Nutritional composition, mineral profile and phytochemical content of new and established cultivars of chickpea as effected by cropping year

The study investigates the proximate composition, non-nutrient phenols, as well as mineral profile of various chickpea cultivars. Eight cultivars, comprising four desi (BG-3062, BG-20211, BG-1053, and K-850) and four kabuli (BG-3022, BG-2024, BG-1103, BG-1108) varieties, were analyzed. The proximate composition of chickpea was assessed by AOAC method and values depicted that all cultivars had appreciable amount of protein. However, there was significant difference in protein (19.13% - 25.36%) between cultivars. The non-nutrient analysis showed total phenolic content (TPC)ranged from 101- 276 mg GAE/100g and total flavonoid content (TFC) from 0.100-0.173 mg/g. Phytate content varied between 579-891.6 mg/100g. Phenol and phytate content were higher in desi cultivars than kabuli . Mineral analysis of chickpea was done by ICP-OES method and result highlighted significant differences in calcium, chromium, and other essential minerals. Newer cultivars BG-20211 had highest iron content as well as good amount of zinc hence can be screened out for this quality. The study also compared nutritional profile of four established cultivars of chickpea over a 10 years (2009 and 2019) cropping interval. There were significant changes in protein and mineral content in established chickpea cultivars in both cropping years; whereas TPC content was in the same order of magnitude. A significant increase in phytate content was reported in the year 2019 in three out of four established cultivars. The findings suggest that these chickpea cultivars possess diverse nutritional properties and has significant impact of climate change. This emphasizes the need of targeted breeding and agricultural practices to enhance chickpea quality.