the stakeholders at a place and interact on different aspects of the technology. This has helped in the dissemination of varieties and ICM technologies. One thousand one hundred seventy five farmers and extension people attended the field days at different places during the project period.

Conclusion- Genotype ILL8006 (Bari Masoor-4) is found one week earlier in maturity and

suitable for Maize cropping. Medium bold seeded lentil genotype ILL 7723 is identified promising for wilt and

stemphyllium blight disease resistance and higher seed yield for the mid western terai Seed size and yield potential of lentil has been increased through hybridizations Genotype ILL-2580 released by the name of Shital due to it’s wider adaptability,

high yielder and tolerant to wilt disease in 2004 and other genotypes were probable candidate for release

Genotypes ILL 7162, Khajura 1 and ILL2580 (Shital) found superior under the relay condition.

Genotypes ILL 7979, ILL7537R, ILL7162 and ILL6829 were found high yielding under post rice

Seed priming with water gave 26% more yield over control Optimum sowing date for relay cropping lentils with paddy was identified 15 days

prior to the rice harvest. Lentil genotypes Khajura –2, ILL 7723 and Shital(ILL 2580) were found better

yielder across the location for Mid and Far western terai (Dang, Banke, Bardia and Kanchanpur) in Farmers' participatory varietal selection trial

Seed sector became strong and farmers have convinced with seed growing and saving for next year.

The involvement of other partners is an important aspect. Partnership with public sector, NGO and private sector seems better than alone.

. The policy makers have convinced to give due importance to grain legume

improvement in national policy at the same time to develop the partner ship between Government agencies and NGO.

Commodity program is running the participatory research and development activities on grain legumes in different districts of Nepal