Special variety of gram 'Daftari 21' from Israel - Opportunity of bumper profits for Indian farmers
In India, which is known as an agricultural country, farming is not only the main source of livelihood, but it is also an important part of the cultural and economic identity of the country. Traditionally, Indian farmers used to do farming using cow dung and natural fertilizers, due to which the grain produced was safe for health, but the yield was limited. In modern times, there has been a revolutionary change in farming techniques. Hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers and advanced agricultural techniques have increased the yield manifold. In this episode, recently a special variety of gram 'Daftari 21' from Israel has gained a lot of popularity among Indian farmers. In this article, we will discuss in detail the characteristics of this gram, the process of cultivation, benefits, challenges and its importance for Indian farmers.
Daftari 21 - A miracle of Israeli advanced technology
'Daftari 21' is a variety of chickpeas developed through Israel's advanced agricultural techniques. This variety is known for its exceptional yield and pest-disease resistance. In a video that went viral on social media, an Indian farmer claimed that four to five kilos of chickpeas can be obtained from one plant of this variety. This claim is not only amazing, but it also presents a golden opportunity for Indian farmers who want to earn more profits at low cost.
Israel, which is known for creating miracles in the field of agriculture even in its desert areas, has specially designed this variety for such climate and soil, which is suitable for many parts of India, especially states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra. Chickpeas are cultivated on a large scale in these states, and Daftari 21 has proven its utility in these areas.
Features of Daftari 21
1. High yield - The biggest feature of Daftari 21 is its extraordinary yield. The claim of yielding four to five kilos of gram from one plant makes it different from other traditional and hybrid varieties. This high yield is especially beneficial for small and medium farmers who want more production on limited land.
2. Pest and disease resistance - This variety has high resistance to pests and diseases. Generally, there is a risk of wilt and other pests in the gram crop, but the effect of these problems has been seen less in Daftari 21. This reduces the expenditure on pesticides.
3. Spreading ability - Daftari 21 plants are quite spreading, due to which one plant covers more area and gives more beans. This feature makes it effective even in small farms.
4. Climate adaptation - This variety is suitable for growing in diverse climatic conditions of India, especially in dry and protected moisture conditions of Rabi season. It grows well in areas receiving 60-90 cm rainfall and 24-30 degree Celsius temperature.
5. Nutritional value - Daftari 21 chickpeas are said to have better protein content than other varieties, making it a highly sought-after crop in the market.
Cultivation process
It is important to keep certain things in mind while cultivating Daftari 21 so that its full potential can be utilized.
1. Sowing time - The most suitable time for sowing chickpeas is from October to mid-November. Experts recommend that sowing from October 25 to November 5 gives the best results. Late sowing may increase the risk of blight disease.
2. Soil and drainage - Loamy or sandy loam soil with good drainage is ideal for this variety. The pH value of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7. Its cultivation should be avoided in waterlogged soil.
3. Seed quantity and spacing - 60-75 kg of seeds are required per hectare. A distance of 10 cm should be maintained between plants and 30-40 cm between rows. Sowing depth of 7 cm is considered appropriate.
4. Fertilizer and seed treatment - Before sowing, seeds should be treated with fungicides like Rhizobium culture and Trichoderma. This not only protects the seeds from soil-borne diseases but also increases the yield by 7-10%. 15 tonnes of cow dung manure or 5 quintals of vermicompost along with 20 kg nitrogen and 40 kg phosphorus per hectare should be added to the field.
5. Irrigation - Daftari 21 generally requires less irrigation. The first irrigation should be done before flowering and the second as per requirement to maintain light moisture. Spraying of water soluble fertilizers can be beneficial when drip irrigation is used.
Benefits for Indian farmers
1. Economic benefits - The claimed yield of four to five kilos of chickpeas per plant makes this variety extremely profitable. Daftari 21 is expected to yield more than 15-25 quintals per hectare from common chickpea varieties, which can increase the income of farmers.
2. Low cost - The pest-resistance of this variety reduces the expenditure on pesticides. Also, the low irrigation requirement makes it ideal for areas where there is water scarcity.
3. Market demand - There is always a demand for chickpeas in India and abroad. The high protein content and quality of Daftari 21 makes it suitable for export as well.
4. Suitable for small farmers - This variety is particularly beneficial for farmers with limited land, as its plants are more spreading and more production is obtained from a single plant.
Challenges and solutions
Although the cultivation of Daftari 21 is beneficial in many ways, it also faces some challenges.
1. Seed availability - Since it is a new and exotic variety, its seeds may not be easily available everywhere. However, its seeds are said to be available on online platforms. Farmers should buy seeds from reliable sources.
2. Lack of awareness - Many farmers are not fully aware of this variety and its cultivation techniques. For this, awareness campaigns should be run through agricultural universities and government schemes.
3. Initial cost - The initial cost of hybrid seeds and advanced techniques can be a challenge for some farmers. Subsidies and loan facilities by the government can solve this problem.
4. Climate change - Irregular rainfall and climate change can affect chickpea cultivation. The use of drip irrigation and water conservation techniques can reduce this risk.
Future prospects
Improved varieties like Daftari 21 can bring a new revolution in Indian agriculture. India, which is the largest producer of chickpea in the world, can further increase its production capacity through this variety. Moreover, given the demand for Indian chickpeas in the international market, high quality products like Daftari 21 can open up new opportunities for exports. The efforts being made by the government to promote chickpea cultivation and develop improved varieties are important steps in this direction.
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