Indian farmers have been cultivating peas for a long time. They are used in many recipes, and the yield from this crop is lucrative for farmers in the country. Peas are cultivated for their green pods and seeds and even fed to livestock as fodder. The demand for peas in domestic and international markets is high.
Let’s learn more about pea farming in India, its cultivation methods, and its market value. We will also discover the use of farm machinery required in agriculture to boost productivity.
Pea farming in India: Introduction
Pea farming has expanded drastically in India. This is because peas are not only consumed domestically but also exported and traded internationally. Peas can grow in a wide range of climates. They are grown as rabi crops in the states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar between October and November. However, they are harvested in March or April.
Types of Peas cultivated in India
There are two main types of peas grown in India. Depending on the demand and supply, farmers pick the variety to grow. Let’s learn in detail:
Green peas (Pisum sativum var. Hortense)
Green peas are raised for tenderness, like pods, and are used as vegetables. They are also packed with vitamins.
Field peas (Pisum sativum var. arvense)
Field peas are cultivated for their dry seeds, which are used as pulses in diets and for feeding animals.
Climate and Soil Conditions Requirement
Peas grow well in cool climate regions and temperate regions. They are best grown at a range of 10-25°C. This is because either extreme heat or frost can be harmful to the crop.
Soil
The appropriate climate for peas is frost tender, which ideally grows in well-drained, loamy soil with enough organic content. The soil PH must be between 6 and 7. 5 for optimum growth. It is necessary to apply compost or farmyard manure prior to planting the crop to check for the healthy fertility of the soil.
Irrigation
Peas require moderate water. Excessive watering is likely to cause rot at the roots, while inadequate watering stunts the plant. An adequate water supply is required, and farmers are advised to water their crops at these two stages: flowering and pod formation.
Steps for cultivation
For high-quality pea yield, farmers have to follow proper cultivation process methods and ensure some farm measures as well. Let’s learn in detail :
Land Preparation
Land preparation is critical when growing peas before planting. After that, the field is ploughed, and weeding is done to remove unwanted weeds and insects. Farmers till and level the soil before the sowing process.
Seed Selection and Sowing
Always pick the right seeds and purchase the best quality seeds. Premium seeds will always yield better and improve germination than unhealthy ones. The pea seeds are normally placed 4-6 cm deep in the soil using a seed sowing tool by hand or through a seed drill machine. A tractor like the Mahindra Novo tends to make the sowing process more efficient in a short time and with less effort.
Fertilization
Peas are legume plants that can fix the nitrogen compounds present in the air for use by other plants. However, a limited amount of nitrogenous fertilizer recommended at the time of planting can be used. Further, it is suggested that phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be used if required to enhance the growth of the pods.
Weed Control
A weed inhibits the growth of peas as it competes for nutrients, water, and the sun’s rays. The crop must grow well, and timely weeding is needed for this. One can also use indigenous organic matter such as straw or leaves in mulching to inhibit the growth of weeds while conserving moisture in the soil.
Pest and Disease Management
Pea crops are vulnerable to pests such as aphids, pod borer, and diseases, including powdery mildew and wilt. Pest control methods like pest repellants, pest-resistant crops, or farmer practices are recommended, including the use of natural PID or bio-control. Crop rotation also takes measures to diminish the risks of diseases affecting plants.
Harvesting
Peas are ready for harvesting 2-3 months after planting, depending on the variety. For green peas, harvesting is done when the pods are still tender. However, for dry peas, farmers wait for the pods to mature and dry. The harvesting process can be done manually or with the help of machinery to speed up the work.
Framers use tractors like Swaraj Code to transport produce from the field to the market or cold storage.
Market Value of Pea in India
The market value of peas depends on the variety, quality, and season. Green peas, being a fresh vegetable, fetch higher prices during the off-season when they are not readily available in the market. The price of green peas can range between ₹30 to ₹100 per kg, depending on demand and supply.
Dry peas are also in high demand, especially in the processing industry, where they are used to make split peas, pea flour, and snacks. The price of dry peas typically ranges from ₹25 to ₹50 per kg, depending on the variety and market conditions.
India also exports a significant amount of peas to countries like the United States, the UAE, and European nations. Their quality and competitive pricing drive the demand for Indian peas in the global market. This has opened up new opportunities for farmers who wish to expand their operations and target international markets.
Conclusion
Pea farming in India is a profitable venture, provided farmers adopt the right cultivation techniques and use modern farm machinery. By choosing high-quality seeds, maintaining soil health, and effectively managing pests and diseases, farmers can achieve high yields.
Moreover, the growing demand for peas, both in the domestic and international markets, offers a bright future for pea farmers in India. By staying updated about market trends and investing in efficient farming tools, farmers can ensure the long-term success of their pea farming operations.