BSF project "Improving pulse biodiversity in rice fallow areas of tribal belts of Central and East Indian states to bring resilience in the farming practice, provide livelihood support and enhance nutritional level of the tribal population"

There are 12 million hectares of rice fallows in India, 82% of which lie in the Central and East Indian states, where Protein-Energy-Malnutrition (PEM) is extremely widespread. Pulses used to be the preferred choice for cultivation after rice is harvested. Over recent years, however, farmers have lost a considerable amount of pulse genetic diversity due to a variety of pressures. Nontraditional legumes (tribal pulses) also remain underutilized due to the absence of robust seed systems in the area. The the Benefit-Sharing Fund project "Improving pulse biodiversity in rice fallow areas of tribal belts of Central and East Indian states to bring resilience in the farming practice, provide livelihood support and enhance nutritional level of the tribal population" (Fourth Cycle) will enhance the availability of resilient varieties of pulses and oil seeds suitable for cultivation in rice fallows in the dry season, after the rice harvest, in tribal communities in five states of Central and East India.