Chickpea Farming

Chickpea Farming (Chana Ki Kheti) – Complete Guide for Indian Farmers

Chana (Chickpea) is one of the most important pulse crops in India. It is considered a major Rabi season crop. Chana is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and is used in homes in the form of dal, besan, sattu, and snacks. For farmers, chana cultivation is considered a low-cost and high-profit farming option.

In this article, we will provide you with information about chana cultivation (Chana ki Kheti ki Jankari) in simple language—covering topics like field preparation, seed selection, sowing time, irrigation, fertilizer management, pest and disease control, harvesting, cost, and profit.

1. Field Preparation (What Type of Soil is Suitable?)

Chickpea cultivation grows well in sandy loam, medium loam, and black soil.
The soil pH should ideally be between 6 and 7.5.
The field should not have waterlogging, as it can rot the roots of the plants.
Deep plowing should be done after the rainy season to preserve soil moisture.
Before sowing, do 2–3 light plowings and level the soil to make it loose and even.
👉 For detailed information, refer to: Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India

2. Seed Treatment and Selection

For high yield and disease-free chickpea crops, proper seed selection and treatment are extremely important. The right seeds and their treatment not only improve germination rates but also help protect the crop from diseases and pests.

2.1. Seed Selection

Choose improved varieties: Farmers should select certified and improved varieties based on their region’s climate, soil type, and irrigation facilities.

Local vs. certified seeds: Always use certified seeds for higher yield and better pest-disease resistance.

Check seed germination capacity:

1. Soak 100 seeds in water for 8 hours.
2. Cover them with a wet cloth or bag and keep at room temperature.
3. After 4–5 days, count the number of germinated seeds.
4. If 90% or more seeds germinate, the seeds are suitable for sowing.

2.2. Seed Treatment

To make seeds disease-free, follow these treatments:

Seed Disinfection:

• Use Thiram 2.5 g or Trichoderma 4 g per kilogram of seed.
• Alternative: Thiram 2.5 g + Carbendazim 2 g per kilogram of seed.
• Seed disinfection protects the crop from seed-borne diseases.

Rhizobium Culture Treatment:

• Apply Mesorhizobium ciceri culture on chickpea seeds.
• 200 g of culture is sufficient for 10 kg of seeds.
• Mix seeds and culture well so that all seeds are coated.
• Dry treated seeds in shade; avoid direct sunlight.
• Sow seeds in the afternoon or the next morning.

2.3. Seed Rate

• Small-seeded varieties: 75–80 kg per hectare
• Large-seeded varieties: 90–100 kg per hectare

2.4. Precautions

• Avoid drying seeds in direct sunlight.
• Treat seeds only before sowing.
• Do not store treated seeds for long; freshly treated seeds are best for good germination.

3. Planting: Correct Time and Method of Sowing

In chana cultivation (chana ki kheti), the correct time and method of sowing are extremely important for achieving good yields. If farmers sow at the right time and maintain proper depth and spacing, both the quality and production of the crop improve. Detailed information on this is provided below:

3.1. Correct Time for Sowing

For rainfed (barani) cultivation:
Sowing of chickpeas should be done by the second or third week of October. This period is ideal to utilize the soil moisture retained after the monsoon.

For irrigated cultivation:
If water is available in the field, sowing can be done up to the second week of November.

For late sowing:
If sowing is delayed, it can be done up to the first week of December. However, late sowing may affect the crop’s maturity period and reduce production.

3.2. Depth of Sowing

• In light and rainfed soils, sowing should be done at a depth of 6–8 cm.
• For irrigated fields and Kabuli chickpeas, sowing depth can go up to 4–5 cm.

3.3. Distance Between Seeds

• In rainfed and late sowing, the distance between pits should be 30 cm.
• In irrigated fields and for Kabuli chickpeas, the distance should be 45 cm.

3.4. Method of Sowing

• Sowing is done in pits made by a plough.
• Add seeds in the proper quantity:
  • Small-grain varieties: 75–80 kg per hectare
  • Large-grain varieties: 90–100 kg per hectare
• Check seed germination before sowing. Soak 100 seeds in water for 8 hours; if more than 90% germinate, the seeds are suitable for sowing.

3.5. Seed Treatment and Seed Care

• To protect seeds from seed-borne diseases, treat them with Thiram 2.5 g + Carbendazim 2 g per kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with Rhizobium culture to enhance nitrogen fixation in plants and maintain crop health.

