Lentil Research and Development in Nepal

N.K.Yadav and R.Shresth

Abstract

Introduction

Agriculture still predominates in Nepal where 66% of the population depends on

agriculture for their livelihood. Sixty one percent of total cultivated land (3,091,000 ha)
is rain-fed where food legumes can be successfully grown under different cropping
system. Food legumes, commonly known as pulses are important crops of Nepal. They
play a crucial role in attaining food & nutritional security and alleviating poverty by
raising farm income and uplifting the living standards of poor farmers in rural areas and
play an important role in enhancing the fertility status of soil as they fix atmospheric
nitrogen in symbiotic association with bacteria and reduce soil erosion due to their deep
penetrating root system. Grain legumes occupy 10.22% of the total cultivated land of
Nepal. It is grown in 316,010 ha with the total production of 265360 mt and the average
productivity of 0.840 t/ha in the year, 2003/04 (Anon, 2004). Total area of food legumes
is 316,010 ha with production of 265,360 metric ton given productivity 840 kg/ha. (2004,
MOAC). Collectively grain legumes rank fourth both in term of area and production after
rice, maize and wheat
Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) is the major winter pulse crop of Nepal. It is distributed in the
terai; inner terai and valleys especially in the area of dry humid to sub- tropical climatic
belts of the terai of Nepal. Lentil is the leading pulse crop of Nepal. Lentil accounts for
59.29% in area and 59.79 % in production of total grain legumes in the country. The other
legumes in order of importance are chickpea and grass pea in winter and black gram,
pigeon pea, soybean, mungbean, beans, cowpea, horse gram and rice bean in summer
Nepal has dominating rainfed marginalized cropping systems where lentil crop
can be successfully grown under different cropping systems. Only 32.8 % of the
cultivated area is irrigated (0.97 mha) where these crops could get less importance. Crop
residues and by product from process industries constitute valuable feed for livestock.
Per capita consumption of pulses in Nepal is around 10kg/annum which is very low as
compared to the standard FAO recommendation of 36 kg /capita/annum (Joshi, 1999).
So, there is an urgent need to boost up the production and productivity of lentil by many
folds in Nepal by promoting improved technologies and expand the acreage of lentil crop

Importance-
Integration of lentil in the existing cereal based cropping system could increase
the cropping intensity and soil fertility. Long term sustainability of the vast areas of rice-
–fallow cropping system of Nepal can be gradually enhanced by inclusion of lentil as
relay cropping. Nepalese Government, has given priority in this aspect in Agriculture
Prospective Plan (APP), which keeps due concern in line of poverty alleviation by
increasing income generating opportunities.
 The crucial role of lentil is in supplying the cheapest sources of protein for human
diet, particularly acquainted as the main pulses of poor and middle class people of Nepal.
It plays an important role in enhancing the fertility status of soil by means of symbiotic
relationship on nitrogen fixation and used as a cover crop to check the soil erosion.
Obviously, lentil contains 25% protein and is rich in calcium and iron. Lentil straw
contains nitrogen in the range of 9-14 %, has less fiber than other pulses and is
considered a palatable livestock feed by the farmers in Indian subcontinents, west Asia
and North Africa (Singh and Erskine 1981). Now a day the importance of lentil in Nepal
is also increasing due to export market to Bangladesh and other foreign countries (Yadav
et al 1998). So, there is an urgent need for us to increase the overall production and
productivity of lentil through variety improvement works and development of suitable
agronomic management practices for different agro-ecological locations and/or
production domains under rice and maize- based cropping systems in Nepal.

Major constraints-
High /low moisture at harvest-In Nepal most of the lentil cultivation are done after rice
as sole /mixed or relay cropping before rice harvest. Only 30% area is irrigated and
remaining is rainfed. High moisture after rice harvest is the serious problem in terai area
of Nepal where 70 % of the total lentil is grown. Due to no rain and high rain at the time
of harvest high or low moisture occurs and create adverse condition for lentil planting
and which delayed the sowing time.
Poor plant population- It is observed that in farmers’ field plant population of lentil is
very less as compare to required and gave very poor yield.

