In a heartfelt tribute to a promising young agricultural scientist whose life was tragically cut short, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has named a new high-yielding chickpea variety Pusa Chickpea 4037 (Aswini). This gesture commemorates Dr. Nunavath Aswini, a brilliant alumna of IARI and a dedicated ARS scientist, who lost her life during the devastating floods in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh last year in September.
Dr. Aswini, a brilliant agricultural researcher and ARS 2021 All India Rank 1, served at ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur. An IARI alumna and gold medalist at both UG and PG levels, she was admired for her intellect, sincerity, and dedication to rural development. Her untimely demise deeply saddened the community. In tribute, IARI has named a promising chickpea variety after her, ensuring her legacy lives on and continues to inspire future generations in agricultural science.
A Breakthrough in Chickpea Cultivation
Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), commonly known as Bengal Gram, are protein-rich legumes that play a vital role in vegetarian diets and nutritional security. The development of improved, high-yielding chickpea varieties is essential for strengthening the nation's food security. In addition to enhancing productivity, these varieties contribute to sustainable farming practices and improved farmer livelihoods across pulse-growing regions.
The newly notified variety, Pusa Chickpea 4037 (Aswini), has been approved by the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) in 2025. Developed by IARI, New Delhi, this variety is poised to make a significant impact on chickpea cultivation across northern India.
Pusa Chickpea 4037 (Aswini) is a highly promising variety developed for adaptability in the North West Plain Zone, which includes states such as Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. With an impressive average yield of 2673 kg/ha and a potential yield reaching up to 3646 kg/ha (36.4 quintals per hectare), it offers significant productivity gains for farmers.
Designed to be compatible with machine harvesting, the variety meets the growing demand for mechanization in modern agriculture. Its high protein content of 24.8% enhances its nutritional value, making it a valuable addition to food systems while improving farming profitability. Moreover, it shows strong resistance to Fusarium wilt and moderate resistance to Dry Root Rot, Collar Rot, and Stunt disease. These combined traits make Pusa Chickpea 4037 (Aswini) a resilient, high-performing, and farmer-friendly variety suited for sustainable pulse production.
Beyond Science: A Symbol of Dedication and Sacrifice
The decision to name the variety “Aswini” transforms this scientific achievement into a deeply human story. It reminds us that behind every new crop variety and every line of research, there are individuals whose lives are devoted to improving agriculture and supporting farmers. Dr. Aswini was one such individual—a young woman scientist who chose to dedicate her life to the betterment of rural India through science.
Her colleagues remember her as a committed scientist who was deeply connected to the farming community and passionate about fieldwork. She had the rare ability to bridge scientific rigour with grassroots impact. Her loss is not only a blow to Indian agricultural science but also a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by researchers working in challenging environments.
Inspiring a Generation
By naming this chickpea variety in her honour, IARI has not only paid tribute to her work and life but also set an example for how institutions can acknowledge the contributions of young scientists. This act ensures that Dr. Aswini’s name will be remembered in fields across India, sown into the soil by the hands of the very farmers she wished to serve.
As the seeds of Pusa Chickpea 4037 (Aswini) germinate and grow, they carry forward a legacy of scientific excellence, compassion, and sacrifice. This variety is not just a scientific innovation—it is a story of hope, remembrance, and the enduring power of one young woman’s dream to make a difference in the lives of others.
