Resource-poor Farmers Research Articles

Multipurpose Benefits of an Underexplored Species Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.): A Critical Review.

Sustainable food production through integrating knowledge of indigenous and local communities has significance for meeting the UN-SDGs (sustainable development goals). The majority of the food supply comes from cereal crops, which are exceptionally delicate to changing weather and climate conditions. Therefore, climate-resilient underutilized local crops may be a good option to be considered as potential crops for dietary diversification. The present review on Portulaca oleracea L. commonly called Purslane, having remarkable nutritional, medicinal, and pharmacological, and phytoremediation properties show significance. It is highly nutritious and has all essential minerals, vitamins, and proteins. About 93% of water, 3% of carbohydrates, and 2% of protein are present in raw Purslane. It contains dietary minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. Potassium is the most abundant electrolyte present in Purslane. It contains the highest content of vitamin among green leafy vegetables. There are four different types of omega-3 fatty acids found in Purslane. This is required for typical wellbeing, improvement and anticipation of various cardiovascular illnesses, and upkeep of a sound resistant framework. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) species is highly nutritious and can be easily grown with high production efficiency in tropical, subtropical, and underdeveloped districts of the world. The species can be easily cultivated and act as an ideal substitute for resource-poor farmers in the developing region. Considering immense nourishing benefits, this species has great potential for its utilization in the future under changing climate. Further, the species has a huge scope that can be advantageous for accomplishing the food and health benefits at the local and regional levels and may preserve agro-biodiversity for sustainable development.

Comparative analysis of the repellency activity of single compounds and the synthetic blends of semiochemicals from Aframomum melegueta (R.schum) and Dennittia tripetala (Bak.F) against Rhizopertha dominica in Calabar, Nigeria

Bioassay experiments were carried out in Calabar to compare the repellency activity of single compounds and the synthetic blends of Semiochemicals extracted from Afromomum melegueta and Dennittia tripetala. The aim of the experiment was to determine the efficacy of single compounds and the synthetic blends in suppressing the reproductive potential and adult emergence of Rhizopertha dominica, (Fabricius), a primary pest of stored cassava pellets and cereal grains in Sub-Saharan Africa. Insect culture of the adult R. dominica was set up in the laboratory at Federal College of Education Obudu to obtain fresh insects for the bioassay experiments. Dried seeds of A. melegueta (R. Schum) and D. tripetala (Baker f.) Schatz were procured from the main market in Obudu for the purpose of the research work. 100g each of the dried fruits of the spice plants were pounded separately with the laboratory pestle and mortar for the extraction of the essential oils (EOs). The oils extracted were tested for toxicity and reproductive potential deterrence against R. dominica. The chemical constituents of the essential oils were isolated, identified and tested against R. dominica. Synthetic blends of individual compounds were prepared based on their natural ratios and were also tested for toxicity and reproductive potential deterrence against the insect pests in the laboratory. The result showed that both the single compounds and the synthetic blends were toxic and repellent to the insect pest, and could significantly suppress the reproductive potential thereby inhibiting the emergence of adult insect. However, synthetic blends exhibited a stronger efficacy in their toxicity against the pest thereby providing a broad spectrum of insecticidal bioactivity against R. dominica than the single compounds. This action of the synthetic blends of extracts from the spice plants demonstrated their potential for development in stored products protection especially at the small scale resource poor farmer’s level in Nigeria.

EFFECT OF BOTANICALS SEED PRIMING ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MALT BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Application of synthetic compounds seed dressing enhancing yield and yield components of crops but it is becoming very expensive for resource poor farmers beside this; these also have a negative effect on the natural environment. Thus, the current field and laboratory experiment was conducted during the 2018 main cropping season for testing the potential of locally available plant extracts; garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), neem seed (Azadracta indica), varnonia leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and crouton leaf (Crouton macrostachya) as seed priming materials on malt barley. Three levels of each priming material (5%, 10% and 15 % concentration) were prepared and full sized malt barley seeds were soaked for 12hrs in these priming materials. Seed dressing chemical (Dynamic 400 FS), distilled water soaked seeds, and dry seeds were used as a control for the field experiment. Primed seeds with all concentrations of botanicals, including distilled water and dynamic dressing chemical had a significant enhancing effect on agronomic parameters of malt barley under both laboratory and field conditions except for the effect of ginger extract priming which negatively affected the agronomic parameters as compared to dry planted (untreated) seeds. However, there was clear variation among botanical extracts and this is depending on their concentration and types of used botanicals. Among the tested botanicals, all three levels of garlic extracts have a significant enhancing effect on all agronomic parameters and this was followed by the neem. From the result of this study, seed priming with naturally available plant materials were found to improve yield and yield components of malt barley where for this particular experiment, all levels of garlic performed best as compared to other priming materials.

