How to Grow Bengal Gram Pusa 212
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Bengal Gram Pusa 212
Cicer arietinum
vegetableBengal Gram Pusa 212 is a high-yielding chickpea variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, known for its superior pod setting and disease resistance. This pulse crop produces small, round seeds that are rich in protein and widely used in Indian cuisine and global food markets. It is a winter-season crop that thrives in cool, dry conditions with moderate water requirements.
When should you plant Bengal Gram Pusa 212 in your zone?
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Example Bengal Gram Pusa 212 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bengal Gram Pusa 212
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bengal Gram Pusa 212
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bengal Gram Pusa 212 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best suited for tropical and subtropical regions (zones 8-10); cultivated extensively in India, particularly in central and western regions
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Get my Bengal Gram Pusa 212 timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-15 daysSeeds germinate within 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with cotyledons and initial true leaves; plant remains low-growing
Ensure adequate soil moisture for germination. Protect from heavy rains and waterlogging. Monitor for damping-off disease. Thin seedlings if necessary to maintain proper spacing
Vegetative Growth
30-40 daysPlant develops bushy structure with multiple branches; pinnate compound leaves form; height reaches 30-50 cm; root system deepens significantly
Apply first irrigation 30-35 days after sowing if rainfall is insufficient. Provide nitrogen-fixing rhizobium support. Monitor for weed competition and perform weeding at 45 days. Apply phosphorus fertilizer during this stage
Flowering
20-30 daysSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in leaf axils; flowering begins around 45-50 days after sowing; flowers are complete and self-pollinating
Apply second irrigation during or just before flowering (critical stage). Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent vegetative growth at expense of flowers. Monitor for pests like pod borers and aphids
Pod Development & Filling
25-35 daysFlowers set into small pods containing 1-2 seeds; pods enlarge and seeds fill; plant reaches maximum height; pods transition from green to brown
Provide third irrigation during pod-filling stage if needed. Control insect pests (pod borers, gram caterpillar) using integrated pest management. Avoid foliar diseases through proper spacing and airflow
Maturity & Harvest
Variable, based on harvest timingPods become fully mature and dry; color shifts to brown; seeds harden and rattle inside pods; plant desiccates naturally
Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before harvest to aid pod drying. Harvest when 80% of pods are brown and brittle. Thresh and clean seeds immediately after harvest. Store in cool, dry conditions with 10-12% moisture content
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use netting or bagging of pods; spray neem oil or spinosad; introduce parasitoid wasps; pick and destroy affected pods; cultural practices like early sowing and crop residue removal
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Manual collection and destruction; spray with botanical insecticides (neem, pyrethrin); use pheromone traps; encourage natural predators
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use reflective mulches; release ladybird beetles; spray early morning or evening
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Early sowing to avoid peak fly activity; remove affected stems; use yellow sticky traps
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Use resistant varieties (Pusa 212 has good resistance); practice crop rotation; ensure proper drainage; avoid waterlogging; use treated seeds
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Use disease-free seeds; practice crop rotation; improve air circulation; spray with mancozeb or carbendazim; remove infected plant debris
Uses
Protein-Rich Dal & Staple Legume
CulinaryBengal Gram Pusa 212 is widely used to prepare dal (lentil curry), flour (besan), and whole grain preparations. The seeds are a primary protein source in Indian and global vegetarian cuisines, with high protein content (19-21%) and essential amino acids. [source]
Flour & Baking Applications
CulinaryGround Bengal Gram flour (besan) is used in Indian sweets, savory snacks, batters, and baked goods. It provides nutritional fortification and gluten-free baking properties. [source]
Traditional Health Benefits
MedicinalIn Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, Bengal Gram is used to enhance digestion, boost immunity, and support bone health. Rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. [source]
Animal Feed & Agricultural Input
HouseholdPost-harvest crop residue serves as nutritious livestock fodder. Nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil fertility for subsequent crops in rotation systems. [source]
Pollinator Support & Biodiversity
WildlifeChickpea flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting pollinator populations and local ecosystem health during the flowering stage. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when 80-90% of pods are dry and brown, typically 100-120 days after sowing. Manual harvesting or mechanical threshing can be used. Cut plants at ground level or pull entire plant. Dry harvested plants for 7-10 days in the sun before threshing. Thresh using mechanical threshers or traditional beating. Clean and grade seeds, storing at 10-12% moisture in cool, dry conditions. Yield typically ranges from 1.5-2.5 tons/hectare with good management.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bengal Gram Pusa 212 was specifically developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) to resist fusarium wilt and improve pod-setting—a major advancement for chickpea cultivation in India.
- 🌱 Chickpeas have been cultivated for over 7,000 years and are one of the oldest domesticated legumes, with origins in the Fertile Crescent; India now produces and consumes approximately 70% of the world's chickpea supply.
- 🌱 The name 'Pusa 212' refers to PUSA (Pusa Institute for Agricultural Sciences) and the specific variety number; this variety is particularly suited to rainfed conditions and has become a benchmark cultivar for Indian farmers.
Gardening Terms
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