On-Farm evaluation of chickpea variety Phule Vikrant (Phule G-0405) under irrigated conditions in Solapur District of Maharashtra

Abstract

On-farm trials were conducted on farmers’ field during the rabi season of 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022–2023 to evaluate the performance of the improved chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) variety Phule Vikrant (Phule G-0405) under irrigated conditions in Solapur district of Maharashtra. The trials aimed to assess growth, yield attributes, water use efficiency, and economic returns in comparison with the farmer-preferred local cultivar and practices. The results revealed that Phule Vikrant recorded superior growth parameters, higher grain yield, and better water productivity under irrigated conditions. The improved variety recorded significantly higher grain yield (22.17qha⁻¹) compared to the local check (17.35 qha⁻¹), resulting in a yield advantage of 27.59%. Higher yield attributes, early maturity, and better economic returns contributed to its superior performance. The variety also resulted in higher net returns (63656 Rs./ha.) and benefit–cost ratio(2.26), indicating its suitability for irrigated chickpea cultivation in the semi-arid conditions of Solapur district.