Farmers lack motivation-

Adoption of technology

Yield instability due to biotic and a biotic constraint -Insatiability of lentil production
occurs due to rainfall (excess and drought) stresses at emergence and during growing
period, root rot /wilt diseases, stemphyllium blight ,high infestation of weed and lack of
stable high yielding varieties suited to the system.

Low yield potential of local cultivars

Therefore, efforts has made to identify and select stable high yielding, early maturity,
bold size and disease tolerant/resistant varieties of lentil through variety improvement
works and development of suitable agronomic management practices for different agro-
ecological zones under rice and maize-based cropping systems.

Trend in area production and productivity

. . Lentil cropped area has increased from 119,490 ha to 187,380 ha (1990/91 to 2003/04).
The productivity has also increased from 611 kg/ha to 849 kg/ha during that period. The
relevant causes of such progress in area and productivity are attributed to the availability
of production technology and its export in international market, additional technical
support from different stakeholders working for its promotion and due to a ban on the
cultivation and marketing of grass pea since 1991/92 in Nepal (Yadav et al, l993There is
thus an ascending trend of area and productivity of lentil over years in Nepal. Adoption
of the newly released variety will lead to further increases

Majority of lentil growing area (95%) lies in terai and inner terai. Distribution of
the lentil under development region revealed that highest area (36%) and production
(42%) remained in central development region followed by mid western (36 & 42%),
eastern (16 & 15%), western (15 & 13%) and far western (12 & 11%) in area and
production respectively. Production of lentil also revealed that highest production of
pulses is in terai (78%) followed by hill (18%) and mountain (4%) (Figure 3)

Export and import -Nepal has exported lentil to India and over seas worth of 12.81 and
2.77 million US dollars during 2001/02, while at the same period Nepal has imported
pulses of 6.06 and 0.26 millions US dollars from India and over seas respectively. It also
showed that Nepal is pulse surplus country which earn 9.26 millions US dollars through
pulse trading

Major challenges consider under the 10th 5 years plan-

• Agriculture for survival
• Low increment in crop production
• Un availability of high quality seed
• Mainly dependent on rainfall
• Low crop intensity
• High cost of cultivation as compare to output.
• No systematized marketing.
• High risk in crop production
• Fragmentation of Agriculture Research and Development.

Strategy for poverty alleviation through agriculture development

• Priority for agriculture sector.

• To apply integrated package on the particular regional basis (Terai-Cereals, cash
crops, and livestock. Hills-Fruits vegetable, vegetables seed, livestock and
Beekeeping)
• To develop Agriculture station, Livestock farm and Food technology laboratory as
source center and linked with Training centers
• To increase the productivity and utility of quality food and livestock meet.
• To utilize the physical facility of Farm and station for income generation and to
make fruitful.
• To focus Research and Extension services directly in priority areas.
• To develop the technology for low cost production.
• To develop the quality seed in the participation of local farmers and enterprises
• Emphasized on Vegetable seed, cash crop and local food production in food
deficit district.
 • To involve participation of CBOs (community based organization), NGOs,
INGOs and Private sector in Agriculture research, extension and development.
• To develop Agriculture road, market and output collection center.
• To increase the uses of farmyard manures and balance use of chemical fertilizer.
• To reduce the use of pesticides and encourage the Integrated Pest management
technique for reducing the environmental pollution.
To develop market center and do commercial farming near by the market.

Cropping system
Lentil crop is grown in different agro-ecological locations and/or production domains
under rice and maize- based cropping systems in Nepal. In rice based cropping pattern
lentil crop is usually grown as a relay crop or sequential crop. It is also grown as an inter-
crop and mixed crop with wheat or mustard. Nevertheless, now a day relay cropping of
lentil is gaining popularity throughout the terai parts of Nepal. In terai, lentil crop is
usually grown as a relay crop or sequential crop in rice based cropping pattern. It is also
grown as an inter-crop and mixed crop with wheat or mustard. Nevertheless, now a day
relay cropping of lentil is gaining popularity throughout the terai parts of Nepal.

Varietal improvement The limited lentil improvement activity began since 1977 but more
emphasis on research works was geared-up after the establishment of the NGLIP at
Rampur since 1985. Local land races have mainly small seeded and stable yields. High
yielding medium seeded types need to be identified and recommended. Cultivars Simrik,
Sindur and Sishir were released in 1979 and Simal and Sikhar in 1990 and Khajura
Masuro 1 and 2 in 1999 and Shital in 2004, these all varieties are small seeded or
microsperma. The NGLRP is paying more attention to introduce breeding materials for
the development of high yielding, medium and bold seeded cultivars. A crossing program
is underway to achieve this objective.

Germplasm collection and evaluation-Two hundred seventy-two lines were collected in

1995 from the different part of Nepal. They were evaluated and characterized at Rampur .

Crossing program- Wilt disease tolerant/resistance lentil genotypes have been selected
from wilt sick plot at Nepalgunj and Khumaltar and used in breeding program..

Bold seeded lentil line (ILL4605) and adaptive lines has been used in crossing program
to improve the seed size and tolerant to boron.

Generation nursery:
. The materials developed from our local crosses as well as received from
ICARDA were planted in generation nursery every year at Rampur
The segregating populations in F2 and F3 pod bearing plants were bulked to
upgrade the generation and provide the better environment for segregating., while .in F4
–F5 generation were advanced through individual plant selection and developed as
progeny rows In F6-F7individuals were selected and followed by bulking similar in plant
type, maturity and having high number of pods per plant. With regards to selection
criteria, various scientists have reported different results. Seed yield per plant is not a
reliable criteria for selection because it has low inheritability (Erskine et al. 1985). Singh
and Singh (1969) reported high inheritability estimates and genetic advance for number
of pods; seed size and grain yield and they also observed that number of pod per plant
had high association with grain yield.
The materials received from ICARDA in LI F5 N and Advance line are usually
not bearing the pods. Selection from early generation materials from ICARDA is more
useful than F5 or final products. Plants are selected in the generation nursery on the basis
of vigor growth, disease resistant, pods per plant and maturity. The progeny of ILL 6037
x BM-2 and Sindur × khajura-2 showed large leaf lets. Progenies of Sikhar x ILL-4605
and Simrik ILL 4605 have good plant type and higher number of pods per plant.

Varietal trials-
• Genotype ILL-2580 released by the name of Shital due to it’s wider adaptability,
high yielder and tolerant to wilt disease in 2004 and other genotypes were
probable candidate for release
• Medium bold seeded lentil genotype ILL 7723 is identified promising for wilt and
stemphyllium blight disease resistance and higher seed yield for the mid western
terai
• Medium bold seeded lentil genotypes, ILL 6829,ILL 7982 and ILL7979 identified
for the mid hills are also performing well in central terai.

• Other promising high yielding lentil genotypes preferred by the farmers are ILL
7164, ILL 7537R, ILL 7543 being evaluated in PVS
 Genotype ILL8006 (Bari Masoor-4) is found one week earlier in maturity,
resistant to wilt diseases and permit farmers existing cropping system rice-lentil-
maize.
 Seed size and yield potential of lentil has been increased through hybridizations
 Genotypes ILL 7162, Khajura 1 and ILL2580 (Shital) found superior under the
relay condition
 Genotypes ILL 7979, ILL7537R, ILL7162 and ILL6829 were found high yielding
under post rice

Farmers participatory seed increase and distribution of lentil –

Project has envisaged the development of community-based seed production and

distribution systems in the project area. For this purpose, farmers' groups have been
organized and duly oriented. Mechanism was developed to secure seeds of promising
varieties from the trial plots the seed resource canters for promoting promising varieties
through DADO's minikits and district seed sufficiency programme.
This is particularly for popularizing the farmers preferred varieties by ensuring the
availability of quality seed in and around the project villagesOn-station seed
multiplication of chickpea (2.5mt), pigeon pea (2.5mt) was also undertaken at
Nepalgunj.
Besides it, 2.4 t soybean, 0.2 t cowpea ,0.15 mt mungbean and 0.1 t pigeon pea seeds
were produced by NGLRP for the distribution through farmer- groups, district agriculture
extension agencies and participant farmers of different sites. Besides, seeds produced at
the project sites they exchanged the seed among farmers and also to neighboring villages

• Maintenance of elite lentil lines in seed increase at NGLRP, Rampur and on farm
were conducted in the active participation of farmers, research scientist and
extension. Seeds of genotypes ILL8006, ILL7164, ILL7982 and ILL3490 were
produced in on station as well as in farmers field and. about 50 kg seed of these
aforementioned promising lines are maintained in Rampur station. The farmers will
save all the produced seeds for the next season.
• At RARS, Nepalgunj, seed increase of varieties ILL7723, Khajura-1, ILL6829,
ILL7537, ILL7982, Shital, ILL 4402, Sikhar, Simal, PL406, Nuri, ILL 7716, Khajura-
2 were planted for the seed increase program. Released cultivars i.e. Khajura-1,
Khajura -2, Simrik, Sikhar, Sindur and pipe line cultivar ILL 7723, ILL 7164 were
scaled up in large plot size under the seed production program in Nepalgunj area.

Crop management-

Optimum planting time- Time of planting is important in getting the good environment
and achieving the higher grain yield in Nepal Lentil is grown after the rainy season on
conserved moisture either as sole crop or relay crop in rice field . y lentil is usually
planted early in western as compare to eastern part. The optimum time for planting
suggested to the farmers are15 th October to 15th November

Relay cropping-Relay crops permit sowing lentil before harvest rice. This gives plants
more time for vegetative Shital is well suited for relay sowing. In this system Lentils
should be broadcast uniformly into the standing rice crop two weeks before rice harvest
after the drainage of excess water from the field. This practice saves the time of land
preparation ensure even germination and emergence of lentils as a result the lentil crop is
established earlier.. It has increased seed yield of this variety and reduces the cost of
cultivation, permitted growth to plant on time and makes use of residual moisture. For
relay sowing with rice, optimum soil moisture is a prime factor. If not possible, seed
priming is recommended. This system is very popular in Nepal. 10 -15 days before rice
harvested was found appropriate time for lentil planted.
.
Seed rate-Plant density of 200 to 250plants/m2 was found optimum to produce higher
yield in lentil. For optimum plant stand seed rates of 30 to 40 kg per hectare have been
recommended to the farmers.
Seed priming- - Seed priming is old practice in Nepal for winter crops but many farmers
unaware of its benefit and does not practice .In Nepal uneven plant population is one of
the major constraint of low yield. Seed priming where by seed is soaked in plain water or
mixed with cow dung for 12 hours followed by 2 hours air-drying before sowing is
recommended for seed priming and then sown in normal soil moisture. The effect of seed
priming condition was observed significant in the root length of seedling stage, days to
emergence and days to flowering under post rice condition. Emergence of seedling was
the earliest (5.33 DAS) in seed priming with cow dung at 12 hours and seed priming with
plain water at 12 hours (6 DAS) than the control non priming (11 days And produces %
28% higher yield

Mixed and intercropping-

Though most of the lentil area is grown as sole crop in post and relay cropping but but it
is also cultivated with linseed and mustard. Research finding suggested that at Rampur
lentil + linseed and lentil + rape seed/ mustard at 2:1 ratio showed the least stemphylium
blight severity (3 in 1-9 scale). Lentil sole showed the highest disease severity (4.33)

