Hybrid pigeonpea technology gives bumper yield to farmers

Hyderabad, Jan 30 (PTI) Despite various challenges associated with cultivation, over 70 small-holder farmers and seed producers from six states have posted a significant rise in hybrid pigeonpea yield, according to the city-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The hybrids in the crop (first in world in any legume) are the results of the crop improvement efforts by ICRISAT. Despite facing challenges such as resource scarcity, climate change and degradation of soil fertility, farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat cultivating the ICRISAT hybrids have reaped a record rise in the yield, ICRISAT said. According to the institution, the farmers collectively endorsed and recognised the contribution of hybrid pigeonpea in achieving food and nutrition security, resilience and improved livelihood. A medium-duration ICRISAT hybrid--ICPH 2740--has demonstrated 38 per cent higher yield than other local varieties. The Review Meeting on Hybrid Pigeonpea Seed Production, held at the ICRISAT headquarters last week, brought together, farmers, seed producers, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations and scientists to formulate a road map on expansion of pigeonpea production in India. ICRISAT raised its target to achieve a pigeonpea yield of 5 tonne/ha, (by developing the high-yielding hybrids), which is expected to help small-holder farmers maximise the returns while securing their food and nutritional needs, a release said. "Hybrid pigeonpea technology has great potential to lift millions of farmers in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa out of the hunger trap. We are equipped with the means, science and technology and most importantly a strong will to achieve our targets and efficiently serve the interests of the agricultural community", said ICRISAT Director General, William Dar. The scientists at Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University’s (ANGRAU) Agricultural Research Station (ARS) in Tandur of Ranga Reddy district in Andhra Pradesh, reported a pigeonpea yield of nearly 3 tonne/ha in their on-station fields using the ICPH 2740 hybrid, according to the statement by ICRISAT. ICRISAT said many farmers who attended the meeting took inspiration from one Gurubhagawan Reddy, a farmer from remote Vasantapuram village in Mahabubnagar district, who managed to sell his pigeonpea hybrid seed at Rs 12,000 (approximately USD 190) per 100 kg.