Introduction

• Scientific name: Cajanas cajan
• Origin: Africa
• Contain 20-25 % protein, 6% CHO, 1.5% fat and rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids.
• Can fix 168-280 kg Nitrogen/ ha/year.
• also known as “Red gram” accounting to its seed coat color.

Importance

• Primarily consumed as dal.
• The tender green seeds are consumed as vegetables.
• The crushed dry seed are used as animal feed, the green leaves as fodder, the stem are used as fire wood and making huts, baskets etc.
• The leaves of pigeon pea are also used to feed silkworm and the plants are used to culture lac insect as well.
• Reduces soil erosion, permits multiple harvesting and browsing.
• Tall plants serving as wind breaks and live fences and also as green manure at a tender age.
• The estimated symbiotic N fixation is about 168-280 kg N/ha/year.

Origin and Distribution

• Primary center of origin is India and the secondary center of origin is Africa.
• In Nepal, it is grown in Banke, Bardia, Kailali, Rupandehi, Kapilbastu, Sarlahi, Dhanusha and Mahottari districts.

Classification

• 2 types:

A) Cajanas cajan var bicolor:

• Generally called Arhar.
• Late maturing type (240-270 days) tall (up to 4m) heavily branched perennial shrub.
• Possess yellow flowers with purple or red streaks.
• Flower during December to February.
• Have dark colored pods containing 4-5 big seeds (1000 seed weight= 100 -120g).

B) Cajanas cajan var flavous:

• Generally known as Tur.
• Are early maturing (155-165 days) smaller annual shrubs.
• Flower during September-November producing yellow flowers.
• They have green pods containing 2-3 smaller seeds (1000-seed weight= 65-90g).