Research Unit 11: Pulse Research Centre, Mokama
The Pulse Research Centre in Mokama, established on 27th May, 2001, plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the tal areas of Bihar. By focusing on location-specific research for lentil, chickpea, wheat, and sub-mergence tolerant rice varieties, the center addresses key challenges faced by farmers and contributes to the sustainable development of the region's agriculture.
Mandate of Pulse Research Centre, Mokama
- Location-Specific Pulse Research:
- Focus on lentil and chickpea cultivation in the tal areas (flood-prone lowlands).
- Wheat Research in Tal Areas:
- Conduct research on wheat varieties and cultivation practices suited to the specific conditions of tal areas.
- Sub-Mergence Tolerant Rice Varieties:
- Develop and test rice varieties that can withstand prolonged periods of submergence, aiding farmers in flood-prone regions.
Research activities
The Pulses Research Centre (PRC) in Mokama has made significant strides in advancing agricultural research and development. The centre has successfully conducted the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) on Chickpea, Castor, and MULLaRP, and popularized improved varieties such as chickpea (Pusa256, GCP105, BG372, KPG59) and lentil (Arun and Mallika) among farmers. State varietal trials on chickpea, lentil, summer mungbean, wheat, mustard, and linseed have also been successfully carried out. This year, PRC, Mokama received approval for an RKVY project and a non-plan project in Agronomy, while two more non-plan projects are currently in progress. Additionally, two non-plan projects—one in Agronomy and the other in Entomology—have been transferred from VKSCOA, Dumraon to Mokama. A significant achievement at PRC, Mokama was the development and release of the chickpea variety "Sabour Chana 1" by the State and Central Variety Release Committees.
The Pulses Research Centre in Mokama has made significant strides in advancing agricultural research and development. The centre has successfully conducted the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) on Chickpea, Castor, and MULLaRP, and popularized improved varieties such as chickpea (Pusa256, GCP105, BG372, KPG59) and lentil (Arun and Mallika) among farmers. State varietal trials on chickpea, lentil, summer mungbean, wheat, mustard, and linseed have also been successfully carried out. This year, PRC, Mokama received approval for an RKVY project and a non-plan project in Agronomy, while two more non-plan projects are currently in progress. Additionally, two non-plan projects—one in Agronomy and the other in Entomology—have been transferred from VKSCOA, Dumraon to Mokama. A significant achievement at PRC, Mokama was the development and release of the chickpea variety "Sabour Chana 1" by the State and Central Variety Release Committees. Apart from research activities, the centre has implemented a profitable seed production program, published four research papers and ten abstracts, and actively participated in four conferences/seminars over the past six months. Furthermore, the auction of a pond for Rs. 2,15,000 (for a three-year period) has contributed to the centre's resource management initiatives. PRC, Mokama is also involved in the Geographic Indication (GI) registration process for "Mokama Masoor," highlighting the regional importance of this lentil variety. These achievements underline the centre's dedication to promoting research, varietal development, and farmer engagement in pulse crop production, ultimately contributing to agricultural growth in the region.
Figure: SVT on Chickpea
Figure: SVT on Lentil
Figure: SVT on Indian mustard
Figure: SVT on Linseed
Figure: SVT on Wheat
Figure: SVT on Summer mungbean