Kulthi (Horsegram)- a neglected pulse crop of Paschimanchal,West Bengal

Sky rocketing prices of pulses have recently stirred the policy makers.  It has been decided to import tonnes & tonnes of pulses from Mozambique, Malayasia and other countries.  Although India  has  highest Pulse-acreage as well as production, yet represents the world’s most  pulse-deficient country .  India would be in need of around 2 million tonnes from other countries .  Its import would be about one fourth of global export business.  

Government   both in centre and the state has emphasized pulse production & promotion and  launched a series of initiatives.  Lentil. Moong,chickpea, etc. have  been given priority.  MSPs of these have been scaled up.  However, the scenario of West Bengal is not so  bright  as pulses compete with many crops. Under this situation we have to focus areas where opportunity cost is minimum . Again, we have to select right types of pulses in rain fed areas. Moreover, we have to relook the regional /local pulse cultivars which can withstand the agro-ecological conditions.

In the most disadvantaged areas Kulthi (horsegram) is well suited. Kulthi has been a proven crop in  hilly, sloppy, undulating and un-irrigated areas of western part of West Bengal. However, over the years it lost its charisma. During nineties Kulthi occupied about 8-9 thousand hectares.  The figure has come down to 2 thousand hec  in the state.  There has been a drastic diminution of Kulthi acrage.  Simultaneously , total production reduced to 1 thousand tonnes  in 2013-14 from 4.2 thousand tonnes during 1990-91. Its spread has been limited to the tar (very high land) of Baghmundi, Arsa and Ajodhya Hills. A lesson of hope, prospects and potential  is aired  from stress condition.

Kulthi- is practised with minimum inputs.  A single plow is given during the off-set of rainy and sowing seed is the traditional way of farming.  The month of sowing coincides with the Bengali month of Bhadra. It is heard in the hilly areas ‘ Bhadare Kulthi chas”.  The period is a lean period. Kulthi is grown at this time for food, fodder & feed. Its luxuriant growth  and uses  placed it  to an esteem social order. This is the most favoured pulse of tribal. Karam-festival  tribal is void without Kulthi. Apart, it is extensively used in  many rituals.

About one md of pulse is harvested from a bigha of tar land. Its productivity could be increased if high yielding varieties are introduced.  Madhu, Birsa Kulthi-1 & BR10 are HYVs.

Kulthi is a leguminous crop. It has soil enriching capacity. It can act as a cover crop. Its residues could be used as fodder or fuel.  Tribal would easily accept it if promoted with some logistic support as given to other pulses. 

Kulthi (Horsegram) in Baghmundi, Ajodhya Hills

Kulthi (Horsegram) needs a relook and special attention for Paschimanchal. In my visit to Matha Jungle in Baghmundi last year I traveled a large  route in the hilly, sloppy, and undulating parts of Purulia. The year was a drought one.  The whole area I was moving did not receive rain for more than two & half months. It was probably the last week of October.  I saw parched lands, dry fields were crowded with herds, there was   little paddy crops anywhere. The entire situation was showing  a drought situation. However, I took a  bit halt at Dhanudi adjacent to Matha forest range and near to Pakhi Hillock- a place of tourism. As I approached to the hillock, I was surmised to see a greenery patches at the bottom of the hills. I got down & went to the field. A stout figure stood there.

“ hey.. what are you doing”?

-“ i ‘am managing my Kurtis”.

“ Kurtis?”

-“ yea.. some one calls it Kulthi”/

“ Where do you get water for farming”

“ you will not get any water-sources here. Kurti does not require water. This is a God gifted crop. “

I was fallen in love with the guy.  I came to know they are farming Kulthi traditionally under rainfed condition. It requires no fertilizer or chemicals. They sow it after rain ceases in September. In Bengali month Bhadra is the ideal time for seeding. Tar lands-the most uplands are covered with this crop. Some of the cultivators who harvest short duration paddy also follow kulthi as a second crop. Kulthi is used as a green fodder.  It is also used as dry fodder after the harvest as like straw. They use it as dal or other forms of recipe.

“How many acres you have planted? How much would you get? “

-“ five bighas..at least 10 mnds i will get.. There is local market for the produce.”

My acquaintance with Kulthi in a most disadvantaged part of Paschmanchal opened a series of questions and options on it. I tried to know more areas under this crop. I had a dialogue with Raghunath Dhan of Baghmundi. He is a young  and serving the agricultural department. He said “ Kulthi is basically favoured by the Mundas and other tribal of the hilly area. This is their alternative livelihood option, especially during drought period. Its production could be improved if high-yielding cultivars are introduced.  “.

In reality this crop is not prioritized in the crop-basket of Government programs. Rain-water Harvest, Integrated Water Management programs and others  may be tagged for extension of this crop. Screening of local HYV cultivars  may be identified, conserved and propagated.  Extension as well as researches on this crop  requires a goal for food security and nutritional safeguards of rural people of Paschimanchal.  We are advocating different kinds of fodder leaving this crop in isolation. We are giving attachment to Maize in hilly areas. Kulthi could be a mixed crop or second crop after maize. In low lying areas, in Bahal or kanali it could be tried as a Pyra crop.

Kulthi could be a good cover crop checking soil erosion. It will also add fertility to the soil.

I met a tribal woman in Sindurpur, Purulia-11. She fervently asked seed of Kulthi. She learnt about it from others in Ajodhya Hills.  I assured but do not know how far I would be successful.

 How do tribal honor this crop I  knew from Bipin Munda of Arsha.

In his words “Kulthi is interwoven with the culture of tribal of hilly tracts.  Mothers after delivery are given Kulthi-drink. This is done in a strictly religious manner.  Parents of the mothers bring Kulthi to her in-laws house, no matter  how far they live. “

Let Kulthi lives in the heart of tribal and in the lands of Paschimanchal.