Pigeon Pea Cultivation Guide: High Yield Arhar Farming

Pigeon Pea, commercially known as Arhar or Tur in India, is one of the most important pulse crops grown in the country. It serves as a major source of dietary protein for a large population and is a key driver of agricultural growth in dryland regions. The crop has an extensive, deep-penetrating taproot system that helps it survive in dry soils where other crops might fail. This makes Arhar a highly reliable choice for rainfed agricultural zones. In addition, the root nodules of the Arhar plant fix atmospheric nitrogen, which improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical nitrogenous fertilizers for subsequent crops in rotation.

Climate and Rainfall Needs for Arhar

Arhar is a tropical pulse crop that grows best in warm and humid climates. During its early vegetative growth stage, it requires temperatures between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. As the crop moves to the flowering and pod development stages, slightly cooler temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius are ideal for healthy growth. Extreme cold, frost, and foggy weather during the flowering stage are highly harmful, as they cause flower drop and damage the young pods. Heavy dew during winter also increases the risk of foliar diseases.

The crop is mostly grown during the Kharif season, which aligns with the southwest monsoon. It requires an annual rainfall of 600 to 800 mm. Although the plant is highly drought-resistant due to its deep roots, it requires adequate moisture during the sowing and early establishment phases to ensure a high germination rate. Standing water or prolonged waterlogging in the field is extremely harmful and can destroy the entire crop within a few days by causing root rot and reducing soil oxygen.

Selecting the Best Soil for Pigeon Pea

Pigeon pea can be grown on a wide range of soils, but deep, well-drained loamy soils are the most suitable. Soil drainage is the single most critical factor; the field must not hold water for long periods. Saline and alkaline soils are not suitable for Arhar cultivation, as they restrict root growth and reduce nitrogen fixation. The ideal soil pH for Arhar is between 6.5 and 7.5. Clayey soils can be used if they are on a slope, which helps water run off. Checking the drainage capability of the field during early monsoon showers is a practical way to identify areas that may require drainage ditches.

Field preparation starts with deep summer ploughing using a disc plough or mouldboard plough. This operation helps break any hard subsoil pans, improves water infiltration, and exposes soil-borne pests and pathogens to direct sunlight. Following the onset of monsoon, the land is ploughed two to three times with a cultivator and followed by planking to obtain a fine, level seedbed. Proper field levelling is essential to avoid any water accumulation in low-lying areas of the field, which would cause severe plant loss.

High-Yielding and Wilt-Resistant Varieties

Choosing the right variety is key to avoiding crop failures due to diseases. Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease are major threats to Arhar farming. Varieties like Maruti (ICP 8863) and Asha (ICPL 87119) are highly recommended because they show strong resistance to wilt disease and yield well under medium-duration cycles. BSMR 736 is another popular variety known for its resistance to both wilt and sterility mosaic disease, offering peace of mind to growers in epidemic-prone zones.

For areas where farmers want to plant a Rabi crop like wheat after harvesting Arhar, short-duration varieties like UPAS 120 or Pusa 992 are preferred. These early varieties mature in 120 to 140 days, whereas medium-duration varieties take 160 to 180 days, and late-duration ones take up to 240 days. Farmers should consult their local state agricultural university or Krishi Vigyan Kendra to choose a variety that fits their crop rotation schedule and regional climate.

Seed Treatment Protocols for Crop Safety

Seed treatment is a simple and inexpensive step that protects the crop from seed-borne and soil-borne diseases. Before sowing, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to control diseases like collar rot and dry root rot. Farmers can use Carbendazim at the rate of 2 grams per kg of seed, or a biological agent like Trichoderma viride at the rate of 4 grams per kg of seed. The seed and fungicide must be mixed thoroughly and kept in shade for a few hours before inoculation.

After the fungicide treatment, the seeds should be inoculated with Rhizobium and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) cultures. Mix 20 grams of Rhizobium culture and 20 grams of PSB culture per kg of seed in a light, cooled jaggery solution. Rub the mixture gently on the seeds to form a uniform coating. Dry the treated seeds in shade for 30 minutes before sowing. This treatment helps the plants establish early root nodules, which increases their capacity to absorb atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil.

