Complexity in Technology Choices and Market Access for Pigeon Pea Growers in Semi-Arid Tropics of India

Abstract

India, being the largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses, its demand and supply influences global pulses sector significantly. For several years, there has been consistent import of different types of pulse-grains by India, despite having the largest area under cultivation and their total production. This paper focuses mainly on the production of pigeon pea, second most produced and consumed pulse after chickpea. There has been a major shift in the pigeon pea production in the country. The study is an attempt to examine the adoption of modern variety and other production practices in the highest pigeon pea producing state of India viz. Maharashtra. The marketing behaviour of the pigeon pea growers is also the focus area of this study. The pigeon pea production in India varied dramatically over the last five decades, in terms of its spread, productivity and its importance as an intercrop. At the farmers’ level, there is a need for proper intervention in cropping patterns through new and improved crop varieties, information dissemination to farmers, mechanization and service support in reducing operational costs of farmers so as to increase the profitability from pigeon pea cultivation. The lot size and conveniences in terms of distance and time flexibility are some of the major influencers to decide about the marketing destination for the pigeon pea growers in the region.