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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (MR MULHERIN)-
QUESTION: How is research by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries boosting productivity for Queensland's chickpea growers?
ANSWER: Chickpea is a drought tolerant, winter legume crop being increasingly prized for its key role in profitable and sustainable farming systems. Plant breeding and agronomic research by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has stimulated a seven-fold expansion of the chickpea industry in Queensland over the past 10 years and an estimated $35 million increase in annual exports.
Improved chickpea varieties bred by DPI&F, such as 'Kyabra', have successfully combined high yields with 'world's-best' seed quality. Through hard work and smart science, DPI&F plant breeders have almost doubled the size of the chickpea seed, increased yields by 20 percent over twenty years and have raised crop heights by 60 percent to allow crops to be more easily harvested in drier environments. This translates to major regional benefits and increased returns for Queensland chickpea growers. The DPI&F chickpea breeding team is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and collaborates nationally through Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA). DPI&F is always looking to add value to Queensland's field crop industries. DPI&F research has shown that chickpeas can be sown into stored soil moisture as deep as 20cm.
This has provided growers with better options for managing variable rainfall and climate change and expanded the industry into western and northern areas that otherwise have few cropping options. For example, deep sowing practices and regionally-adapted varieties bred by DPI&F have enabled Central Queensland (CQ) chickpea growers to now produce a significant proportion of the national crop. Guidelines developed by DPI&F for the management of the devastating disease Ascochyta Blight have reduced its impact on chickpea in southern Queensland. DPI&F's voluntary code of practice has also prevented the disease's entry into CQ. DPI&F staff have also developed an action plan with industry if CQ growers ever discover Ascochyta blight in their chickpea crops.
DPI&F also provides agronomic advice that maximises both yields and marketing opportunities through earlier harvests. Accreditation courses facilitated with the peak industry body, Pulse Australia, ensure that advisors in the northern region can access the latest DPI&F research results. Chickpeas can increase cropping opportunities and improve soil health. Australia is the No.1 global exporter of chickpeas. DPI&F research is ensuring that Queensland growers have the tools to deliver the chickpeas that the rest of the world wants. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 9:23 AM
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