Perception of Constraints for Pigeonpea Production in India

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is an important legume crop cultivated throughout the country, which forms an important component of vegetarian diet of the Indian populace. Pigeonpea production constraints in India as perceived by extension scientists of different Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were studied during 2010 to assess their relative importance. The knowledge, perceptions and practices of farmers growing pigeonpea under different crop management regimes as perceived by KVK scientists were analysed. The method used was written questionnaire, which was developed and sent to KVK personnel of 11 major pulse growing states. Response received from 64 personnel indicated that pod borer damage, wilt incidence, lack of knowledge about IPM, non-availability of good quality seed, non-availability of biocontrol agents were perceived as the primary production constraints by respondents. On the basis of Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) and Value Based Index (VBI), Helicoverpa armigera (VBI: 2228) was considered the most important threat in pigeonpea production. Findings of this study could enable decide research priorities for pigeonpea for breaking yield barriers of the crop, and design innovative policies on improved resource management in participatory experimental agricultural technology development linked to farmers’ needs.