Scaling Readiness Innovation Profile of Multi-functional Lentil Varieties Package in Bangladesh, India and Nepal for Increasing micro-nutrient availability for smallholder farmers and improving soil health

Abstract

Multi-functional Lentil Varieties Package is a set of multi-functional varieties and features for producing lentils in rice based and other intercropping systems. They improve both production and consumption aspects of lentils. From the production side, they decrease the time necessary to harvest lentils, making it possible to be grown in between two rice seasons in South Asia. They also increase the nitrogen content in the soil decreasing the costs for rice production. From the consumption side, since they have higher iron and zinc content, they simultaneously improve the availability for micro-nutrients for small scale farmers. Some of them also need less energy and time to cook.