Sowing Methods, Seed Rate, and Spacing

The best time to sow Kharif Arhar is with the onset of monsoon rains, usually between the second week of June and the first week of July. Under irrigated conditions, sowing can be done in May, which helps the crop grow strong before the monsoon starts. For a sole crop, the recommended seed rate is 12 to 15 kg per hectare. If the crop is grown as an intercrop, the seed rate is reduced to 5 to 7 kg per hectare.

Spacing is determined by the growth habit of the variety. Early-maturing varieties are planted at a spacing of 60 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Medium and late-maturing varieties, which grow into large, bushy plants, require a wider spacing of 90 to 120 cm between rows and 20 to 25 cm between plants. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 4 to 6 cm. Sowing on ridges or raised beds is highly recommended in areas prone to heavy rains, as it protects the young roots from waterlogging.

Ridge and Furrow Sowing Systems

The ridge and furrow method is highly beneficial for Arhar, particularly in heavy textured black soils or areas with high rainfall. In this system, the field is prepared with ridges spaced at 60 to 90 cm apart, and the seeds are sown on the sides of the ridges. The furrows between the ridges act as drainage channels during heavy rains, ensuring that water does not stand around the root zone. Under dry conditions, these same furrows can be used to irrigate the field efficiently without flooding.

Another advanced method is the Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) system, which is promoted by agricultural institutes for black soils. A BBF planter creates a flat bed of 120 to 150 cm width, followed by a furrow on each side. Two to three rows of Arhar are sown on each bed. This system improves soil structure, enhances moisture conservation during dry spells, and facilitates easy mechanical weeding. It also reduces the incidence of phytophthora blight, which is a major concern in wet years.

Intercropping Systems with Arhar

Because Arhar grows slowly during its initial 60 to 70 days, the space between the rows remains empty. Farmers can utilize this space by growing short-duration crops. This practice is known as intercropping. It provides early income before the Arhar matures and reduces the risk of total crop failure due to weather fluctuations. It also improves soil cover, which reduces weed growth.

Common intercropping combinations include Arhar with soybean, Arhar with groundnut, Arhar with cotton, and Arhar with maize or sorghum. In a soybean-Arhar intercrop, a row ratio of 2:1 or 4:2 is generally followed, meaning two or four rows of soybean are planted for every one or two rows of Arhar. The short-duration soybean is harvested in about 90 to 100 days, leaving the entire field for Arhar to spread and mature. The residue of the intercrop also acts as a green mulch, preserving moisture for the main crop.

Fertilizer Schedule and Sulphur Needs

As a leguminous crop, Arhar does not require heavy doses of nitrogen fertilizers once its root nodules are established. However, a small starter dose of nitrogen is necessary during sowing to support early growth before the nodules become active. Phosphorus is highly critical for root development and nodule formation.

An indicative fertilizer dose is 20 to 25 kg Nitrogen, 40 to 50 kg Phosphorus, and 20 kg Sulphur per hectare. Sulphur is an essential nutrient for pulse crops as it helps in protein synthesis and increases the size of the seeds. All fertilizers should be applied as a basal dose in the sowing furrows, slightly below the seeds. Farmers should test their soil and adjust these quantities based on the advice of local agricultural authorities or Soil Health Cards.

Irrigation Management During Critical Stages

Arhar is mostly grown under rainfed conditions, relying on monsoon rains. However, if there are long dry spells during the cropping season, irrigation becomes necessary to protect the yield. The two most critical stages for moisture in Arhar are the flower initiation stage and the pod development stage.

If soil moisture is low during these periods, providing light irrigation can double the grain yield. Avoid irrigating the crop during peak flowering, as excess moisture at this stage can cause flower drop. Ensure that the irrigation water flows smoothly through the furrows and does not accumulate in the field. Drainage channels must be kept clean to drain out excess rainwater during heavy storms.

Weed Control and Interculture Operations

Because of its slow initial growth rate, Arhar is highly vulnerable to weed competition during the first 6 to 8 weeks. If weeds are not controlled, they will choke the young plants, leading to poor yields. Hand weeding should be carried out at 25 to 30 days and 45 to 50 days after sowing.

For chemical weed control, applying a pre-emergence herbicide like Pendimethalin at the rate of 1.0 kg active ingredient per hectare within 2 days of sowing is effective. This keeps the field clean during the early establishment phase. Intercultivation with a bullock-drawn or tractor-drawn hoe between the rows helps in removing weeds, breaking the soil crust, and improving aeration. It also helps in earthing up the plants.

