LIMITATIONS
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Pigeon Pea
Cajanus cajan (Syn. C. indicus, C.bicolor, C.flavus, Cytisus cajan))
Red Gram, Yellow Dahl, Angola Pea, Congo Pea or Bean, Gungo Pea, No-eye Pea,
Cajan (Catjang) Pea, Puspo (Sacha) poroto, Shantouken, Tuvaram, Toovar;
Embrevade, Pois Cajan, Pois Nain, Pois d’Angola, Pois de Congo (French);
Straucherbse, Taubenerbse, Strauchbohne (German); Frijol Guandul, F.de la India,
Guisante de Paloma, G.Enano (Spanish); Guando, Guandu, (Feijão)Andu, Jinjonji,
Ervilha (Feijão) de Congo (Angola), Feijao Boer (Mozambique); Ervilha de Angola,
Ervilha de Sete Anos, Feijão de Árvore, F. Guandu, F. Andu, Guandeiro, Guando,
Guandu, Andu, (Portuguese); Yewof-attah, Ohota-farengota (Ethiopia); Ads Sudani,
Lubia Adassi (Sudan); Burusa, Apena, Lopena (Uganda); Arhar, Tur, Adhaki,
Arahar, Ihora, Kandalu, Cror (India); Cadios (Philippines); Togare (Thailand); Frijol
de Palo (Salvador); Guando/u (Latin America); Gandul (Central America)
range of growing conditions. About 90% of global production is grown in India,
other main producers being Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, Puerto Rico, Dominica,
Burma and southeast Asia. The annual global production in 2004 was estimated by
FAO as 3.3 million MT, though very little enters international trade; it is the world’s
fifth most important pulse crop.
The plant is a short-lived perennial which can be harvested for five years or
more, though yields are normally lower after the first year; it is therefore often
grown only for one or two years.
It is a useful crop to grow in poor soils and where fertiliser is unavailable or
expensive, and is a suitable crop for “no-till” (ie no ploughing) agriculture. It can
nodulate in most soils, producing more nitrogen than most other legumes.
The grain is a good source of protein (18–30%), carbohydrates and minerals.
There are two distinct botanical varieties, or sub-species:
var. flavus—earlier maturing, semi-dwarf, with yellow flowers and green seed
pods 4–10 cm long with 2 or 3 light-coloured seeds. Known as “Tur” types in India,
or No-eye Pea in Jamaica.
var. bicolor—later maturing, larger perennial types, with red and purple streaks
on the flowers and hairy, purple seed pods 4–5 cm long with 1–5 darker coloured,
spotted and coarser seeds. Known as “Arhair” or “Arhar” types in India, or Congo
Pea in Jamaica.
The pigeon pea is an erect, hardy, woody shrub 0.5–5 m tall which adapts to a wide
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Weeds can easily overcome the growing crop, especially in the first few weeks.Traditional mung bean varieties have relatively low yield and protein content.
Modern, improved varieties are in short supply.
Shattering of the pods can be a problem.
Pests and diseases can devastate crops.
The plants are frost sensitive and need warm growing conditions.