Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the major food legume. It belongs to family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and is widely grown for its nutritional benefits. In the present scenario, sustainability of agriculture has become a major issue of global concern as the intensive use of chemical inputs has an adverse impact on the environment. Use of biofertilizers such as Rhizobium can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and decrease adverse environmental effects. The studies have shown positive effect of Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) inoculation on growth attributes, symbiotic parameters, yield and yield components, nutrient uptake and quality in chickpea. Fluctuations in various environmental factors viz. pH, nutrient availability, temperature, moisture, salinity and herbicides greatly influence the growth, survival, and metabolic activity of nitrogen fixing bacteria and plants, and their ability to enter into symbiotic relationship.