By Qudsia Bano ISLAMABAD, Feb. 18 (INP-WealthPK): Gram is a key Rabi pulse crop in Pakistan, accounting for 76% of the total pulse production in the country and occupying around 5% of the cropped land. It grows in locations after floods and rains. It's a short-season crop that can be planted from September to November. The second week of October is the best time for sowing. Because it is a leguminous crop, it thrives in dry conditions. It requires a cold climate, but is sensitive to frost. In typical circumstances, the gram matures in about four months. The gram plant cannot withstand strong rains or hailstorms once it has reached maturity. According to the statistics provided by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, gram production in Pakistan increased by 21% to 545,000 tonnes in 2019-20 thanks to excellent meteorological conditions at the time of sowing. Chickpea, lentil, moong and mash are the four other main pulses consumed in Pakistan. The country is ranked seventh in the world for chickpea output and 22nd for lentil production. Chickpeas only need one to two irrigations, whereas wheat needs four to five irrigations. Chickpeas require 9kg of nitrogen and 23kg of phosphorus per acre compared to wheat's 54kg of nitrogen, 34kg of phosphorous and 25kg of potassium. Chickpeas also produce nodules on their roots, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and boost soil fertility. Pulses have profit margins of 40-50% based on input costs and market pricing. Rice grows in standing water, while maize takes 12 to 14 irrigations, whereas pulse crops require only three irrigations. Pulses have advanced production processes, and certified seeds of high-yielding climate-resilient types are now available. However, in Pakistan, only about 5% of farmers use certified seeds of approved kinds, according to research. To improve grams and pulses yield and help farmers, the government has proposed setting up a “buyback mechanism” for farmers. In order to enhance pulse production across the country, the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) launched a five-year project titled “Promoting Research for Productivity Enhancement in Pulses” in June 2021 and a cost Rs1,437 million. The project was included in the Public Sector Development Programme. The project has 17 components, including research and development in the field of pulse production, as well as capacity building for federal, provincial, and associated organisations. Through the National Uniform Yield Trials, 2,797 accessions were tested across the country in 19 different locales to evaluate and choose promising ones for better variety improvement. Furthermore, farmers have been granted seed on a 50% cost-share basis for an area of 36,000 acres, resulting in the production of 15,480 tonnes of certified seed, which will be a key breakthrough in addressing the national pulses seed deficit. In order to demonstrate the latest agro-technology, 15 production technology trials were undertaken on farms. In an annual review and planning meeting conducted by PARC in September 2021, Director Arid Zone Research Institute Dr. Mansoor stated that national mung bean production was 133,000 tonnes prior to the start of the initiative. Mung bean yield increased to 209,000 tonnes during the first year of the project activities (2019-20), which included certified seed distribution of high-yielding varieties, farmer training/field days/workshops for dissemination of enhanced production methods, and demonstration plots. Mung bean output is expected to reach 253,000 tonnes in the current year (2021-22), while national mung bean demand is estimated to be approximately 180,000 tonnes, implying that the country will have a mung bean surplus for the first time. If pulses are cultivated in irrigated locations with good weeding and pest management, yields can be increased.