Pigeon pea, known as arhar and tur in India, holds significant importance as a legume crop contributing to the country’s nutritional security. It is primarily consumed as dal, a protein-rich food. India stands as both the largest producer and importer of pigeon pea.
Innovation in Breeding Techniques
A novel fast-breeding protocol has been developed, promising accelerated development of superior quality pigeon pea varieties. This technique, endorsed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), aims to address food security challenges in drylands of Asia and Africa.
Accelerated Breeding Cycle
Traditionally, developing new pigeon pea varieties requires around 13 years. However, through experimentation, ICRISAT has shown that this cycle can be significantly reduced to 2–4 years. This breakthrough can revolutionize the breeding process and enhance food security.
Optimized Growing Conditions
ICRISAT researchers identified optimal growing conditions to expedite pigeon pea growth. Manipulating photoperiod, light spectrum, and temperature can trigger early flowering and shorten the growth cycle, leading to faster generation advancement.
Nutritional and Economic Significance
Pigeon pea is rich in essential nutrients and plays a vital role in the diets of many nations, including India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This innovation in breeding techniques can ensure self-reliance in pulse production and improve dietary outcomes.
Precision Breeding and Future Prospects
ICRISAT also emphasizes the importance of precision breeding techniques, such as seed or pod chip-based genotyping and marker-assisted selection, in enhancing breeding efficiency. This approach can further accelerate the development of resilient, high-yielding pigeon pea varieties.
Implications for Food Security
The adoption of this breeding model is particularly crucial for countries like India, which heavily rely on pigeon pea imports. By ensuring a stable domestic supply, disruptions in international trade can be mitigated, enhancing food security.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is another name for pigeon pea commonly used in India?
- A) Chickpea
- B) Arhar
- C) Lentil
- D) Soybean
- Which organization confirmed the effectiveness of the fast-breeding protocol for pigeon pea?
- A) World Health Organization (WHO)
- B) International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
- C) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- D) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- What is the primary objective of the accelerated breeding cycle for pigeon pea?
- A) Reducing crop yield
- B) Enhancing food security
- C) Increasing import dependency
- D) Expanding the growth cycle
- What aspect of growing conditions did ICRISAT researchers manipulate to expedite pigeon pea growth?
- A) Soil pH
- B) Water availability
- C) Photoperiod, light spectrum, and temperature
- D) Wind speed
- Which technique adds precision to the breeding processes according to the lead researcher of the project?
- A) Random selection
- B) Traditional breeding methods
- C) Seed or pod chip-based genotyping and marker-assisted selection
- D) Mass breeding