Sustainable pulses production and rural livelihood development

The United Nations, declared 2016 as “International Year of Pulses” (IYP) to enhance public understanding of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production and productivity aimed at food security and nutrition. The trial was taken up during Rabi 2019 under irrigated condition in Arasapatti and Kokkulam villages of Kallikudi blocks respectively. Soil type is sandy clay loam with a seasonal rainfall of 380 mm in 16 rainy days. The soil was in clay loam with a pH of 7.7 (neutral pH), EC of 0.75 dS/m (Normal soil) and organic carbon percentage is 0.39 (low status). The soil fertility status of available nitrogen is low (215 kg /ha), available phosphorus is medium (18 kg / ha) and available potassium is high (305 kg / ha). Micronutrients such as Fe and Zn deficiency commonly occurred in all pulses grown soils of Virudhunagar District. Totally ten farmers were selected for conducting Front Line Demonstration (FLD). TO1: Farmers’ practice - Broadcasting; TO2: Dibbling; TO3: Seed drill sowing. Integrated crop management technologies Maximum yield (858.4 kg/ha) was obtained in Arasapatti village and 885.4 kg/ha and B:C ratio is 2.95 and 3.10 respectively in Arasapatti and Kokkulam village during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Technology option 2 (Seed drill sowing. The yield was minimum viz., 650.2 kg/ha and 660.3 with the BCR of 1.85 and 1.89 respectively in broad cast method of sowing at Arasapatti and Kokkulam villages, Kallikudi Block during 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively.