Climate and Temperature: In our region, pigeon pea (arhar) ranks second among pulses after chickpeas. It can be grown as a sole crop or intercropped with others, such as sorghum, millet, black gram, and cotton. Data on total area, production, and productivity over the last five years are provided in Appendix 2. The productivity in our region is higher than the national average, and it can be further increased through intensive farming methods.
Pigeon pea grows best in sandy or loamy soils with proper drainage. Fields with a slight slope and good subsoil drainage are ideal. Saline and alkaline soils are unsuitable for this crop. Adequate moisture is critical during the growing season, particularly during the flowering and pod formation stages. During dry spells, especially in October when pod development begins, irrigation may be required.
Soil: For optimal growth, the soil should have good structure and be rich in organic matter. A soil test is recommended to determine nutrient requirements and pH levels, ensuring the soil is suitable for pigeon pea cultivation.
Major Varieties: Below are the major pigeon pea varieties along with their suitable sowing time, maturity period, yield characteristics, and regions where they thrive:
| Variety | Suitable Sowing Time | Maturity Period (Days) | Yield Characteristics (Quintals/Hectare) | Suitable Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paras | First week of June | 130-140 | 18-20 | Western UP |
| UPAS-120 | First week of June | 130-135 | 16-20 | Entire UP (Plains) |
| Pusa-992 | First week of June | 150-160 | 16-20 | Resistant to Wilt |
| TA-21 | April and June | 160-170 | 16-20 | Suitable for Entire UP |
| Bahar | July | 250-260 | 25-30 | Resistant to Wilt |
| Amar | July | 260-270 | 25-30 | Suitable for Intercropping |
| Narendra Arhar-1 | July | 260-270 | 25-30 | Moderately Resistant to Wilt and Root Rot |
| Azad | July | 260-270 | 25-30 | Suitable for All Conditions |
| Pusa-9 | July | 260-270 | 25-30 | Resistant to Wilt |
| PDA-11 | First half of September | 225-240 | 18-20 | |
| Malviya Vikas (MA-6) | July | 250-270 | 25-30 | Resistant to Wilt and Root Rot |
| Malviya Miracle (MAL-13) | July | 230-250 | 30-32 | Resistant to Wilt |
| Narendra Arhar-2 | July | 240-245 | 30-32 | Resistant to Wilt and Root Rot |
Sowing of Crops: Varieties that take 270 days to mature should be sown in July. Early-maturing varieties should be sown by mid-June in irrigated areas, ensuring they are ready for harvest by the end of November. This allows for timely wheat sowing in early December. For higher yields, the TA-21 variety can be sown in early April, providing multiple benefits with summer peanuts, such as:
Suitable Time for Sowing: Early-maturing varieties should be sown by mid-June, while late-maturing ones should be sown in July for optimal harvest and wheat sowing preparation.
Field Preparation: Initial plowing should be done using a moldboard plow, followed by 2-3 rounds of native plowing. After plowing, the field should be leveled for sowing.
Crop Cycle: The crop cycle for late-maturing pigeon pea varieties is typically around 270 days. During this period, the crop needs to be closely monitored to ensure effective management of irrigation, fertilizers, and pest control.
Water Management: Varieties such as TA-21, UPAS-120, and ICPL-151 should be sown during the rainy season when adequate moisture is available. If soil moisture is low, at least one irrigation during pod formation in October is essential. For late-maturing varieties, irrigating in December or January can prevent frost damage.
Weed Management: Effective weed control is crucial for pigeon pea cultivation. The following herbicides are recommended for weed management:
| Herbicide Name | Dosage per Hectare (Commercial Product) | Dosage per Acre (Commercial Product) |
|---|---|---|
| Alachlor 50 WP (2 days after sowing) | 4.0-5.0 kg | 1.6-2.0 kg |
| Fluchloralin 45 EC (Before sowing) | 1500-2000 ml | 600-800 ml |
| Pendimethalin 30 EC (Immediately after sowing) | 2500-3000 ml | 150-200 ml |
| Oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC (Immediately after sowing) | 400-500 ml | 150-200 ml |
| Quizalofop 5 EC (15-20 days after sowing) | 800-1000 ml | 300-400 ml |
Harvesting: Pigeon pea is harvested when the pods turn brown, and the seeds inside are firm. Care should be taken during harvesting to avoid damage and ensure seed quality.
Diseases and Disease Prevention:
Insects:
