Possible benefits and challenges associated with production of chickpea in inland South Africa

In South Africa, chickpea is becoming one of most consumed pulses but its demand is currently met through imports. In general, the imported chickpea grain is likely costly with a relatively lower nutritional value as is largely the case with most imported food products. In this review paper, we discuss how its production in South Africa would improve the nutritional status of humans and livestock and enhance the fertility status of cropping fields. Other benefits include that its production would be of financial reward to local farmers and ensure better nutritional quality and boost the country's economy and global competiveness. Studies conducted in South Africa have assessed the crop's suitable planting season and where planted in winter, irrigation has sustained its growth. We discuss challenges of its plantation in the dry winter season given the on-going water restrictions on agricultural activities, drought, low water levels in dams, and water scarcity. Suggestions include identification of low-temperature locations and fields experiments be established to assess the crop's adaptation to summer cropping. Field studies conducted locally have also included the nutritional requirements of chickpea. The review discusses possible solutions to low soil fertility suggest the use of plant biostimulants for enhanced fertiliser use.