ICRISAT MANDATE CROPS

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) ranks second in area and third in production among pulses. It is grown mainly for its protein-rich seeds. Two types of chickpea are grown: Desi - with angular and dark colored seeds and Kabuli – with large owl-head shaped beige colored seed.  Chickpea originated in southeast Turkey. Four centers of diversity are recognized – the Mediterranean, Central Asia, the near-East and India.

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.)

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is one of the major grain legume crops of the tropics and subtropics. India is the primary center of origin and diversification for pigeonpea. It is also grown in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Pigeonpea is an important source of protein, and the seeds, husks and leaves are used as animal feed, while the stem is used as fuel wood and to make baskets, thatching, fencing and huts. Pigeonpea fixes nitrogen in the soil and reduces soil erosion

             

          Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) originated in the southern Bolivia/northwest Argentine region in South America. Groundnut seeds are a rich source of edible oil and protein. Two-thirds of the world’s production is used for oil extraction and one-third consumed as food. Groundnut oil-cake is used as animal feed, shells are used as fuel and in manufacturing particle boards, and the haulms are used as fodder.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] is the world’s hardiest crop. It can survive even on the poorest soils of driest regions and in hottest climates. It is the staple food of millions of people who live in the drier areas of Africa and Asia. It is used for feed and forage in the Americas.

 Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grows in the drier areas of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.  It is the fifth most important cereal after rice, wheat, maize and barley, forming a significant part of the agricultural production and a very important food crop for millions of poor
farmers.

Small millets

The ICRISAT genebank conserves germplasm of six small millets: finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, little millet, barnyard millet and kodo millet. Small millets are grown mainly as rainfed crops under marginal conditions of soil fertility and moisture. They are primarily used to prepare roti, porridge or can be cooked similar to rice