Better blackgram and horsegram for the hills of western India. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
In the Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh hills of western India, resource-poor indigenous farmers now have a choice of three blackgram and four horsegram varieties. In this semi-arid region, small-scale farmers cultivate infertile forest clearings. So they like the new varieties that not only ripen earlier and produce more grain than those they were growing previously, but are more acceptable as regards colour and cooking qualities. Because the new varieties are earlier and yield more they have a huge potential for intercropping with maize—the main rainy season crop. And one of the horsegram varieties is particularly suitable for this because it has fewer tendrils and so does not climb up the maize. This means less weeding.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact, Annex. Attached PDF (15 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
PSP14, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 20.