Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Economic, Social and Extension Research Department,, Zanjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization(AREEO), Zanjan, Iran.
2
Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Gilan Province
3
Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Zanjan Province
4
Economic, Social and Extension Research Department, Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization(AREEO), Rasht, Iran.
10.22034/gahr.2025.495646.2337
Abstract
Among the legumes lentils in addition to having large amounts of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals, are a rich source of proteinand, in fact, are the key to human nutrition, because it is a substitute for animal proteins and can reduce meat consumption.But despite the importance of this plant, the ten-year statistics show a decrease in the area under lentil cultivation in this province. Knowing that lentil cultivation is recommended in the rotation of rain fed cereal crops, the reduction of the cultivated area of this crop cannot be a good sign for the rain fed agricultural lands.Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the challenges and solutions to increase the production of rain fed lentils in Zanjan.The statistical population of this research included experts and key informants in the relevant centers and organizations, especially Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Zanjan University Faculty of Agriculture and some rain fed lentil farmers, among them, 19 people were selected using the purposeful sampling method and snowball technique. A semi-structured interview was used to collect research data. The process of data collection continued until the level of theoretical saturation or the threshold of usefulness of available information. Qualitative data analysis was done using MAXQDA software. The research results showed that several factors are involved in the low yield of this plant in Zanjan. Low potential of local cultivars used by farmers, lack of improved cultivars and certified seeds, poor management of agricultural operations land preparation, cultivation method, seed rate, planting time, pest and weed control, non-mechanized harvesting method , climate changes, lack of the policy of lentil , soil quality, limited access to seeds, lack of support and little knowledge of farmers, limited growth period and lack of access to accurate meteorological data are among the effective factors in reducing crop yield
Keywords
Subjects