Private Agricultural R&D: Do the Poor Benefit?

Abstract Private agricultural research and development can foster the growth of agricultural productivity in the diverse farming systems of the developing world comparable to the public sector. We examine the extent to which technologies developed by private entities reach smallholder and resource-poor farmers, and the impact they have on poverty reduction. We critically review cases of successfully deployed improved agricultural technologies delivered by the private sector in both large and small developing countries for instructive lessons for policy makers around the world.

A knowledge, attitudes, and practices study on ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle among farmers in a selected area of eastern Bhutan.

Livestock farming plays an important role in supporting the livelihood of resource-poor subsistence farmers in Bhutan. However, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are one of the major constraints to livestock farming due to their negative effect on health and production. To date, no study has been conducted in Bhutan to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about ticks and TBDs in cattle, although such information is essential in ensuring the development and adoption of effective prevention and control measures. Therefore, a KAP survey was conducted among 246 cattle owners in the Samkhar sub-district of eastern Bhutan in June 2019, using a structured questionnaire. Based on our scoring criteria, 52% [95%CI: 45.5–58.4] had adequate knowledge about ticks as potential vectors of diseases. Logistic regression analysis showed that the individuals who practiced a stall-feeding system of cattle rearing were 2.8 times [OR = 2.8 (95%CI: 1.66–4.78)] more likely to have adequate knowledge than others. Sixty-eight percent [95%CI: 62.5–74.4] had a favorable attitude toward tick prevention and control programs. Men were 1.95 times [OR = 1.95 (95%CI: 1.09–3.55)] more likely to have a favorable attitude than women, and the individuals who practiced a stall-feeding system were 2.59 times [OR = 2.59 95%CI: 1.45–4.78)] more likely to have a favorable attitude than others, after adjusting for the effect of other variables in the model. Overall, only 38% [95%CI 32.5–45] of the respondents reported tick infestation as one of the most important animal health problems, but 100% reported using acaricides to control ticks in cattle. Despite a high level of acaricide usage, the level of knowledge was low among the farmers interviewed. Findings from this study underline the importance of considering identified knowledge gaps and initiating education efforts to improve the adoption of effective tick prevention and control measures among farmers.

Low Soil Nutrient Tolerance and Mineral Fertilizer Response in White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Genotypes.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a major food security crop for millions of resource-poor farmers, particularly in West Africa. Soil mineral deficiency is the main challenge in yam production, especially with the dwindling of fallow lands for the indigenous nutrient supply. Cultivars tolerant to available low soil nutrients and responsive to added nutrient supply are viable components of an integrated soil fertility management strategy for sustainable and productive yam farming systems in West Africa. This study’s objective was to identify white Guinea yam (D. rotundata) genotypes adapted to available low soil nutrients and responsive to externally added nutrient supply. Twenty advanced breeding lines and a local variety (Amula) were evaluated under contrasting soil fertility, low to expose the crop to available low soil nutrient supply and high to assess the crop response to added mineral fertilizer (NPK) input at Ibadan, Nigeria. The genotypes expressed differential yield response to low soil fertility (LF) stress and added fertilizer input. Soil fertility susceptibility index (SFSI) ranged from 0.64 to 1.34 for tuber yield and 0.60 to 1.30 for shoot dry weight. The genotypes R034, R041, R050, R052, R060, R100, and R125 combined lower SFSI with a low rate of reduction in tuber yield were identified as tolerant to LF stress related to the soil mineral deficiency. Likewise, the genotypes R109, R119, and R131 showed high susceptibility to soil fertility level and/or fertilizer response. Genotypes R025 and R034 had the tuber yielding potential twice of that the local variety under low soil nutrient conditions. Shoot dry weight and tuber yield showed a positive correlation both under low and high soil fertility conditions (r = 0.69 and 0.75, respectively), indicating the vigor biomass may be a morphological marker for selecting genotypes of white Guinea yam for higher tuber yield. Our results highlight genotypic variation in the tolerance to low soil nutrients and mineral fertilizer response in white Guinea yam to exploit through breeding and genetic studies to develop improved genotypes for low and high input production systems in West Africa.

New opportunities to redesign the capacity of extension and advisory services amid COVID-19 pandemic

Agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS) aim to improve the capacity of resource-poor farmers in terms of farm practices and market participation, formation of social groups and pro­ducer associations, conflict regulation and/or overall political empowerment by providing access to the necessary knowledge, information, and technologies. AEAS may also provide important contributions to building the resilience of resource-poor farmers against COVID-19 turbulences by increasing their accessibility to information and inputs. Yet, AEAS globally are under tremendous pressure after the onslaught of COVID-19. Mobility of advisors has been temporarily suspended, regular services have been disrupted, and tension among farmers is on the rise. Farmers and extension personnel are in­creasingly concerned that a continuing pandemic will negatively affect productivity, aggravate economic problems, and ultimately threaten the existence of many farm enterprises. . . .

The contribution of extensive chicken production systems and practices to Newcastle disease outbreaks in Kenya.

Newcastle disease (ND) poses a challenge especially for farmers rearing indigenous chicken under the extensive system. This is due to the lack of uniformity in practices, favoring the introduction and spread of the disease. This is worsened by the lack of information on how management practices contribute to the spread of ND. The current study assessed the role of extensive chicken production systems and management practices on the frequency of ND outbreaks in Kenya using a Poisson regression model (PRM) on primary survey data from 332 farmers in Kakamega and Machakos counties. Descriptive results showed a low access to institutional support services like extension, training, credit, and vaccination services for both male and female farmers. Results from the PRM analysis show that flock size, isolated and confined housing, multi-aged flock mixture, screening of birds, access to ND vaccination, ND awareness, distance to agro-veterinary service providers, and access to animal health training and extension services had significant effects on the frequency of ND outbreaks. The findings underscore the need for innovative extension approaches that facilitate the use of information communication technologies to create more awareness on disease detection and mitigation measures. Use of farmer groups as innovation platforms for enhanced skill sharing and as key peer monitoring channels would also improve compliance with prescribed disease control methods. Further, there is a need for partnerships between local-level county governments, vaccine producers, and agro-veterinary service providers to ensure the development of low-cost vaccines and requisite storage facilities, and their timely delivery to the male and female resource-poor smallholder extensive chicken farmers.

Market linkages: A Way of Sustaining the Production of Amaranth in Manjolo and Sikalenge Wards of Binga District of Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

Through a market linkages survey of grain and vegetable amaranth farmers, input suppliers, potential market as well as agricultural extension workers, this paper investigated how grain (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) and vegetable amaranth (A. cruentus L.) farmers in Binga District, Matabeleland North can be linked to the market to ensure the sustainable production of grain and vegetable Amaranth in Manjolo and Sikalenge wards of Binga District. Results from the survey indicate that households have a positive perception towards production and consumption of amaranth. The potential markets that is Bulawayo, Hwange and Victoria Falls are very far and the road connectivity is very poor as indicated by the poor state of the roads Supermarkets need registered companies which is a challenge dealing with the fragmented resource poor farmers, hence there is need to arrange farmers into groups. Also formal markets normally need produce that meets certain standards hence the farmers in the two wards face the challenge in selling their produce to the formal market. The study recommends the popularisation of the vegetable by all stakeholders as well as exploration of value addition and beneficiation to tap into international markets.

Environmental impact and genetic expressions of new drought tolerant maize genotypes in derived savannah agro-ecology

Reduced water resources in sub-Saharan Africa will not only pose threat to the livelihood of poor resource farmers, but also food security in the region. Drought tolerant (DT) maize varieties hold promise to reducing poor resourced farmers’ vulnerability and improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten maize genotypes obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), were evaluated in 2015 and 2016 using a randomized complete block design experiment with three replications to estimate their genetic variability and predict their genetic advances in the derived savannah agro-ecology. Growth, phenological and yield data were collected from 10 middle row plants. Genetic advance, genotypic, phenotypic and environmental coefficients of variations and their variances were estimated. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses were also performed. The dendrogram showed that at 80% dissimilarity point, the genotypes were grouped into clusters A, B and C in both years. The first two principal components explained 91.8% and 93.3% of the total variation in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Number of grains cob-1, plant height and number of days to physiological maturity were consistent in explaining the variations observed in the maize population. Heritability estimates in broad sense ranged from 1.35% for number of leaves to 87.43% for grain yield per hectare. The genetic parameters studied showed significant variations among the growth, phenological and yield data collected that warrants selection and maize improvement program using the DT maize inbred lines in derived savannah agro-ecology.

