ICAR-IIPR & ICAR-ATARI, Hyderabad Jointly Organises Pre-Kharif Meet to Boost Pulse Production in Southern States and Puducherry

22 May 2026, Kanpur

An online pre-Kharif meeting for Dissemination of Improved technologies for major pulse crops for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry State/UT was jointly organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur & IIPR- RS, Dharwad and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Hyderbad today.

Dr GP Dixit, Director, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur provided a comprehensive overview of national pulses production, highlighting the critical contributions of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu states. He emphasized on the district wise cluster-based quadrant approach for increasing area and production of pulses in these states and recommended Ridge Bed cultivation especially for Pigeon Pea and proper weed management for realization of potential yield of the pulse crop.

Dr Shaik N. Meera, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Hyderabad, addressed the critical issue of low pulse productivity in the region and highlighted the major reasons for reduced yields, including poor soil fertility, irregular rainfall, pest and disease incidence, and limited adoption of improved cultivation practices. To overcome these challenges, he recommended the use of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, proper seed treatment, balanced nutrient management, and timely crop protection measures. He also emphasized the importance of farmer awareness programs, field demonstrations, and the adoption of scientific crop management practices.

The delegates deliberated on improved varieties of kharif pulses and improved production technologies. The experts advised all KVKs to collectively address the issue of low pulse yield in kharif season. They elaborated on the major contributing factors, including unfavourable weather conditions, pest and disease problems, and inadequate crop management practices.

A total of 160 officials including Joint Directors of agriculture departments of all the three states attended the deliberation on kharif pulses.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur)