Introduction and Expansion of Improved Pigeonpea (Arhar) Production Technology in Rainfed Upland Ecosystems of Odisha: Technological Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihood

Abstract

To sustain the seed production chain, the project adopted the popular model of ‘one variety one village’. ICRISAT provided the Breeder, Foundation and hybrid parent seeds. To benefit from the partnership with the Seed Certifying Agency, OSSOPCA, it was necessary to strengthen and institutionalize the informal seed production system in the districts of Kalahandi, Nauparha and Rayagada. This activity resulted in the production of 590tons of different types of seeds (Foundation, Certified and Truthfully Labeled) of Asha, Maruti, ICP 7035, ICPL 88039, ICPH 2671 and ICPH 2740. From this production, the project procured 44 tons of certified seeds of Asha and Maruti and 8 tons of Foundation seeds of farmer-preferred varieties (Asha, Maruti, ICP 7035, and ICPL 88039) to be distributed to smallholder farmers for the conduct of IPPT and seed production of Certified seeds in the 2013-2014 cropping season. ICRISAT will continuously provide the Breeder seeds (1,440 kg) of farmer-preferred varieties and parental lines (540 kg) of ICPH 2671 and ICPH 2740 for multiplication of female parents (AxB) and hybrid seed (AxR). The Odisha Agro Industry Corporation (OAIC) was tasked to procure all certified seeds (Foundation and Certified) of Asha and Maruti totaling 141.266 tons to be used by the Department of Agriculture in expanding the area under pigeonpea in the entire state of Odisha