Characterization of rainfed pigeonpea growing regions based on soil, climate, crop and socioeconomic parameters.

Abstract

: An agro-economic inventory and characterization (Soil resources, rainfall characteristics, pigeonpea productivity and clientele socio-economic parameters) was conducted in 864 farmers fields in 48 blocks in 16 leading rainfed pigeonpea districts across 10 Agro-eco sub regions (4.3, 4.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.2, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4) covering five states in India. An attempt has been made to assess the productivity of rained pigeonpea by integrating the data on soils, climate, crop and socio-economic parameters. Regression analysis indicated a significant influence of rainfall and its distribution on the productivity of pigeonpea. Small farmers’ attained highest benefit-cost ratios of 2.57 under wet semiarid and 2.10 under dry semi-arid situation in alluvial soils. Medium farmers attained a maximum benefit–cost ratio of 2.75 under wet semi-arid climate and 2.68 under dry semi-arid situation in alluvial soils. Large farmers attained a maximum benefit–cost ratio of 2.77 under wet semi-arid and 2.22 under dry semi-arid situations in alluvial soils. In all climatic situations, medium farmers have attained a higher yield, net returns and benefit-cost ratio compared to other categories of farmers. Fatehpur, Banda, Hamirpur, Yavatmal, Amaravati and Chindwara districts were delineated as high productivity efficiency zones for rainfed pigeonpea.