Can artificial rain help revive gram crop?

LAHORE: Uncertainty has gripped the farming community regarding the cultivation of black gram, or desi chickpea, following consecutive crop failures.

The formal sowing of black gram is set to begin in mid-October in the arid zones of Punjab, which contributes about 80 per cent of the national production of this vital legume. The Thal region, often referred to as the birthplace of this legume, is the major chickpea-producing area in the country. This region includes the districts of Khushab, Mianwali, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Layyah and Jhang.

Last year’s production of chickpeas was one of the lowest in history, with official records indicating a drop to 172,000 tonnes, the lowest output in the last 44 years. Black gram is the largest seedling of Rabi pulses, representing a significant share of total pulses. This historic decline in production has driven prices through the roof.

In this scenario, there is an urgent need to enhance gram production in the country through innovative solutions, such as artificial rain. The decline in production has primarily been due to unfavourable weather, particularly the absence of rain during critical crop development stages, combined with a reduced area under cultivation. In recent years, chickpea production has been steadily decreasing.

Black gram farming has been significantly affected by climate change. Rising temperatures contribute to heat stress, as the black gram plant is particularly sensitive to high heat during its flowering and pod formation stages. Elevated temperatures can disrupt optimal sowing and harvesting times.

Variability in precipitation has become a significant challenge, as black gram cultivation relies heavily on rainfall for irrigation. Changes in rainfall patterns, coupled with increased evaporation due to higher temperatures, affect the crop’s irrigation needs. Consistent moisture is crucial for black gram, particularly during germination and flowering, and drought conditions can severely hinder plant growth. Climate change alters the dynamics of pests and diseases, further reducing black gram yields.

To combat the challenges posed by climate change, it is essential to implement adaptation strategies. Developing climate-resilient varieties is a key measure, along with adjustments in sowing and planting densities. Improved soil conservation practices, effective irrigation management, and water harvesting techniques are also critical for enhancing black gram production.

The provincial government has initiated a project to promote gram cultivation through climate smart technologies. This project aims to enhance the resilience of farmers in the face of climate change by implementing technological solutions. Its key objectives include saving the gram crop from failure during drought conditions by ensuring lifesaving irrigation through solar-powered sprinkler irrigation systems. This approach focuses on providing irrigation support to gram crops during dry spells, ensuring they receive adequate water even in water-scarce situations. This will help prevent crop failure and mitigate the adverse impacts of drought on gram cultivation.

However, experts emphasize that the provincial government should pursue artificial rain through cloud seeding. This step is a relatively cost-effective way to meet the irrigation needs of black gram, especially when compared to the significant foreign exchange spent on importing pulses. Gram is a highly drought-resistant crop, and a small amount of water, even at later growth stages, can help revive the plants and boost production. Therefore, the government should explore the possibility of inducing rain in the Thal region to break the stalemate in production caused by persistent drought conditions.

Per the experts, if we can plan artificial rains to combat smog in the province, why not do the same to meet the irrigation needs of the black gram crop?