Ratoon cropping refers to a multiple-harvest system in which regenerating stubbles of the established crop in the field are managed for subsequent production.

Ratoon Pigeonpea

The development of short-duration genotypes of pigeonpea has generated interest in ratooning of pigeonpea. Irrigation after the main harvesting of the crop increases the yield from the ratoon crop. The ratoon crop usually produces 50-65% of the sown-crop yield. The ratoon system is not viable if sequential cropping is possible. Pigeonpea ratoon crop may serve as a source of inoculum of sterility mosaic disease. So, the cultivars for ratooning should be resistant to this disease.

This system:

• Minimizes the cost of cultivation.
• Avoids the risks associated with sowing a second crop in rainfed conditions.
• Provide additional returns.