Pigeonpea Improvement at ICRISAT______________________________

As they are in India, green peas are popular in Africa – and are an especially important income opportunity for women, who are predominantly involved in postharvest and processing activities. Export markets, if developed, would ensure stable high prices for this commodity.

ICRISAT scientists are working with the Kenya-based Horticultural Exporting Company to develop the export of fresh and frozen pigeonpeas. Samples of fresh green pigeonpeas (ICRISAT short-duration variety ICPL 87091) were recently shipped to the UK and quality tested, with favorable results.

 The impact
While most of the effort of the Pigeonpea Improvement Project to date has focused on capacity building, impacts on farm productivity are imminent. Within the short span of 5 years, three improved varieties have been released: KAT 60/8 and ICPL 87091 in Kenya, and ICP 9145 in Malawi. Two more varieties ICEAP 0068 and ICP 6927 are in farmers fields in Kenya, as is KAT 60/8 in Uganda. Seed is quickly spreading from farmer to farmer. Some farmers are even establishing themselves as seed entrepreneurs to capitalize on this demand.

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