CAZRI Moth Bean Varieties Demonstrate Remarkable Resilience During El Niño Year

ICAR–Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, has developed four moth bean varieties (CAZRI Moth-4, CAZRI Moth-5, CAZRI Moth-6, and CAZRI Moth-7) that demonstrated remarkable resilience during a 35-day dry spell in the Kharif 2026 El Niño year. Cultivated widely in western Rajasthan, moth bean yields are typically limited by erratic rainfall and low soil moisture. These varieties exhibit developmental plasticity, enabling them to adjust growth and maturity based on available soil moisture and sustain flowering and pod formation under moisture-stress conditions. Their performance was supported by crop management practices such as timely sowing and moisture conservation. Seed production is underway to meet indent requirements through the Saathi Portal.