Integrated Management of Pod Borers and Pests

The gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is the most destructive pest of Arhar. The adult moths lay eggs on flowers and young pods. Upon hatching, the larvae bore holes into the pods and feed on the developing seeds inside. Other common pests include the pod fly and the plume moth, which also damage the grain quality.

To manage these pests, farmers should adopt Integrated Pest Management practices. Plant bird perches in the field at the rate of 40 to 50 per hectare to attract insect-eating birds like drongos and sparrows. Install pheromone traps to monitor adult borer activity. Spraying neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) at 5 percent concentration during the early flowering stage acts as a natural deterrent. If the pest population crosses the economic threshold level, apply recommended chemical insecticides safely, ensuring rotation of chemicals to prevent resistance.

Harvesting, Threshing, and Storage

Arhar is ready for harvest when 75 to 80 percent of the pods turn brown and dry, and the leaves begin to shed. Delaying the harvest can cause the pods to split, leading to grain shattering and yield loss. The plants are harvested by cutting them close to the ground with sickles.

The cut plants are tied into small bundles and kept upright in the threshing yard for sun drying for 4 to 5 days. Once dry, the pods are threshed by beating the bundles against wooden logs or using mechanical threshers. The separated grains are winnowed to remove dust and chaff. The grains must be dried under the sun until their moisture content drops below 10 percent. Storing grains with high moisture makes them highly susceptible to pulse beetles, which can damage stored seeds within weeks. An indicative yield of sole irrigated Arhar is 15 to 20 quintals per hectare, while rainfed crops yield 10 to 12 quintals per hectare. Farmers should check prices at local mandis to get the best market value.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best soil type for Arhar cultivation?

Deep, well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 are best. Avoid soils that hold water, as Arhar is highly sensitive to waterlogging.

What is the recommended seed rate for Pigeon Pea?

For a sole crop, the seed rate is 12 to 15 kg per hectare. For intercropping systems, it ranges from 5 to 7 kg per hectare.

Why is seed treatment important for Arhar?

Seed treatment with fungicides protects the crop from soil-borne diseases like wilt, while Rhizobium inoculation improves root nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

What are some wilt-resistant varieties of Arhar?

Popular wilt-resistant varieties include Maruti (ICP 8863), Asha (ICPL 87119), and BSMR 736.

How does intercropping benefit Arhar farmers?

It utilizes empty row space during the early growth stages, diversifies farmer income, and reduces the risk of crop failure.

What is the ideal spacing for medium-duration Arhar?

Maintain a spacing of 90 to 120 cm between rows and 20 to 25 cm between plants to allow adequate sunlight and aeration.

When is the right time to sow Kharif Arhar?

The ideal time is with the onset of the monsoon, usually between the second week of June and the first week of July.

How does waterlogging affect the Arhar crop?

Standing water causes oxygen depletion in the root zone, leading to root rot and wilting of the plants within 24 to 48 hours.

What are the critical stages for irrigating Arhar?

The flower initiation and pod-filling stages are the most critical. Avoid irrigation during peak flowering to prevent flower drop.

How can I identify Fusarium wilt in Arhar?

Wilt causes gradual yellowing, drooping, and drying of leaves. A dark brown or black band can also be seen on the main stem near the soil line.

What is the main pest of Arhar and how do I control it?

The gram pod borer is the major pest. Control it using bird perches, pheromone traps, neem seed extract, and recommended insecticides when levels are high.

How long does Arhar take to mature?

Maturity depends on the variety. Early varieties take 120 to 140 days, while medium and late-maturing varieties take 160 to 240 days.

What fertilizer dose is recommended for Arhar?

An indicative dose is 20 to 25 kg Nitrogen, 40 to 50 kg Phosphorus, and 20 kg Sulphur per hectare. Always follow Soil Health Card advice.

How should Arhar be dried before storage?

Grains should be sun-dried until the moisture content is below 10 percent to prevent damage by stored grain pests like the pulse beetle.

What is the average yield of Arhar per hectare?

Under irrigated conditions, sole crops yield 15 to 20 quintals per hectare, while rainfed crops yield about 10 to 12 quintals per hectare.