Influence of earthworm cast on manure from cattle, sheep and goats and its effects on maize growth

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of earthworm activities on manure from indigenous breeds of cattle, sheep and goats of Nigeria. Three treatment groups of manure from cattle, sheep and goat were inoculated with earthworms in prepared worm beds and worm casts derived were evaluated after 8 weeks. The results showed that earthworms had a great impact on the chemical constituents' transformations in the manure. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in worm cast was found to increase. Nitrogen totals from worm casts were 1.65, 1.72 and 1.96% for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively compared to 0.95, 1.21 and 1.31%, obtained from manure. Within the species, the manure and worm casts derived from goats were superior to that from sheep and cattle. Weights of maize plant grown with worm cast were almost twice that of the fresh manure across the treatments. It was concluded that earthworm casts from cattle, sheep and goat manure were nutritionally superior to manure from which they were derived. Such improved manure can serve as a ready source of high quality fertilizer for the resource poor farmers in Nigeria.

Growth, Carcass and Economic Evaluation of Barbari Kids Reared with and Without Green Fodder under Stall-feeding in Semi-arid Region of India

Background: The huge decline in grazing resources and many fold increase in stocking rate has made goat farming unsustainable and uneconomic under extensive system, therefore, it has become essential to explore and develop alternative and strategic goat production system. The present study was undertaken to compare the performance of male barbari goats fed with and without green fodder under stallfed system to develop a goat farming model for peri urban/ rainfed region where availability of green fodder is exclusive and costly.Methods: Twelve Barbari male kids of average body weight 13.49±0.54 kg at 4 months of age were randomly divided into two equal groups (Gr 1 and Gr 2) of 6 animals each. The animals of Gr 1 was fed with concentrate pellet (16% crude protein), green and dry fodder while kids in Gr 2 were fed with concentrate pellet, dry fodder and no green fodder for a period of 150 days (up to 9 month of their age). Growth parameters, carcass parameters and cost benefit analysis were carried out.Result: Average slaughter weight, daily weight gain (g), empty body weight, carcass weight and dressing % was 26.31±1.99 kg, 85.53±8.17 g, 22.09 kg, 13.18 kg and 49.13% in group-I and 25.8±1.16 kg, 82.0±4.13 g, 21.91 kg, 12.91 kg and 48.88% respectively in group-II. Differences between kids of both the groups for above growth and carcass parameters were non-significant. Net profit per kid fed with green and without green fodder when sold at Rs. 250/kg live weight was Rs. 2381.17 and Rs. 2347.72 respectively and Rs 3696.67 in Gr 1 and Rs 3637.72 in Gr 2 if sold @ Rs. 300/kg live weight. Present study concluded that the Barbari growing kids could be profitably raised for mutton production exclusively on concentrate and dry fodder without deteriorating slaughter weight and carcass quality. This model of goat farming is technically and economically viable for commercial goat farming and also benefits resource poor traditional goat farmers in big way by making goat based self-help groups.

Utilization of raw, cooked or fermented cassava-urea meal in a total diet for growing ewe-lambs

The nutritive value of cassava meal (CM), raw cassava-urea meal (RCU), cooked cassava-urea meal (CCU), and fermented cassava-urea meal (ECU) mixed with other ingredients were evaluated in this study using West African dwarf sheep. Twenty ewe-lambs (6 months old) and twelve ewes (12 months old) were respectively used for growth and metabolic investigations. Dry matter (DM) intake was 2,1 3, 3.25, 3.20 and 3.35 % BW; growth rate 48.3, 67.5, 86.9 and 88.3 g/day; and feed conversion ratio (FC7R) was 8.76, 7.54, 6.49 and 6.52 for CM, RCU, CCU and ECU respectively. DM digestibility was 58.5, 68.4, 73.3 and 72.5 % while nitrogen retention Was 40.5, 30,9, 46.3 and 45.4 % for CM, RCU, CCU and FCU respectively. Nutrient utilization and growth of ewe-lambs fed cassava-based diets improved with addition of urea to cassava meal. Cooking or fermentation further improved nutritive value and feed conversion ratio of cassava-urea meal. Since fermentation requires less labour and energy costs than cooking, it may be the preferred option for processing cassava-urea mixtures for ruminant feeds by resource-poor farmers in Nigeria.

