Less harmful variety of ‘tiwra’, the poor man’s pulse, to come in market soon: Union Agriculture Minister

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Saturday that scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are making progress in developing a safer variety of ‘tiwra’—also known as ‘khesri’ or grass pea.

Speaking to farmers in Amlaha, Chouhan confirmed that the new, low-toxin variety will soon be available commercially. Historically consumed across India, tiwra was banned due to its link to lathyrism, a neurological disorder caused by prolonged consumption.

The minister also shared plans to establish 1,000 new dal mills nationwide, with 55 slated for Madhya Pradesh. He emphasized the government’s directive for agricultural scientists and officials to prioritize fieldwork over office-based roles.

Reaffirming procurement commitments, Chouhan stated that pulses will be purchased at minimum support prices: pigeon pea (arhar) at ₹8,000 per quintal, urad at ₹7,800, masoor at ₹7,000, and chana at ₹5,875. “We will procure 100% of pulses from farmers,” he assured, encouraging expanded cultivation.

ICAR researchers are reducing levels of the neurotoxin β-ODAP in grass pea, which causes paralysis of the lower limbs. Advanced varieties like Ratan, Prateek, and Mahateora—already showing just 0.07-0.1% ODAP content—are being optimized for yield and stability across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Odisha.

Building on earlier breakthroughs like Pusa-24, scientists are exploring genetic modification and Pseudomonas bacteria-derived solutions to neutralize toxins entirely. Recent studies focus on stress-resistant strains for rice-fallow systems in eastern India, aiming to boost pulse production in post-harvest lands.

Dubbed the “poor man’s pulse,” khesri thrives in harsh conditions—drought, waterlogging, and poor soils—while providing high protein and quick yields within 125 days. Though low-toxin variants are already promoted, commercial sales await final approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

–IANS