Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia)
Context
The ICAR Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) has developed four new varieties of moth bean that demonstrated the ability to withstand a 35 day dry spell during the Kharif season of 2026 in western Rajasthan.
Key Facts about Moth Bean
- Crop Type: Moth bean is a drought tolerant Kharif pulse belonging to the legume family and is indigenous to the South Asian region.
- Major Growing Areas: In India, its cultivation is concentrated largely in the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan. It is also grown in parts of Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab.
- Climatic Conditions: The crop is well adapted to arid and semi arid environments. It can withstand temperatures of around 45°C and is generally cultivated in regions receiving approximately 150 to 250 mm of annual rainfall.
- Soil Requirements: Moth bean can grow successfully in poor, nutrient deficient soils. It is particularly suited to well drained sandy loam and light textured sandy soils, including sand dune environments.
Nutritional and Livelihood Significance
Moth bean contributes to local food and nutritional security by providing a source of plant protein. The crop also produces green as well as dry fodder (pala), which can be utilised for livestock feeding, particularly during the post monsoon period and drought conditions.
Agroecological Importance
Moth bean has an important role in the agricultural ecology of dryland regions.
- As a leguminous crop, it can enhance soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation associated with Rhizobium.
- Its deep, rapidly penetrating taproot helps the plant access moisture from deeper soil layers.
- The spreading nature of its shoots can contribute to sand dune stabilisation.
- Its drought tolerance makes it useful in crop rotation and intercropping systems in water scarce regions.
Institutional Background
- CAZRI is an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and is headquartered in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- ICAR functions as an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.