Milk yield and composition of Muturu cattle under the semi intensive system of management

Milk was once obtained daily for 98 days from Muturu cows in their 3r lactation and analysed for yield and composition. Results showed that milk yield was generally low but there were highly significant (P < 0.01) individual variations in milk output. The butter fat content of the milk appeared relatively high (4.72 +0.08%). However, all the milk constituents were within the values reported for other tropical breeds. There was a significant inverse relationship (r = -0.87; P<0.05) between butterfat and milk protein, while the relationship between milk protein and lactose was positive and significant (r = 0.81; p < 0.05). Even though the milk yield of Muturu cattle is low, resource-poor rural farmers can readily extract some fresh milk from their cows for immediate family use in order to improve the family nutrition.

Production and profitability of makhana (Euryale ferox salisb.) in aquatic ecosystem of North Bihar, India

Makhana (Fox Nut) is an aquatic cash crop largely grown in North Bihar region of India in ponds, lakes, low lying fields etc. It is highly nutritious food having wider religious uses. Makhana is mainly grown by resource poor farmers using local cultivars and traditional techniques. Present study was planned to find out the production system of makhana and farmers’ profitability in North Bihar. Data were collected from Makhana growers of Darbhanga and Madhubani districts using survey, personal observation and group discussion methods. Analysis of data revealed that makhana is mainly grown in leased out government ponds. Majority of farmers (94%) belonged to fishermen community with one third of them illiterate. The average annual income per household was around ₹48,000 only. About 46.7 per cent of farmers reported makhana cultivation as their primary source of income. The annual lease rate of ponds varied from ₹10000 to 15000 per ha. as per quality of pond. Average cost of cultivation was worked out to be ₹89,372/- per ha. with harvesting cost contributing maximum to the extent of 41 per cent. The net return from makhana cultivation was ₹41,432 per ha. after sale of their seed. The net return can be increased by reducing the cost of harvesting, which is possible with development of suitable machines for harvesting of makhana seed from bottom of ponds. Farmers’ producer organizations or cooperatives may help in processing and marketing of makhana.

Effect of nutrient omissions on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in northern Madhya Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted entitled “Effect of nutrient omissions on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and ecomimics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in northern Madhya Pradesh ”at research farm, ICAR-CPRI-RS, Gwalior (M.P.) during the winter season of 2019-20 under the agro-climatic and soil conditions of Northern Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was planted under Randomized Block Design having 11 treatment combinations replicated thrice. Highest growth parameters viz., plant height (56.09 cm), number of stem per plant (5.71) and number of compound leaves/plant (35.08), yield parameters viz. haulm yield (13.75 t/ha), tuber yield (26.67 t/ha) and biological yield (40.42 t/ha) were recorded with 100% recommended dose of NPK. Similarly, chemical parameters viz., N uptake (63.73 kg/ha), P uptake (19.66 kg/ha) K uptake (75.03 kg/ha) in tubers; N uptake (45.39 kg/ha), P uptake (10.3 kg/ha) K uptake (50.6 kg/ha) haulms in 100% RDF NPK treatment. N (176 kg/ha), P (43.37 kg/ha) and K (360.12 kg/ha) contents in soil were highest in T11 (150% Recommended NPK). Highest cost of cultivation (Rs 123200/ha) in 150% RDF NPK but gross return (Rs 366481/ha) was recorded in 100% RDF NPK. However, highest net return (Rs 251681/ha) was recorded in 100% RDF NPK. In contrast to above, highest benefit cost ratio (3.2) was recorded in 100% RDF NPK which was slightly higher to 75% RDF NPK. Thus, resource poor farmers by reducing 25% dose of NPK, can increase return on per rupee invested on one hand and on other hand will contribute environmental safety.

