More than 70 agronomists have recently completed Chickpea Certified Agronomist courses across Queensland and New South Wales to meet the growing demand for expert knowledge in the management of the popular crop.
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) has teamed up with Pulse Australia and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to deliver the chickpea training courses at venues in Emerald, Goondiwindi, Dalby and Narrabri.
QPIF industry development officer for pulses and grain legumes Jayne Gentry said the specialist training was developed eight years ago to ensure agronomists were aware of best management practices.
"Chickpeas have rapidly gained in popularity over the past years, due to their rotational benefits and strong gross margin," she said.
"It is recognised by the industry that, like all pulses, growing chickpeas successfully requires a higher level of management, compared to bulk grains.
"The price received by growers for chickpeas is strongly linked to the planning before planting the crop and its subsequent management and harvest, and this course better equips them for maximum results at harvest."
Ms Gentry said interest in becoming a certified chickpea agronomist was still very strong as there was a continual stream of young agronomists entering the industry, as well as demand from experienced agronomists undertaking the course to further hone their skills.
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