🫛 Redgram / Pigeon Pea (*Cajanus cajan*)

Redgram, also called pigeon pea or arhar, is one of the most important pulse crops of India. It is highly valued for protein-rich grain, drought tolerance, and flexibility in sole, mixed, and intercropping systems.

---

Why Redgram Matters

Redgram is important because:

• it is a major source of pulse protein
• it performs well in warm-season conditions
• it tolerates drought better than many other pulses
• it fits mixed and intercropping systems very well
• it can be used for grain, fodder, green manure, and biomass support

Its long-standing importance in Indian farming comes from both food value and adaptability.

---

Pulse Context: Why Pulses Matter

Pulses as a group are important because they:

• provide plant protein
• improve diet quality
• fit dryland and low-input systems
• enrich soil through biological nitrogen fixation

Redgram is one of the strongest examples of this dual role: food plus soil-improving legume.

---

Origin and Distribution

Redgram is widely associated with Indian origin and long cultivation history in the subcontinent. India dominates world area and production of pigeon pea.

It is especially important in:

• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Madhya Pradesh
• Gujarat
• Andhra Pradesh/Telangana
• Tamil Nadu

This is one of the most exam-relevant geographic facts about the crop.

---

Crop Types and Duration Groups

Redgram varieties are commonly grouped by duration:

• short duration
• medium duration
• long duration

This classification matters agronomically because crop duration affects:

• season fit
• intercropping suitability
• plant spacing
• final biomass and yield behavior

Historically, type differences are also associated with plant form and adaptation.

---

Climate and Soil Requirements

Redgram grows best under:

• warm conditions
• a moist vegetative phase
• relatively drier weather during flowering and pod setting

Rain during flowering may reduce pollination efficiency and increase pest problems, especially pod borer pressure.

The crop prefers:

• well-drained loam to medium-heavy loam soils

It is a deep-rooted crop, which explains part of its drought tolerance.

---

Agronomic Importance of Plant Type

Although botanically perennial, redgram is usually cultivated as an annual crop. Its agronomic significance includes:

• woody stem
• deep tap root
• branching growth
• strong fit in intercropping systems

Because of this architecture, it is often paired with cereals, oilseeds, or shorter pulses.

---

Crop Management Principles

Important management principles in redgram include:

• good land preparation for deep-rooted establishment
• correct seed rate depending on duration group
• proper spacing according to plant type
• careful stand establishment
• matching sowing time with rainfall pattern

Spacing is especially important because short-, medium-, and long-duration types differ markedly in branching and canopy spread.

Summary Cheat Sheet

• Redgram is Cajanus cajan.
• It is also called pigeon pea, arhar, or tur.
• It is one of India’s most important pulse crops.
• The crop is valuable for protein, drought tolerance, and intercropping.
• India is the leading country in both area and production.
• Redgram is commonly grouped into short, medium, and long duration types.
• It prefers warm weather, moist vegetative growth, and relatively dry flowering/pod-setting conditions.
• It grows best on well-drained loam to medium-heavy loam soils.
• The crop is deep rooted, which supports drought adaptation.
• Proper spacing depends strongly on duration group and plant architecture.

References

2 sources • [1] [2]

[1]

ICAR e-Course: Agronomy

[2]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare