Introduction:
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is one of the most important pulse crops grown in tropical and
subtropical regions of the world. It is commonly known as red gram, arhar, or tur in many
countries. Pigeon pea belongs to the family Fabaceae and is widely cultivated for its edible
seeds, which are rich in protein and essential nutrients. It plays a vital role in improving soil
fertility through biological nitrogen fixation and is considered an important component in
sustainable agriculture.
Fig: Pigeon pea plant and seed
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Production Technology of Pigeon Pea in Bangladesh:
Pigeon pea is cultivated in different regions of Bangladesh, particularly in the drought-prone
and marginal areas. It is grown mainly in the districts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogura,
and parts of Mymensingh and Sylhet. The crop is usually grown as a rainfed crop and is suitable
for fallow lands and homestead areas.
Pigeon pea is mainly cultivated in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. India is the largest producer of
pigeon pea, followed by countries such as Myanmar, Malawi, Kenya, and Tanzania. The crop is
highly valued for its drought tolerance and adaptability to various agro-climatic conditions. It is
commonly grown under rainfed conditions and is suitable for marginal lands where other crops
may fail to produce satisfactory yields.
The seeds of pigeon pea are rich in protein (20–22%), carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It
is an important source of dietary protein, especially for vegetarian populations. The crop is
consumed in various forms such as split dal, whole grain, green pods, and processed food
products. In addition to its nutritional value, pigeon pea crop residues are used as animal
fodder and fuel.
Pigeon pea also plays an important role in cropping systems. It is often grown as an intercrop
with cereals such as maize, sorghum, millet, and rice. The deep root system of pigeon pea helps
in improving soil structure and enhances water infiltration. Moreover, pigeon pea contributes
to soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thereby reducing the need for chemical
fertilizers.
The production technology of pigeon pea involves proper selection of land, suitable varieties,
optimum sowing time, seed treatment, nutrient management, irrigation, weed management,
pest and disease control, and harvesting techniques. Adoption of improved production
technologies can significantly increase yield and quality of pigeon pea.
In many developing countries, pigeon pea plays an important role in food security and income
generation for smallholder farmers. With the growing demand for pulses, improving pigeon pea
production through modern agricultural practices is essential. Therefore, understanding the
production technology of pigeon pea is crucial for achieving higher productivity and sustainable
agriculture.
Production Technology of Pigeon Pea
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1. Climate Requirements:
Fig: Climate requirement of pigeon pea
🌡 Temperature
Optimum temperature: 25°C – 35°C
Minimum temperature: 15°C
Sensitive to frost and very low temperature
🌧 Rainfall
Requires 600 – 1000 mm annual rainfall
Can tolerate drought due to deep root system
Excess rainfall and waterlogging are harmful
☀️Light
Needs full sunlight
Short-day plant (flowering influenced by day length)
🌍 Climate Type
Tropical and subtropical climate
Suitable for rainfed conditions
Grows well in regions like Bangladesh during Kharif season
2. Soil Requirements:
Pigeon pea can grow in a wide range of soils, but it performs best under certain conditions.
🌍 Suitable Soil Type
Well-drained loamy soil (best)
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Sandy loam soil
Clay loam soil
Can grow in poor and marginal soils
⚖️Soil pH
Ideal soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils (5.0 – 8.0)
💧 Drainage
Requires good drainage
Does not tolerate waterlogging
Excess moisture can damage roots
🌱 Soil Fertility
Grows well in moderately fertile soil
Improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen
Suitable for rainfed condition
3. Land Preparation:
Proper land preparation ensures good germination and plant growth. The land should be
plowed 2–3 times followed by leveling. Remove weeds and crop residues.
Relevant Findings:
Fine seedbed improves germination.
Proper leveling ensures uniform irrigation.
4. Improved Varieties:
Some improved varieties of pigeon pea include:
ICPL 87119 (Asha hybrid line)
BSMR 736
UPAS 120
ICP 7035 (Asha)
ICP 8863 (Maruti)
Bahar (Local variety in South Asia)
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5. Sowing Time:
Sowing time varies depending on region.
🌾 Sowing Time (General)
Kharif season: May – July
Early sowing: May – June (better yield)
Late sowing: July (lower yield)
🌍 Sowing Time in Bangladesh
Best sowing time: Mid-May to Mid-June
Rainfed areas: May – July
Irrigated areas: April – May
Relevant Findings:
Timely sowing improves yield.
Delayed sowing reduces productivity.
6. Seed Rate and Spacing:
Seed rate: 12–15 kg/ha
Spacing: 60–90 cm between rows and 20–30 cm between plants
Relevant Findings:
Proper spacing improves plant growth.
Optimum seed rate ensures good plant population.
7. Seed Treatment:
Seed treatment is essential to protect seedlings from diseases.
Methods:
Treat seeds with fungicide
Use Rhizobium culture
Relevant Findings:
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Seed treatment improves germination.
Rhizobium increases nitrogen fixation.
8. Nutrient Management:
Bangladesh Recommended Fertilizer Dose
Fertilizer Amount per hectare Time of Application
Cow dung 5–8 tons Land preparation
Urea 20–25 kg Basal dose
TSP 40–50 kg Basal dose
MOP 20–25 kg Basal dose
9. Irrigation Management:
Pigeon pea is mainly rainfed but irrigation improves yield.
Stage of Crop Irrigation Requirement Remarks
After sowing Light irrigation (if soil dry) Helps seed germination
Vegetative stage Usually not required Crop is drought tolerant
Flowering stage 1 irrigation (important) Increases flower formation
Pod formation stage 1 irrigation (very important) Improves grain filling
Maturity stage No irrigation Excess water harmful
10. Weed Management:
Weeds compete with crops for [Link] control is very important in pigeon pea, especially in the
early growth stage because the crop grows slowly at first.
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Keep the field weed-free for first 6–8 weeks (critical stage)
Perform 2–3 hand weedings during crop season
First weeding: 20–25 days after sowing
Second weeding: 40–45 days after sowing
Maintain proper row spacing for easy weeding
Apply mulching if possible to reduce weed growth
Herbicides can be used carefully (if needed)
11. Pest Management:
Pest Damage Symptoms Management Practices
Pod borer Eats flowers and pods, causes major - Use pheromone traps
yield loss
- Hand picking of larvae
- Spray recommended
Pod fly Larvae damage developing seeds - Early sowing
inside pods
- Use resistant varieties
Aphids Suck plant sap, weaken plant - Spray neem
-based insecticides
- Encourage natural
predators
Whitefly Causes leaf curling and transmits - Use yellow sticky traps
diseases
- Maintain field hygiene
12. Disease Management:
Disease Name Symptoms Management
Wilt Plants suddenly wilt and die Use resistant varieties, seed
treatment with
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fungicide/bio-fungicide,
improve drainage
Sterility Mosaic Bushy plant growth, no pod formation Remove infected plants,
Disease (SMD) control mite vector, use
resistant varieties
Powdery Mildew White powder-like layer on leaves Spray suitable fungicide,
avoid dense planting
Leaf Spot Brown or black spots on leaves Remove infected leaves,
spray fungicide if necessary
13. Harvesting:
Harvesting Time
Usually harvested 150–240 days after sowing (variety dependent)
Harvest when pods turn brown and dry
Most pods should be fully matured
Method of Harvesting
Cut plants using sickle or knife
Harvest manually in small farms
In large farms, plants may be cut and dried in the field
14. Yield:
Average yield:
1000–1500 kg/ha
Factors Affecting Yield
Variety selection (HYV gives higher yield)
Soil fertility and nutrient management
Proper weed control (first 6–8 weeks critical)
Irrigation during flowering and pod formation
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Pest and disease control
Conclusion:
Pigeon pea is an important pulse crop with significant nutritional and economic value. It plays a
vital role in improving soil fertility and sustainable agriculture. Adoption of improved
production technologies such as improved varieties, proper sowing time, balanced fertilization,
and pest management can significantly increase pigeon pea productivity. Farmers should follow
recommended agronomic practices to achieve higher yield and better quality produce. With
increasing demand for pulses, pigeon pea cultivation offers great potential for enhancing food
security and farmer income.
Pigeon pea is an important pulse crop in tropical and subtropical agriculture. It plays a vital role
in improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and also provides a rich source of protein for
human and animal nutrition.
From the study of its production technology, it is clear that pigeon pea can grow well under a
wide range of soils and mainly depends on rainfall, with limited irrigation needs. Proper land
preparation, timely sowing, balanced nutrient management, and effective weed, pest, and
disease control are essential for obtaining higher yield.
In Bangladesh, pigeon pea is a promising crop for rainfed and marginal lands. However, its
productivity can be further improved by adopting improved varieties and modern agricultural
practices. Therefore, with proper management, pigeon pea can contribute significantly to food
security, soil health, and farmers’ income.
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Reference:
1. Anonymous (FAO). Pulses Production Guidelines. Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations.
2. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). Handbook of Agriculture. New Delhi,
India.
3. AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center. Pigeon Pea Production and Protection Guide.
4. Singh, S. & Reddy, M. (Agronomy Textbook). Pulse Crop Production Technology.
5. BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute). Pulse Crop Production Manual.
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute
6. FAOSTAT Database (2024). Food and Agriculture Data on Pulse Crops.
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