Farmers gear up to plant top pea varieties to boost income

New Delhi: The winter season is knocking on the door, and during the period, peas become one of the most popular vegetables. Farmers plant peas on a large scale in this season to earn plenty of money. Peas are a cold-season vegetable that gives high yields; their demand remains high throughout the season. Peas are planted in the months of September-October, and farmers start their harvest in December.

Kashi Nandini is an important variety; it gives an exciting yield of 110 to 120 quintals per hectare. Loamy or light soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 and well-drained fields are perfect for the bumper growth. However, it is important to prevent waterlogging because it may ruin the crop. Currently, several pea varieties are available, developed by the Indian Vegetable Research Institute in Varanasi.

The Orchet variety is another great option for the growers, seeking fast returns. This variety matured in just over two months, and it gives an impressive harvest of 16 to 18 quintals per acre. It would be an outstanding choice for short-term gains.

Hybrid pea varieties such as Pant Matar 155, a hybrid of DDR-27, and Pant Matar 13 are gradually gaining popularity due to their resistance to powdery mildew and pod borer disease. Farmers can produce 15 tonnes of peas per hectare in 50-55 days.

The Pusa Three Matar variety had been developed in 2013, and now it is widely favorable for the farmers. This variety matures in just 50 to 55 days. Farmers can expect a yield of about 20 to 21 quintals per acre from this variety.