Chapter 8 - Niger

Abstract

Niger or noug (Guizotia abyssinica) is an economically important edible oilseed crop. It is an important source of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and fiber that significantly contributes to the human diet. In India, niger is predominantly grown in tribal pockets of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The productivity of niger in India is low, around 300–350 kg ha−1. Niger production during 2012–2013 has increased by 10% and productivity by 86%, even after a reduction of 41% in areal extent since 1965–1966. A total of 1600 niger germplasms are available for utilization in the country. Systematic evaluation led to the identification of valuable donors for various quality parameters and important agromorphological characters. Until the crop was brought into the fold of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) there was practically no research input either for crop improvement or production technology. From 1972 onward, the program strengthened by evolving varieties and developing of new packages. Based on the selection from native populations at different centers, 20 high-yielding varieties have been released, of which 13 were developed from selection and 5 were composites. Of these, 15 varieties have been notified for breeder seed production. Suitable cropping sequences and intercropping combinations with niger for different states have been identified. An integrated nutrient management strategy, to increase the efficiency of fertilizer use, is being developed. Yield losses, due to various diseases and insect pests in different states, have been assessed and a management schedule for major diseases (Cercospora leaf spot, Alternaria leaf spot, and Macrophomina stem/root rot and powdery mildew) and insect pests (niger caterpillar, niger capsule fly, cutworms, semilooper, Bihar hairy caterpillar, and aphids) has been developed. In a large number (1355) of frontline demonstrations conducted in different states during 2007–2008 to 2012–2013, among the component technologies compared, an increase of 61% was observed in seed yield as a result of farmers adopting the whole package, 56% by improved variety, 60% by fertilizers, 37% by plant protection, 37% by line sowing, and 47% by weed control. The present scenario of niger research in India and future research needs are discussed in this chapter.