I - --ii

carried out at the same time with wheat and lentil cultivation. However, three
problems should be solved before any real change could be expected. The first is
the ascochyta blight damage. This problem could be solved by resistant vat ieties;
second, the high weed population which usually accompanies winter planting
must be controlled and herbicides should be the main means to solve this problem;
third, farmers should be convinced that very high yields could be achieved
by winter planting. Our on-farm demonstrations and date of planting trials are
the first step in thiat direction. More trials and demonstrations on herbicides and
other cultural practices are included in the program for next year.
Strategy for Introducing Winter Planting and Suggested Cropping
System
The problems facing the shifting to winter planting of chickpeas are not very
difficult to solve, especially with the identification of Ascochyta-resistantsource.
However, a few years are needed for the results to be demonstrated to farmers.
In setting up a strategy for chickpea winter planting and chickpea production
in Jordan, the following musi be taken into account:
I. Chickpea yields in Jordan are very low (Table 1). This is mainly due to the
primitive methods of production, the very low inputs used, and some chickpeas
being grown in areas with F very low rainfall, e.g. the Ma'an district.
2. Yields are highly correlated with rainfall; the highest rainfall was received in
1972 and 1974, and the highest yields were recorded in these two seasons.
3. Chickpea consumption in Jordan, which is calculated as Imports + Production
minus Exports ranged from 6183 tonnes (1974) to 1635 tonnes (1976).
4. If it is assumed that annual domestic consumption at present is around 7000
t, and the average yield for winter-planted chickpeas under relatively good
production practices is 2000 kg/ha, then 3500 ha should th . planted to
chickpea annually to meet the local demands. The amount of improved seedr
required for planting such an area will be 350 t, using a seeding rate of 100
kg/ha.
5. The area required for producing this quantity of improved seeds is 175 ha,
which could be easily provided, either through the governmental stations
and/or by special contract with selected farmers.
Our previous calculations were based on two assumptions; the average yield
under winter planting will be 2000 kg/ha, however, a higher yield could be
expected. On the other hand, the production is for domestic consumption, and
this could be increased if demands for exports increased.
Chickpea should be planted in Jordan in areas receiving at least 300 mm
rainfall and with a moderate slope between 0-15%. From data collected on land
in Jordan (Tables 2, 3, and 4), areas locatd under the semi-arid and semi-humid
zones are around 234,800 ha. Of these, 26,897 ha have a moderate slope (0-9%)
215