Chickpeas are one of the most important legumes in the world and are widely cultivated across various regions of Iran. Their high yield, resistance to semi-arid conditions, and strong export market have encouraged many farmers to grow them. However, proper cultivation practices play a crucial role in improving yield, enhancing product quality, and reducing production costs.

In this article, we review the complete stages and key points for planting, nurturing, and harvesting chickpeas.

1. Land Preparation

Choosing the right land is the first and most critical step for successful chickpea cultivation.

Soil Conditions:

• Sandy loam or clay loam with good drainage is ideal.
• Soil pH between 6 and 8 is optimal.
• Avoid heavy or swampy soils.

Tillage:

• Deep plowing in autumn to remove plant residues and prepare the seedbed.
• In spring, disc harrowing and leveling to create a suitable seedbed.
• Mechanized sowing using a row planter in the farmland.

2. Selecting the Right Seeds

Using healthy, improved seeds is essential.

Seed Types:

• Autumn sowing seeds: Should be cold-resistant.
• Spring sowing seeds: Should have faster growth and resistance to pests and heat.

Khodaiari Trading Group provides high-quality desi, kabuli, and organic improved chickpea seeds for both autumn and spring cultivation.

3. Planting Time

The planting time varies depending on the region and type of cultivation:

Note: In regions with mild winters, autumn sowing generally yields higher production.

4. How to Sow Chickpea Seeds

Planting Methods:

• Manual sowing: Suitable for small farms, with 20–30 cm spacing between points.
• Mechanized sowing: Most common for large and industrial farms.

Sowing Depth:

• Depending on soil type and moisture: 3–6 cm.
• Shallower in heavy soils; deeper in light soils.

Plant Spacing:

• Between rows: 30–45 cm
• Between plants in a row: 8–15 cm

5. Fertilization and Nutrition

Chickpeas are relatively low-maintenance, but proper nutrition enhances yield.

• Phosphorus fertilizer: Apply at sowing.
• Nitrogen fertilizer: If needed, apply during early growth stages.
• Composted manure: Apply in autumn.

6. Irrigation

Chickpeas are drought-tolerant, but proper irrigation improves yield.

Irrigation Methods:

• Rainfed cultivation: Relies entirely on natural rainfall; low-cost but yields are climate-dependent.
• Supplemental irrigation: In low-rainfall conditions or to increase yield, 2–3 irrigations can be applied during critical growth stages.

Critical Irrigation Stages:

• Flowering stage (to prevent flower drop)
• Pod-filling stage (to increase seed quality and weight)

Caution: Over-irrigation can increase fungal diseases and reduce yield.

7. Weed and Pest Control

Weeds:

• Hand weeding or use of approved herbicides.
• Crop rotation to control resistant weeds.

Pests and Diseases:

• Pests: Chickpea aphid, scale insects, and beetles.
• Diseases: Blight, powdery mildew, root rot.
• Control methods: Seed disinfection, crop rotation, timely pesticide application.

8. Harvesting Chickpeas

Harvesting time depends on the type of cultivation:

• Spring sowing: Late July to August
• Autumn sowing: June to July

Signs of Maturity:

• Yellowing of leaves
• Drying of pods
• Rustling sound when shaking pods

Harvesting Methods:

• Manual harvesting for small farms
• Mechanized harvesting using specialized legume combines

After harvest, seeds should be dried, cleaned, and properly packaged to maintain quality.

Key Tips for Successful Chickpea Cultivation

• Choose the right planting time based on local climate
• Use healthy, improved seeds
• Regularly monitor and control pests and diseases
• Optimize water management, especially during flowering
• Practice crop rotation to maintain soil fertility

Conclusion

Proper and planned chickpea cultivation can provide farmers with a stable and profitable source of income. At the same time, buyers and traders can secure a strong position in domestic and export markets by supplying high-quality products.

Khodaiari Chickpea Trading Group supplies a variety of chickpeas from spring and autumn cultivation, providing reliable support for farmers, factories, and exports worldwide.