Field survey on evaluation of seed quality traits and storage methods used in the legume crops by the house hold farmers in jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present investigation was conducted to assess the seed quality and storage methods of seeds of legume crops (Green gram. Black gram, Chickpea and Pea) by famers in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh during 2008. A survey was carried out in 51 rural households of nine villages viz, Karari, Rudra Karari, Peetampura, Hatanapur, Ambabvay, Padari, Mathanpura, Keshavpur and Bhooda located within a range of 20 km Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. Seeds of different legume crops which were stored for sowing purpose were sampled using standard sampling procedures from farmers’ household to estimate the seed moisture(%), purity(%), germination(%) and health status. Seventy nine seed samples were collected for crops representing the routine cropping pattern practiced by the farmers. Seed storage as well as the quantity of the storage decided the type of the container and their storage methods. The commonly used methods and containers are Polythene lined urea bag, Jute bag, Room storage, Bunnda, Metal container, Plastic container and Mud pot. Analysis of the physiological seed quality of farmers saved seeds of indicated that 80% samples could meet out the IMSCS of 75 per cent germination and maximum damage due to insect pests was about 6%. The current evidence on farmer’s seed samples indicated that storage methods and seed quality parameters need to be improved to increase yield.