Enhancing the livelihoods of Uttarakhand farmers by introducing pigeonpea cultivation in hilly areas

Pilot production demonstrations conducted in Uttarakhand state of India indicated that pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] variety ‘VL Arhar-1’ (ICPL 88039) can be grown successfully up to the elevations of 2,000 metres. This extrashort duration pigeonpea variety is well-adapted to the agroecological conditions of Uttarakhand, and suitable for grain production (up to 1,800 kg/ha) and for soil conservation. The cultivation of pigeonpea, therefore, can be extended into areas predominantly characterized by low soil fertility and inhabited by resource poor farmers. The introduction of pigeonpea in the hills of the Himalayas will help in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices that are cost effective and easy to adopt by the poor farming community. Pigeonpea, being a good source of home-grown high protein food, would directly benefit the nutrition, health and livelihoods of small holder farmers of Uttarakhand. Hence, it is recommended that sincere efforts should be made to promote the cultivation of pigeonpea on a large scale in the slopes and waste lands of this state, and possibly on the hilly areas in India.