Disease management- Disease Resistance

• Fifty genotypes in Rampur & Eighty genotypes in Nepalgunj were evaluated in
SB screening nursery, 2004/05. The combine analysis over location revealed that
genotypes LN00136, ILL7538, ILL3338, ILL4139, IL-1, AERIAL, Shital,
ILL2712, ILL7164 and ILL6447 were found resistant to stemphyllum blight.
Moreover these genotypes produced yield more than 1200 kg/ha.
• Fungicides copper oxychloride (CuOCl), Indofil Z-78 and Dithane M-45 were
found effective against stemphyllium disease in Rampur condition.
• Three sprays of Uthane M –45 @ 2.5 g/liter was found the most effective to
control stemphylium blight under Rampur condition . Efficacy of Bavistin
Kriloxyl and Dithane Z-78 to control stemphylium blight was at par and far below
than Uthane M-45First November sowing date was recorded the optimum both
for the higher yield and the low severity & incidence against the Stemphyllium
blight. The optimum plant spacing was also found 25 cm in terms of yield while
low score in 30 cm apart against stemphyllium.
• Pipeline genotype ILL 7982 was HR, ILL 3490 and ILL 6829 were resistant, and
ILL 4402 & ILL 7723 were moderately resistant at Rampur station whereas ILL
3490 & Bari Masuro-4 were resistant, ILL 4402, ILL 7723, ILL 7982 and ILL
6829 were moderately susceptible in farmer's field. This controversial result
suggests for rigorous screening in the research station.
• Effect of crop mixtures on incidence of stemphylium blight of lentil. At Rampur
lentil + linseed and lentil + rape seed mustard at 2:1 ratio showed the least
stemphylium blight severity (3 in 1-9 scale) followed by lentil + coriander in 2:1
ratio (3.33). Lentil sole showed the highest disease severity (4.33) followed by
lentil + rape seed (4) in 3:1 ratio.

Technology transfer-Non-adoption of improved technology was key problem for lower

production. A complete package of practice including resistant variety, appropriate
production technology, including optimum planting time, seed rate, seed priming, relay
cropping, weed management and disease management were included in technology
demonstration and dissemination of technology

Participatory approach motivational activities- The involvement of other partners is

an important aspect. As a commodity program we have been running the participatory
research and development activities on grain legumes in different districts of Nepal.
In Syangja we are working together in collaboration with District Agriculture
Development Office (DADO), Syangja, other local CBO's and NGO's located in project
areas so that wider dissemination of grain legumes technologies is accelerated. They need
seed support projects.

Farmers’ field days during

Farmers, field days were organized by IFAD project implementing agencies in
different crops to familiarize the farmers, extension personnel, NGO and research staff
on pulse production technologies and to have interaction among them. These
activities were helpful in getting all the stakeholders at a place and interact on different
aspects of the technology. This has helped in the dissemination of varieties and ICM
technologies. One thousand one hundred seventy five farmers and extension people
attended the field days at different places during the project period.

 Conclusion-
 Genotype ILL8006 (Bari Masoor-4) is found one week earlier in maturity and
suitable for Maize cropping.
 Medium bold seeded lentil genotype ILL 7723 is identified promising for wilt and
stemphyllium blight disease resistance and higher seed yield for the mid western terai
 Seed size and yield potential of lentil has been increased through hybridizations
 Genotype ILL-2580 released by the name of Shital due to it’s wider adaptability,
high yielder and tolerant to wilt disease in 2004 and other genotypes were
probable candidate for release
 Genotypes ILL 7162, Khajura 1 and ILL2580 (Shital) found superior under the
relay condition.
 Genotypes ILL 7979, ILL7537R, ILL7162 and ILL6829 were found high
yielding under post rice
 Seed priming with water gave 26% more yield over control
 Optimum sowing date for relay cropping lentils with paddy was identified 15 days
prior to the rice harvest.
 Lentil genotypes Khajura –2, ILL 7723 and Shital(ILL 2580) were found better
yielder across the location for Mid and Far western terai (Dang, Banke, Bardia
and Kanchanpur) in Farmers' participatory varietal selection trial

 Seed sector became strong and farmers have convinced with seed growing and
saving for next year.
 The involvement of other partners is an important aspect. Partnership with public
sector, NGO and private sector seems better than alone.
.
 The policy makers have convinced to give due importance to grain legume
improvement in national policy at the same time to develop the partner ship
between Government agencies and NGO.
 Commodity program is running the participatory research and development
activities on grain legumes in different districts of Nepal