New Moth Bean Varieties Thrive Amid Rajasthan’s Drought
Moth bean, a vital pulse crop for western Rajasthan’s arid regions, is cultivated on about 10 lakh hectares, yet faces serious challenges with a productivity of only 350 kg per hectare. This low yield is largely due to erratic rainfall patterns, averaging between 150 to 250 mm, and dry spells that can stretch for 20 to 30 days. To tackle these issues, researchers at the ICAR–Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) in Jodhpur have launched an innovative breeding program to develop resilient and high-yielding moth bean varieties tailored for such unforgiving environments.
Over the past three years, four promising moth bean varieties—CAZRI Moth-4, CAZRI Moth-5, CAZRI Moth-6, and CAZRI Moth-7—have been introduced. Early results from the current El Niño year (Kharif 2026) showcase their remarkable resilience, particularly during an unprecedented dry spell that lasted 35 days.
Resilient Performance Under Stress
From July 10 to September 2, 2026, cumulative pan evaporation reached approximately 317 mm. Following a significant rainfall event on August 3, conditions turned dry, presenting a challenge during the crucial stages of crop growth and development. Despite this, the newly developed varieties exhibited extraordinary performance, maintaining healthy growth and fruit production even as soil moisture dwindled.
The experimental plots suffered from poor soil fertility, characterized by low organic carbon levels and limited nutrient availability. However, effective crop management practices, including timely sowing, optimal planting spacing, and weed management, contributed to the successful establishment and growth of these plants.
Seed Multiplication Efforts Underway
To ensure the availability of these promising varieties, seed multiplication efforts are currently underway at the CAZRI Research Farm, covering seven hectares. The targeted seed production for 2026 is around 23.32 quintals, aimed at meeting demands through the Saathi Portal. In the previous year, 63.2 quintals of seed were produced across all four varieties. This seed multiplication can facilitate cultivation on approximately 10,000 hectares, providing an opportunity for wider adoption among farmers in Rajasthan.
A Bright Future for Farmers
Dr. M. L. Jat, the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, highlighted the potential of these climate-resilient moth bean varieties to boost agricultural prosperity in the Thar Desert. He emphasized that their unique genetic traits allow for continued growth and pod development during extended drought periods, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in pulse cultivation.
Sustaining effective management practices—like optimal plant population, timely sowing, and moisture conservation—remains crucial to harnessing the full potential of these new varieties. With ongoing innovations, farmers in western Rajasthan may find a path to sustainable crop production, even in the face of climate challenges.
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