4. Irrigation: How Often and How to Do It?

Proper and timely irrigation in chickpea (chana) cultivation is extremely important for achieving good crop yield. Based on the above content, it can be understood as follows:

Timing of Irrigation

• Chickpea is a legume crop, so it does not require a lot of water.
• The first irrigation should be done when branches start forming, i.e., 45–60 days after sowing.
• The second irrigation is applied at the pod formation stage to ensure higher production.
• Irrigation should not be done during active flowering, as water at this stage may cause flowers to drop and lead to unnecessary vegetative growth.

Quantity of Irrigation

• For Rabi legume crops, light irrigation (about 4–5 cm) is sufficient.
• Excess water increases vegetative growth, which can reduce grain yield.

Method of Irrigation

• If water is available, an additional irrigation at the pod formation stage is recommended.
• Using a sprinkler irrigation method is beneficial.

Rainfed or Unirrigated Areas

• In unirrigated areas, chickpea primarily grows on moisture conserved from the monsoon.
• If sufficient rainfall has already occurred or the soil has stored moisture, additional irrigation is not required.

Special Advice

• In black soil areas, extra irrigation may cause chickpea plants to become “lanky,” negatively affecting flowers and pods.
• Decide irrigation based on soil moisture and weather conditions.

5. Fertilizer Management

Proper fertilizer management in chickpea (chana) cultivation is essential to increase yield and maintain plant health. Chickpea is a legume crop and can naturally fix some nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, adopting correct fertilizer practices can improve grain size, number, and total production.

5.1. Main Fertilizers and Their Quantity

The recommended fertilizer application per hectare of chickpea crop is as follows:

• Nitrogen (N): 20 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 60 kg/ha
• Potash (K₂O): 20 kg/ha
• Sulphur (S): 20 kg/ha

Note: The above quantities are standard recommendations. Adjustments can be made based on soil fertility and local conditions, with guidance from agricultural experts.

5.2. Fertilizer Application Before Sowing

All fertilizers should be applied in furrows at the time of sowing.
This method ensures balanced proximity between seeds and nutrients, making them easily available to the plants.

5.3. In Rainfed or Late-Sown Conditions

If irrigation is limited or sowing is delayed, spray a 2% urea solution at the flowering stage.
This promotes pod development and improves grain size.

5.4. Special Tips

• Avoid using excess nitrogen during the flowering stage, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and flower drop.
• Always pay attention to fertilizer quantity and timing, depending on whether the field is irrigated or rainfed.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Major Pests

• Cutworm – Cuts the plants.
  👉 Control: Install 50–60 bird perches in the field to attract birds.
• Semilooper – Feeds on leaves and pods.
  👉 Control: Use organic BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.
• Pod Borer – Makes the pods hollow.
  👉 Control: Spray Helicoverpa NPV (250 LE/hectare).

Major Diseases

• Root Rot
• Wilt
• Ascochyta Leaf Spot

👉 Prevention: Use seed treatment, crop rotation, and adopt disease-resistant varieties.

7. Weed Control in Chana Ki Kheti

Weed control is very important in chickpea (chana) cultivation to increase yield and keep plants healthy. If weeds are not controlled in time, they compete with chickpea plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, which can reduce production.

Major Weeds:

The major weeds commonly found in chickpea crops are:

• Bathua
• Senji
• Krishnaneel
• Hirankhuri
• Chatri-Matri
• Akra-Akari
• Wild Carrot
• Gajri
• Pyaji
• Khartua
• Satyanashi

Weed Control Measures:

Chemical Control (Herbicides):

• Fluchloralin 45% EC: 2.2 liters per hectare, mix in approximately 800–1000 liters of water and incorporate into the soil immediately before sowing.
• Pendimethalin 30% EC: 3.30 liters per hectare, spray evenly within 2–3 days of sowing.
• Alachlor 50% EC: 4.0 liters per hectare, dissolve in water and use within 2–3 days of sowing.
• Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC: 2.0 liters per hectare, mix in 500 liters of water and spray 20–30 days after sowing to control narrow-leaved weeds.

Manual / Physical Control:

• If chemicals are not used, perform weeding with a hoe.
• The most effective times for weeding are within 2–3 days after sowing and again 20–30 days later.
• This helps prevent weed growth and retain soil moisture.