Sustainability of rubber agroforestry strategies in boosting smallholders’ resilience to cope with the realities of new global challenges

In the face of a global pandemic, the ever-present threat of climate change and the highly unstable economic and social global systems the resource poor smallholder farmer is increasingly finding it harder to meet with the daily challenges of sustaining the livelihood of the farmer and his family. This paper is a review of the challenges of smallholder’s rubber farmers, strategies adopted to build the resilience of the farmers and technological adaptations to sustain the resilience of the smallholder’s rubber farmers in Nigeria. The work looked at the manipulation of space or spacing techniques in rubber-based agroforestry systems, mixed farming in rubber production, cropping patterns, soil nutrient and weed management methods and socioeconomic benefits to the rubber smallholders. The results indicated that RBAF systems helped resource poor rural farmers increase family food supply, improved income and reduced the gestation period of rubber leading to improved livelihood. This results will help in attracting more smallholders to rubber plantation establishment, leading to increased national rubber production for local and international markets and increase industrial development in rubber and rubber related products.

Assessment on Cattle Breeding Practice and Production System Associated with Their Environmental Implication in Ethiopia

This paper reviewed Cattle breeding practice and production system associated with their environmental implication in Ethiopia, like breeding practice; feed; production and environmental implications on cattle production. The issue of cattle and the production systems that support them is of the utmost significance if Ethiopia is to improve its social and economic stability. Crop-cattle interaction farming systems have been viewed as the poverty saving net for resource-poor rural farmers in the country where the farmers are generally poor and unable to afford conventional fertilizers for soil fertility maintenance. The potentials for increased cattle production and the productivity is proportionally lowered by various cattle management problems, prevalence of major endemic diseases, poor feeding and high stocking rate on grazing lands, lack of support services such as extension services, veterinary services, insufficient data to plan improved services and inadequate information on how to improve animal breeding, marketing, and processing. Empowering small holder producers so that they can provide high quality sustainable cattle production with an identified market destination and they will have access to basic production in put, credit, market related information. Creating strong relationship among various actors. The ministry of agriculture should established necessarily quarantine at appropriate location and introduce necessary products.

The Performance Analysis of The Community Economic Institutions (LEM) in Increasing Farmers’ Income of Cocoa Farming System

Cocoa is a predominant crop estate commodity produced in Southeast Sulawesi. The main constrain increasing cocoa productivity regarding the non-technical factor is developing cocoa community. The government has launched Cocoa Community Institution (LEM) to overcome lack of community development in a cocoa farming system. This study aims to identify institutions related to the community development based on cocoa commodity and to analyze the performance of LEM. This study was conducted in two Sub-Districts (Lambuya and Besulutu) of Konawe district in Southeast Sulawesi province. Participatory method was implemented to get the primary data through an open interview based on the performance indicators of LEM Sejahtera. The number of respondents was 30 farmers chosen by simple random sampling. The Cocoa Community Institution was the main purpose of this study focusing on its performance of LEM Sejahtera in enhancing smallholders’ income. The results of this study indicated that LEM Sejahtera in Besulutu had contributed significantly to supply input and lend money to help poor resource farmers based on the community development program.

Effectiveness of Lathyrus sativus L. grain as animal Feed

Lathyrus (Lathyrussativus L.) is an important legume crop with low cost and easy cultivation grown in India, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Pakistan for human food and animal feed. Inherently Lathyrus possesses resistance to drought, excess moisture, salinity, diseases, and insect pests. As Lathyrus has an ambivalent reputation due to ODAP content in its plant parts, efforts are on to develop low or ODAP free Lathyrus varieties with high biomass for dual purpose for human food and animal feed. Older published animal feeding studies are of limited use, since the presence and role of ODAP was unknown until the 1960s. More recent feeding studies indicate that low ODAP lines of L. sativus can be safely incorporated at inclusion rates up to 40, 30 and 70% of the diet of poultry, pigs and sheep, respectively, without growth reductions (Hanbury, et al, 2000). Lathyrus is known as excellent feed and fodder crop for centuries as a main concentrate for horses (Anonymous, 1894). Livestock is a key component of farming systems in South Asia and in Africa, and most particularly with small and marginal farmers, estimated about 678 million, and indicates importance of livestock to their livelihoods (ILRI, 2000). Lathyrus is increasingly recognized as an important feed and fodder crop by the resource poor farmers of semi-arid and dry areas. Acceptability of low ODAP varieties by the farmers of non-traditional Lathyrus growing areas and high nutritional composition makes the Lathyrus a perfect dual purpose for crop securing food, feed and fodder security in the region. (Sarkar, et al., 2010). As world demand for legume feed protein is likely to increase, due to increasing demand for animal food products, L. sativus are crops that should be considered in regions with suitable environments (Hanbury, et al, 2016).