Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat

TL II focuses on farmer-participatory varietal selection, developing new drought-tolerant varieties and
establishing sustainable seed production and distribution systems primarily in South Asia, thus paving
the way for the research results of TL I to be translated as breeding materials for the ultimate benefit
of resource-poor farmers. The TL II project is implemented in two states in India - Andhra Pradesh
and Maharashtra for pigeonpea. Cultivation of obsolete varieties and non-availability of quality seed
of improved varieties are identified as major constraints leading to low productivity in pigeonpea.
Low seed multiplication ratio, high volume of the seeds, storage insect pests and quick loss of seed
variability are the major constraints to efficient seed production and delivery system. The seed scenario
in legumes is dominated by the informal seed sector.
The major activities under this project include increased production of Breeder and Foundation Seed
to enhance availability of quality seed of improved varieties in the seed chain, promote alternative
seed systems to meet the seed demand, enhanced seed delivery and local seed production and storage
capabilities and capacity building. This report highlights progress made during the last three years of
project implementation.
Project sites
Maharashtra
Pigeonpea is grown on 1.12 million ha. The average productivity is very low (726 kg per ha). Since
pigeonpea is grown mainly as an intercrop with soybean, cotton, mung bean, urd bean and others, it
is necessary to identify pigeonpea varieties suitable for various ecosystems, tolerant to different stresses
to sustain rain-fed cultivation.
Andhra Pradesh
The average pigeonpea productivity in the state has declined to 300-450 kg per ha despite high genetic
yield potential of the varieties recommended for cultivation. Among the major constraints to pigeonpea
production is Helicoverpa armigera (pod borer). Others include wilt (Fusarium udum) and sterility
mosaic and lack of drought-resistant, high-yielding genotypes, and appropriate agronomic management.
AP farmers obtain their seed commercially, and use farm-saved seeds for next four to five crop seasons
before buying fresh seed.
Seed production and delivery systems
In India, seed system for legumes is uncertain and quite complicated. First, the economics of legumes
seed production is not attractive enough for organized private seed sector due to large seed size
resulting in high volume and consequently high costs in transportation and storage. On the other hand,
the public seed sector which is responsible for seed production of legumes largely failed to meet their
obligation because of the lack of accountability, poor quality control, need for profit, among others.
Although many state governments arranged to supply seed to farmers at a subsidized cost (often this
subsidized seed is not delivered to farmers in time), this has not been successful because the quantity
is limited and the quality and varietal integrity are also questionable. Therefore, farmers are left at the
mercy of local traders and co-farmers for their seed requirement.
Stringent requirements of seed certification agencies (minimum area required in each village for
certification, minimum seed standards, requirement of accredited seed processing units and go downs)
and accompanying bureaucratic hassles discourage farmers’ participation in the formal seed system. In
spite of the obstacles experienced during the project life, significant contributions have been realized
such as the development of efficient linkages for seed production and marketing of legumes in the
project sites.
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Engaging Smallholder Farmers | Tropical Legumes II Project