The chickpea production has been popular since ancient times particularly in the rich and clay soils of southern Portugal. Problems of diseases and low productivity and high labour requirement have resulted in decreased interest in the cultivation of this crop. Studies on selection of improved varieties and production technology are being carried out by three research institutions of INIA, i.e. National Plant Breeding Station, at Elvas; National Station for Agricultural Research at Oeiras; and National Station for Animal Research at Fonte Boa. Results obtained in the breeding area indicate good prospects for the introduction of some lines of chickpea from ICARDA and ICRISAT as autumn-planted crop, because of high yields and good economic returns. Studies on the chemical composition of the chickpea lines selected at Elvas show that they have good nutritional value.