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ICRISAT identifies Karnataka as testing ground for world's first heat-tolerant pigeonpea
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Saturday, 02 August, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
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International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has now identified north Karnataka’s Bagalkote to cultivate ICPV 25444, the world's first heat-tolerant pigeonpea, purpose-bred for summer cultivation. This is on a small patch of land owned by a farmer from Bantanur village in Bagalkote district.
The field trial for pigeonpea in Bantanur ensues a platform for institutional partnerships. Now, ICRISAT is collaborating with the Karnataka State Seed Corporation (KSSC) and Department of Agriculture for its experiment in Bantanur village.
Senior leaders from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), including P L Patil, Vice Chancellor, and B D Biradar, Director of Research, also actively engaged with the stakeholders, according to ICRISAT.
"This is a huge help for a small-time farmer, Hanamanth Mirji. Normally, harvesting pigeonpea takes a lot of labour and time. The stems of this variety are thinner, and the crop matures evenly, both of which make it easier to cut mechanically, enabling the crop to have faster market access at a lower cost.
The other advantages of farm mechanisation besides increased crop yields are reduced labour costs, efficient use of resources, improved land productivity, improvement in farmer livelihoods and safety. More time to focus on other work and less dependent on hired farm workers.
With considerable experience in cultivation of pigeonpea, farmer Mirji notes that this variety could really change the game for farmers cultivating this crop.
Northern part of Karnataka accounts for 90 percent of the pigeonpea cultivation. It is reported that pulses play important role in the farming economy of Kalyana-Karnataka region. The Kalyana-Karnataka region is known for its high yield levels, output price, crop duration, resistance to pests, diseases, wilt, pod borer, with minimal flower drop.
Also traders of pigeonpea prioritise moisture content, thickness of seed coat, and recovery percentage for milling. Grains with less than 8% moisture content and thin seed coats are preferred. Recovery rates above 80% and longer keeping quality are also favoured, while raw material price holds minimal importance.
Himanshu Pathak, Director-General, ICRISAT, stated, “As a legume, pigeonpea also enriches soil health. So, for smallholder farmers, especially, in rainfed and resource-constrained areas, this cultivar offers a reliable, efficient option that makes the most of limited irrigation and improves land-use efficiency."
For decades, pigeonpea has been synonymous with the monsoon season. The idea of growing it during the hottest months of the year was, until recently, considered impractical, according to ICRISAT scientists.
But with this breakthrough, it is also possible now for farmers to make fuller use of fallow lands. "ICPV 25444's ability to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 45°C, mature within 120-125 days, and grow outside traditional seasons -- thanks to its photo- and thermo-insensitivity-- makes it ideally suited for today's unpredictable climate," Pathak stated to a media house.
According to ICRISAT, Vijendra Sangam, Director (R&D) of KSSC, played a key role by identifying Mirji for the trial as well as mobilising other participants.
Pathak said these kinds of interventions are essential as India continues to face a shortfall in pigeonpea production, despite sustained efforts.
"The target of 5 million tonne annually remains unmet. Climate change has made conventional solutions inadequate," he said.
"With India currently importing a sizable quantity of pulses to meet domestic demand, ICPV 25444 also holds great promise in advancing the country's goal of self-sufficiency in pulses," said the ICRISAT Director-General.
"This is not just an advancement in plant breeding, it's a step toward climate-smart agriculture that serves both people and the planet," noted Pathak.
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