Use of Intercropping:

• Intercropping chickpeas with flax (alsi), mustard (sarson), or coriander (dhaniya) can also reduce weed growth.

Points to Remember:

• Apply chemical sprays immediately after sowing.
• Do not use the same herbicide repeatedly.
• Timely weeding and chemical spraying keep the crop safe and increase yield.

8. Harvesting and Storage (Chana Ki Katai Aur Bhandaran)

Harvesting and storage in chickpea (chana) cultivation are crucial steps for maintaining crop quality and maximizing profit. If harvesting is not done at the right time or in the proper way, it can lead to crop losses. Here, we provide step-by-step guidance on how to harvest chickpeas and store them safely.

8.1. Right Time for Harvesting

• Chickpeas should be harvested when the pods are fully mature and the plant leaves have dried.
• Generally, this occurs 100–120 days after sowing, depending on the variety and soil moisture.
• If the crop is grown in high-moisture soil, avoid delaying the harvest as the seeds may split.

8.2. Harvesting Methods

• Manual Harvesting: Suitable for small fields; cut the plants carefully and bundle them into sheaves.
• Mechanical Harvesting: For large areas, a harvester can be used, saving time and labor.
• After harvesting, allow the plants to dry in the field for a few days so that the moisture in the pods evaporates.

8.3. Drying Process

• Spread the harvested crop in a clean, safe place under sunlight for 7–10 days.
• Ensure there is no rainfall during this period, as it can damage the seeds.
• Only proceed to storage when the seeds are completely dry.

8.4. Storage

• Store the dried seeds in a clean, dry, and ventilated warehouse or container.
• Pest and disease control before storage is essential.
• A light spray of neem oil or other safe insecticides can be applied.
• Chickpeas can be stored safely in plastic bags, jute bags, or containers.
• Regularly inspect the stored crop to prevent damage from moisture or pests.

8.5. Benefits of Proper Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting at the right time and proper storage keeps the seeds safe and maintains their quality.
• This ensures higher market prices and better profits.
• Reduces the risk of spoilage, allowing chickpeas to remain usable for a longer period.

9. Profit and Cost in Chickpea Farming

• Average cost of chickpea farming per hectare: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000
• Average yield: 18–25 quintals/hectare
• Market price (2025): ₹5,500–₹7,000 per quintal
• Net profit: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 per hectare
• Note: Kabuli and Dollar chickpeas are especially more profitable.

👉 Read more in detail: SubsistenceFarming.in on Chickpea Farming

10. How to Grow Chickpeas – Most Important FAQs

Q1. When should chickpeas be sown?
👉 The best time is during the Rabi season, in October–November.

Q2. How is chickpea cultivation done (Chana ki Kheti Kaise Ki Jaati Hai)?
👉 Through deep plowing of the field, seed treatment, timely sowing, and proper irrigation.

Q3. Which varieties of chickpeas are good?
👉 Pusa-256, Avrodhi, Pusa-1003 (Kabuli), B.G.-3022 (Dollar Chana).

Q4. How much irrigation is required for chickpeas?
👉 Generally, 2 irrigations are sufficient.

Q5. Is Kabuli Chana more profitable?
👉 Yes, its seeds are larger, and it fetches a better market price.

Q6. Why is Dollar Chana cultivation special?
👉 Because of high demand and better prices in the international market.

Q7. Which diseases affect chickpeas the most?
👉 Wilt, root rot, and leaf spot diseases.

Q8. How to control weeds in chickpeas?
👉 By manual weeding and using Pendimethalin herbicide.

Q9. What is the yield of chickpeas?
👉 Around 18–30 quintals per hectare.

Q10. Where is White Chana cultivation common?
👉 Mostly in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Q11. What is the cost of chickpea cultivation?
👉 Approximately ₹25,000–30,000 per hectare.

Q12. How much profit can be earned from chickpea farming?
👉 Net profit can range from ₹60,000 to 1 lakh per hectare.

Conclusion

Chickpea cultivation (Chana ki Kheti) is a low-cost, high-profit crop for farmers. Whether it is Desi Chana, Kabuli Chana, Dollar Chana, or White Chana – if proper attention is given to field preparation, seed selection, irrigation, and disease management, farmers can earn lakhs of rupees in profit.

👉 For more information on chickpea farming and government schemes, visit the Ministry of Agriculture website.

👉 Explore detailed guides on other pulses farming – click here to read more