Introduction to Pusa JG-16 – A Revolution in Gram (Chickpea) Cultivation

Gram (chickpea) is one of India's major Rabi crops, serving as an important source of protein and helping to increase farmers' income. In an era of climate change and water scarcity, there is a need for varieties that deliver higher yields with fewer resources. Pusa JG-16 is one such improved chickpea variety, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. This variety is known for its high yield, water-conservation capacity, and disease resistance. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics, cultivation methods, benefits, and other aspects of Pusa JG-16 chickpea in detail in 1000 words.

Pusa JG-16 is an indigenous chickpea variety developed by IARI in 2016 and released in 2018. This variety is developed from various hybrid crosses (e.g., ICCV 97126 × ICCV 10) and is particularly suitable for Central India, North India, and arid regions. This variety is designed for water conservation and high yield, making it ideal for areas where water availability is limited. Pusa JG-16 has quickly gained popularity in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It not only increases yield but also protects the crop from problems like wilt.

Chickpea production in India is approximately 11-12 million tons, but the average yield per hectare is only 15-18 quintals. Pusa JG-16 increases this average to 25-30 quintals/hectare, making it superior to other varieties like Pusa Manav (15-20 quintals/hectare) and RVG-202 (20-25 quintals/hectare). If you're looking for a *new chickpea variety 2025*, Pusa JG-16 is an excellent choice.

Key Features of Pusa JG-16 – What Makes It Special?

The characteristics of Pusa JG-16 distinguish it from other chickpea varieties. Let's take a look at these features:

1. Maturity Time – This variety matures in 108-110 days, making it a medium-duration crop. This time is slightly shorter than RVG-202 (110-115 days) and comparable to Pusa Manav (110 days). The short maturity time allows farmers to harvest early and prepare for the next crop.

2. High Yield – Pusa JG-16 has an average yield of 25-30 quintals/hectare, making it one of the highest-yielding chickpea varieties in India. In the Frontline Demonstration (FLD), it has reached 28-30 quintals/hectare.

3. Water-Conservation Capacity--This variety is suitable for cultivation with limited water. Its root system is deep and strong, which retains soil moisture for a long time. Only 2-3 light irrigations (during flowering and pod formation) are sufficient, making it ideal for drought-prone areas. As a water-conserving chickpea variety, it promotes sustainable cultivation.

4. Disease Resistance--Pusa JG-16 is highly resistant to wilt and root rot. It also protects the crop from Fusarium wilt and other fungal diseases, which cause 20-30% damage to the chickpea crop.

5. Plant Structure and Grain--The plant is 50-55 cm tall, semi-erect, and branched. The grains are medium-sized, brown in color, and in demand in the market. 1000 grains weigh 240-260 grams, giving it premium quality.

6. Climate Adaptation - Recommended for Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh) and arid regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat). It can tolerate both mild cold and drought.

These qualities make Pusa JG-16 an improved chickpea variety.

Pusa JG-16 Cultivation Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Pusa JG-16 cultivation is simple, but following the correct techniques can significantly increase yield and quality. Here's the complete process:

1. Land Preparation

- Soil - Loamy, sandy loam, or black soil is suitable. The soil pH should be 6.0-7.5.

- Preparation - Plow the field 2-3 times and level it with a harrow. Add 5-10 tons/hectare of cow dung manure or compost.

2. Seed Rate and Sowing

- Seed rate-- 30 kg/acre* (75-80 kg/hectare). Always use certified seed.

- Sowing time-- End of October to the first week of November (Rabi season). Late sowing may reduce yield.

- Spacing-- 30 cm between rows and 10-12 cm between plants. Keep the depth 5-6 cm.

- Seed treatment-- Treat the seeds with *Thiram* (2 g/kg) or *Carbendazim* (2 g/kg) before sowing. Apply Rhizobium and *PSB (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria)* culture (5 g/kg seed).

3. Fertilizer Management

- Dosage-- 15-20 kg nitrogen, 40-50 kg phosphorus, and 20 kg potash per hectare. Apply DAP (100 kg/ha) and MOP (30 kg/ha) at sowing time.

- Micronutrients - Zinc sulfate (20-25 kg/ha) and boron (1 kg/ha) should be added to the soil.

- Organic fertilizer - Vermicompost (2-3 tons/ha) can further increase yield.

4. Irrigation and Water Management

- Water conservation - Pusa JG-16 produces good yields even with limited water. 2-3 light irrigations (25-30 days after sowing, at flowering, and at pod formation) are sufficient. Maintain moisture through drip irrigation or mulching.

- Water quantity - A total of 200-250 mm of water is required, which is 15-20% less than other varieties.

5. Weed and Disease Control

- Weeds - Spray pendimethalin (1 liter/hectare) or imazethapyr (750 ml/hectare) 20-30 days after sowing.

- Diseases - Use Trichoderma (5 g/kg seed) for wilt disease. For pests (such as cutworms or aphids), use imidacloprid (0.5 ml/liter water).

- Monitoring - Check the field regularly.

6. Harvesting and Storage

- Harvest when 80-90% of the plants turn yellow and the pods are dry. Harvest by machine or manually.

- Yield - 25-30 quintals/hectare (in irrigated areas). 20-22 quintals/hectare in non-irrigated areas.

- Storage - Dry the grains to 8-10% moisture and store them in a well-ventilated, dry place.

These techniques can reduce the cost of cultivating Pusa JG-16 by 15-20% and increase profits by 30-40%.

Pusa JG-16 Benefits - A Boon for Farmers

Pusa JG-16 chickpea has several advantages that make it a favorite among farmers:

1. High Income - With an average yield of 25-30 quintals/hectare, a net income of ₹50,000-₹60,000 per hectare is possible. Its grains are in good demand in the market.

2. Water Conservation - Its low water requirements make it ideal for drought-prone areas (such as Rajasthan). As a water-conserving chickpea variety, it promotes sustainable farming.

3. Disease Resistance - Protection against wilt and root rot diseases reduces crop losses by 10-15%.

4. Environmental Friendly - Lower fertilizer and water requirements reduce environmental stress.

5. Nutritional Quality – Rich in protein (20-22%), fiber, and micronutrients. The grains are tasty and sell at a premium price in the market.

Pusa JG-16 vs. Other Varieties – It yields more than RVG-202 (20-25 quintals/hectare) and has better disease resistance than Pusa Manav (15-20 quintals/hectare). However, its ripening time is slightly shorter than RVG-202.

Success Stories: Farmers' Experiences

Farmer Govind Patel of Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh, increased his yield from 18 to 27 quintals/hectare by adopting Pusa JG-16. "The crop was excellent even with less water," he says. In the FLD in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, its average yield was recorded at 26 quintals/hectare, 30% higher than local varieties. These stories demonstrate the success of *Pusa JG-16*.