A promising groundnut variety ICGV 91114 for low rainfall areas

Majority of the farmers in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh  are resource poor, mostly dependant on dryland agriculture. The rainfall in this region is erratic and prolonged drought conditions are quite normal.

Groundnut is the major cash crop grown since 25 – 30 years. In the past, farmers were growing local spreading varieties.  As the number of rainy days decreased over a period of time, farmers gradually switched over to bunch varieties, the most popular being TMV-2, released during  1960s.  Though many bunch varieties like K-134, JL 24, Tirupathi varieties and Kadiri varieties were released by the Agricultural University and Department of Agriculture (DoA), TMV-2 prevailed for a long period, as seeds were readily available.

Over a period of time, the yields of TMV-2 have been gradually decreasing owing to various reasons – non-availability of pure seed; loss of genetic vigour in the available seed; small size of pods and kernels and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases owing to continuous cultivation.

Understanding the need for an improved groundnut variety suitable to Anantapur conditions,   a programme “Farmer participatory development of grain legumes in Rainfed Asia” was launched during 2002. The programme was supported by IFAD. It was implemented by RDT/Accion Fraterna, an NGO, in collaboration with  ICRISAT in Danduvaripalli and Rekulakunta villages. RDT/Accion Fraterna has been working in parts of Anantapur district for improving livelihoods through bringing about changes in agriculture, animal husbandry and promoting home-based activities, particularly for women.

To start with, an awareness meeting was held with the farmers. Farmers identified constraints in groundnut production and also ways to mitigate them. Some of the solutions were also suggested by the Scientists. Based on the problems and possible solutions, it was decided to conduct “Participatory Varietal Selection” (PVS) trials to identify a suitable variety through PTD. The Socio-technical Organiser stationed in the village, ensured participation of farmers in every stage of PTD.

During Kharif 2002, a set of 8 groundnut varieties from ICRISAT and K-134 (Kadiri Research Station) and local variety (TMV2) were provided to 10 farmers in Danduvaripalli and Rekulakunta villages.

Out of 8 varieties, 6 varieties from ICRISAT had crop duration of 120 – 125 days which are not ideal for Anantapur district.  The other medium duration varieties were not suitable as the rainy period is short in the district. ICGV 91114  and ICGV 89104 were provided to 50 farmers. Each of these varieties are early maturing varieties.

Farmers evaluated the varieties, considering the different traits like plant stand, resistance to drought, rejuvenation of crop after receipt of rains and with parameters of yield of pods and haulms. Short duration varieties, ICGV 89104 and K-134 also did not differ much compared to the local variety.  Farmers observed that ICGV 91114 variety performed well and was therefore the preferred variety.

Replicating the trials

Continuing the trials, during kharif 2003 the PVS was taken up in Rekulakunta village again and a new village, West Narasapuram, with two short duration varieties ICGV 91114 and ICGV 89104 .  But as the rains were below normal during the year, with a total rainfall of 256.2 mm in 23 rainy days against the normal of 634.2 mm in 36 rainy days. Hence, sowings got delayed and the crop received only 227.1 mm. rainfall during the crop period.

50 farmers each in West Narsapuram and Rekulakunta village assessed the varietal performance. Here too, ICGV 91114 variety performed well in all aspects with respect to pod yield, haulm yield, pods per plant and shelling percentage.  In West Narasapuram village, farmers retained the seed and some quantity was shared with their near and dear.

ICGV 91114, the preferred variety

Continuing the trial, during kharif 2004, ICGV 91114 variety, which performed well in the earlier two trials, was introduced in Sivapuram village involving 50 farmers. ICGV 91114 performed consistently better, both qualitatively and quantitatively, compared to the prevailing TMV-2 in all the three  years, including a drought year. For instance, the 100 seed weight was 41 grams compared to 34 grams in TMV-2, while the shelling percentage was same.

Scaling up

For promoting a better variety across the region, Accion Fraterna took interest in spreading this variety along with ICRISAT / crop live stock projects. Following were some of the efforts made to spread the variety

• Identification of farmers interested in new varieties.
• Selection of varietal plots on the road side to get publicity
• Providing breeders seed on nominal rate of Rs.10/- kg.
• Procuring the seed from farmers and distributing to other farmers.
• Giving wide publicity through news letters and media.

By Kharif  2005, the variety was spread to 41 villages, extending over an area of 704 acres. The variety also spread to two villages of the neighbouring district of Karnataka.

It is fascinating to note the sustainable performance of ICGV 91114 groundnut variety, even in adverse conditions and the increasing demand for the seed.  Sri Y.V. Malla Reddy, Director Ecology & HRD of Accion Fraterna has aptly named the variety as “Anantha Jyothi” , the light of Anantapur.

Abdul Kareem, Accion Fraterna, Rural Development Trust, Anantapur. email:actionf_atp@dataone.in

Abdul Kareem