Origin
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the eastern regions. It has a cultivation history of more than 3,000 years in India and later spread to Africa, the Caribbean, and other parts of Asia and Latin America.
Geographical Distribution in India
In India, pigeon pea is grown predominantly in Maharashtra, which accounts for the largest area and production. Other important states include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu. It is an integral crop in semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions of the country.
Economic Importance
Pigeon pea plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods. It is consumed mainly as split pulse (tur dal) and is a rich source of protein (20–22%), essential amino acids, carbohydrates, and fiber. As a legume, it also fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil health and reducing fertilizer use. The crop residues serve as quality fodder and organic manure.
Soil and Climatic Requirements
- Soil: Best suited for well-drained loamy to sandy loam soils with pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate light salinity and is moderately resilient to poor fertility conditions.
- Climate: Prefers warm, semi-arid climates. Requires an annual rainfall of 600–1000 mm. It is tolerant to drought but highly sensitive to waterlogging, especially during early growth stages.
Land Preparation
The land should be ploughed 2–3 times thoroughly to remove weeds and make it friable. Apply 10–15 tons per hectare of well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost during the final ploughing. Leveling of the field is essential, and raised beds or ridge planting is recommended in poorly drained areas.
Varieties Developed in India
- ICPL 87119 (Asha)
- ICPL 88039
- Bahar
- Maruti
- TT 401
- Pusa 9
- Pusa 2001
- ICP 8863
- Richa
- Laxmi
Seed Requirement
- Pure crop: 12–15 kg/ha
- Intercropped: 8–10 kg/ha
Sowing Time
- Kharif Season: June–July (at the onset of monsoon)
- Rabi Season: October–November (limited to southern India under irrigated conditions)
Cropping Systems
- Intercropping: With sorghum, maize, groundnut, or soybean
- Mixed cropping: With pearl millet, cotton
- Sequential cropping: Followed by wheat or chickpea after early-maturing varieties
Fertilizer Requirements
- Basal application per hectare:
- Nitrogen (N): 20–25 kg
- Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 40–50 kg
- Potassium (K₂O): 20 kg (optional)
- Micronutrients like Zinc and Sulphur as per deficiency status
Water Requirements
- Generally grown as a rainfed crop but responds well to protective irrigation during dry spells
- Critical stages: flowering and pod formation
- Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging
Weed Management
- First weeding and hoeing at 20–30 days after sowing (DAS)
- Second weeding at 45 DAS if necessary
- Pre-emergence herbicide: Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha
Diseases and Their Management
- Wilt (Fusarium udum): Use resistant varieties like ICP 8863, crop rotation, and seed treatment with Trichoderma viride or Carbendazim.
- Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD): Roguing infected plants and spraying acaricides to control mite vectors.
- Phytophthora Blight: Improve drainage and apply fungicides like Metalaxyl-Mancozeb.
Insect Pests and Their Management
- Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera): Use pheromone traps, neem-based products, and insecticides such as Spinosad and Indoxacarb.
- Pod fly: Spray with Dimethoate or Malathion during flowering and pod formation.
- Aphids and Jassids: Control by spraying systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam.
Harvesting and Threshing
Harvesting is done when 75–80% of pods turn brown and become dry. The plants are cut at the base and left to dry in the sun for 5–6 days. Threshing is carried out manually or by using sticks and mechanical threshers. Proper drying before storage is essential to avoid grain spoilage.
Yield
- Under rainfed conditions: 10–15 quintals/ha
- Under irrigated and improved practices: 18–25 quintals/ha
Post-Harvest Operations
- Clean the harvested grains and dry them to 10–12% moisture level
- Store in moisture-proof gunny bags or airtight containers
- Fumigate if necessary to prevent insect infestation
- Pulses are processed into tur dal using dal mills
- Proper packaging ensures market quality and prolongs shelf-life
