Gram (Cicer arietinum L.), an essential rabi pulse crop in India, is particularly vulnerable to insect pest infestations during both pre-harvest and post-harvest phases. This study sought to evaluate the diversity, quantity, and seasonal variations of insect pests impacting gramme crops throughout various regions of Gaya, Bihar. Quadrate sampling and diverse trapping techniques (e.g., light traps, pitfall traps, netting and hand picking) were employed for weekly observations across four agro-zones (East, West, North, and South) during the 2016–2017 rabi season.

Sixteen insect pest species were documented, with Helicoverpa armigera (Gramme pod borer), Aphis craccivora (Aphids), Agrotis ipsilon (Cutworm), and Callosobruchus spp. (Pulse beetle) recognised as the most detrimental to chickpea crops. The largest pest densities were recorded in the East and South zones, presumably attributable to favourable meteorological circumstances and inadequate storage techniques. Seasonal fluctuations in insect populations shown a substantial correlation with temperature and humidity.

The results furnish essential baseline data for formulating localised Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, with the objective of reducing crop losses, improving productivity, and fostering sustainable chickpea farming in the area.