Varietal Characteristics and Agronomic Traits
Daftari Chana cultivars are bred for high branching capacity, synchronous maturity, and superior pod development per plant.
Grains display attractive uniform color and bold seed weight, commanding premium rates in commercial agricultural mandis.
- Plant architecture: Semi-erect to erect bushy structure facilitating efficient sunlight capture and air movement
- Wilt resistance: High tolerance to soil-borne Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris) and dry root rot
- Seed boldness: High 100-seed test weight ensuring strong seedling emergence vigor and market appeal
Field Preparation, Sowing, and Seed Rate
Sowing should take place between mid-October and November when soil temperatures cool following the Kharif harvest.
Sow using a tractor-drawn seed drill at recommended row spacing to ensure uniform plant geometry and root expansion.
- Seed rate: Follow state agricultural university guidelines based on seed boldness (typically 65 to 75 kg per hectare for Desi types)
- Spacing: Maintain thirty centimeters between rows and ten centimeters between plants within rows
- Seed treatment: Treat seeds sequentially with fungicide (Thiram/Carbendazim), insecticide, and Rhizobium inoculant
Irrigation, Nutrient Management, and Mandi Marketing
Chickpeas require one to two critical irrigations at branching and pod development, avoiding over-irrigation that causes vegetative rankness.
Farmers can monitor daily mandi arrival trends and wholesale prices for Bengal gram on the KisanPe Mandi Rates portal.
- Critical irrigations: Irrigate at pre-flowering and pod-filling stages; avoid flood irrigation during peak bloom
- Fertilizer scheduling: Apply balanced basal dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur as per Soil Health Card tests
- Market rates: Check live wholesale chickpea prices on the KisanPe Mandi Rates dashboard
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Indian Institute of Pulses Research (ICAR-IIPR) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the best sowing time for Daftari Chana chickpea?
The optimal sowing window is from mid-October to mid-November when ambient temperatures cool after the monsoon.
How many irrigations are needed for Bengal gram cultivation?
Chickpeas typically require one to two irrigations: one at pre-flowering branching and one at pod development.
Why is seed treatment essential before sowing chickpea?
Treating seeds with fungicides and Rhizobium protects against Fusarium wilt and enhances biological nitrogen fixation.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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