Early Pigeonpea - A Viable Option for Subsistence Farming in Rajasthan

Pigeonpea is a valuable pulse that grows well under stressed eco-systems, but in Rajasthan it occupies only 6332 ha. Considering the demand for pulses in India, the government made plans to expand pigeonpea in different states. In this regard, an early-maturing variety ICPL 88039 was identified for testing in eight districts under the aegis of the National Food Security Mission. The adaptation results showed that its productivity varied considerably across districts and seasons. Overall, it was tested on 3925 ha and, on average, produced 704 kg/ha of grains. ICPL 88039 was found to be well adapted in Alwar district with a mean productivity of 1060 kg/ha. The studies concluded that pigeonpea can be grown successfully in the low-fertility rainfed areas of Rajasthan, and its productivity can be increased if specifically adapted cultivars are identified for different agro-ecologies. Pigeonpea, therefore, offers a viable option for diversifying the cropping system in subsistence farming.