Seed and Sowing of Pigeon Pea

Pigeon pea responds well to properly tilled and well drained seedbed. A deep plouging with soil turning plough followed by two to three cross horrowings and proper leveling should be given to ensure uniform irrigation and proper drainage. Being a deep rooted crop. It requires a deep and well pulverized field which is free from weeds and clods. Planking should follow each ploughing.

Treat the seed with carbendazim (Bavistin) or Thiram at the rate of 3 gram per kg of seed before sowing. Pigeon pea should be shown in first fortnight of june with pre-sowing irrigation, so that the succeeding crop can be shown with least delay. Late sown crop is more likely to be damage by frost in northern parts of the country. Early sowing helps in talking a good wheat crop after pigeon pea. Under rainfed conditions sowing could be done with the onset of monsoon in the later part of June or early July.

Seed should be own behind the plough are with the help of the seed drill at row spacing of 60-70 centimetre keeping 15-20 centimetre distance from plant to plant.  A seed rate of 12-15 kg per hectare is sufficient. In mixed cropping seed rate of 12-15 kg per hectare is sufficient. In mixed cropping seed rate is adjusted according to the proportion of arhar and companion crops to be grown. In the intercropping seed rate remains same as for pure crop.