Agriculture scientists to discuss chickpea promotion at 3-day meet

JAIPUR: Nearly 250 agriculture scientists are expected to converge here tomorrow to discuss new researches with regard to Chickpea crops and ways to promote it on large scale.

The discussion will be held during a three day 19th Annual Group Meet of All India Coordinated Research Project on Chickpea at Rajasthan Agriculture Research Institute here from August 30 to September 1.

"Over 250 scientists from various parts of the country are likely to attend the meet in which various issues pertaining to enhancing productivity of Chickpea such as crop improvement, crop protection, food processing, value addition and other issues will be discussed in detail," N S Rathore, Vice Chancellor of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, said at a press conference here.

Highlighting the health advantages of the protein-rich Chickpea crops, he said that there was a need to promote the crops on large scale and to disseminate information about it.

"This is a very promising crop, rich in protein and provides nutrition in food and also fodder for cattle.

"We have developed several varieties of the crop which is used not only in Rajasthan but in other states also," he said.

Scientists will present their research work of 2013-14 and future strategy for 2014-15.

"A separate meeting will also be held for the release of new varieties of Chickpea.

"Seven farmers will also be felicitated for their significant achievement in the field of Chickpea production," Rathore added.

The meet is being organised jointly by the University and Indian Council of Agriculture Research-New Delhi.