Chickpea Cultivation: Irrigation Timing Crucial for Better Yield, Low Water Use

• Chickpea is a major Rabi crop in Jharkhand and Bihar, offering good income with low cost and enhancing soil fertility.
• Timely irrigation is vital for higher production, with the first irrigation before flowering and the second after pod formation.
• Weeding and hoeing before flowering are beneficial for weed control, improved air circulation, and stronger roots.
• Nipping (cutting the upper part) followed by foliar urea spray (20g/liter water) provides essential nitrogen, increasing flowers and pods.
• Foliar urea application ensures adequate moisture and nutrients, leading to healthier plants, larger grains, and higher overall production.

Why It Matters: Optimizing irrigation timing and applying foliar urea are key to maximizing chickpea yield with minimal water.