Pigeonpea: Importance, Production and Agricultural Significance in India

Category: Agriculture → Pulses → Food Security

Scientific Name

Cajanus cajan

Key Facts

  • Common names:
    • Pigeonpea
    • Red gram
    • Arhar
    • Tur
  • Family → Fabaceae
  • It is an important pulse crop.
  • Major use → Dal
  • Rich source of:
    • Protein
    • Minerals
    • Dietary nutrients

Agricultural Importance

Pigeonpea contributes to:

  • Crop diversification
  • Soil health
  • Food security
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Nitrogen fixation through symbiotic association with Rhizobium.

India is a major global producer and consumer of pigeonpea. ICAR's Indian Institute of Pulses Research identifies pigeonpea as an important crop for crop-cycle diversification and soil-health improvement.

Key Pointers

  • Pigeonpea → Cajanus cajan
  • Also called → Arhar/Tur/Red gram
  • Family → Fabaceae
  • Type → Pulse/legume
  • Important property → Biological nitrogen fixation