Chickpea being of Mediterranean origin has a special significance in the agriculture of the Mediterranean basin. It provides food, animal feed and fodder plays an important role in maintaining the productivity of the soil in the region. Mediterranean basin countries account for rispectivily 10 of global area and 12 of global production of chickpea. There has been a trend for increase in area and production of the crop in the region in the last 5 years, but yields have not increased, although they are higher than the world average. Past neglect for research on the crop is mainly responsible for this. Scope for increasing area by replacement of fallow exists. Large productivity gains are possible by introducing winter sowing in place of traditional spring sowing. Research network has developed with international centers such as ICARDA, ICRISAT and CIHEAM playing the major co-ordination role.