Pea (matar) is an important rabi-season crop grown for its tender green pods, dry seeds, and in some cases, for fodder. Farmers across India prefer varieties that give higher yield, good-quality grains, early maturity, and resistance to pests and diseases. Over the years, agricultural research centres have developed several improved varieties of pea, suitable for different climatic zones. Understanding these varieties helps farmers select the right one for their field and improve production.
Pea varieties are usually grouped into two main types:
Vegetable or fruit-type varieties (grown for green pods)
Flowering or early-maturity varieties (grown mainly for grain/seed)
Improved Fruit (Green Pod) Varieties
Fruit-type pea varieties are preferred by farmers who sell green pods in local markets. These varieties produce long, tender pods, sweet seeds, and uniform size.
1. Arkel
Arkel is a well-known high-yielding variety. It matures early, which helps farmers get a quick harvest and good market price. The pods are dark green and sweet, making them ideal for vegetable use.
2. Azad Pea-3
This variety performs well in both irrigated and rainfed areas. It produces bold, attractive pods and is tolerant to powdery mildew, a common disease in peas.
3. Vivek Matar-10
Suitable for hilly and cooler regions, Vivek Matar-10 gives uniform, long pods with good sweetness. It is ideal for states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
4. Pant Uphar
This variety is known for its high green pod yield and tolerance to diseases. The pods are tender and fetched good prices in markets.
5. Kashi Uday and Kashi Nandini
Developed for North Indian conditions, these varieties produce attractive pods and have strong disease resistance.
Improved Flower (Grain/Seed) Varieties
These varieties are grown for dry grains and are more tolerant to harsh conditions. They usually have strong stems and good flowering behavior.
1. Rachna
Rachna is a semi-leafless type that resists lodging (falling down). It matures in around 110 days and performs well even in low-input conditions.
2. HUDP-15 (Jawahar Pea)
This variety gives high grain yield and is suitable for late sowing. It also shows good resistance to powdery mildew.
3. KPMR-522 and KPMR-144
These modern varieties have been developed for dry grain production. They give uniform seeds and have good tolerance to diseases.
4. IPFD-10-12 (Matar-10)
It is a large-seeded variety used mainly for dal and dry grain purposes. It has strong disease tolerance and performs well in North Indian plains.
Dual-Purpose Varieties
Some pea varieties serve both purposes—green pods and dry seeds.
1. Azad Pea-1
Gives good green pod yield and high dry grain recovery.
2. Pant P-42
Produces attractive fresh pods and matures early enough for seed collection too.
Choosing the Right Variety
Farmers should consider:
Climate of their area
Soil type
Irrigation availability
Market demand (fresh pods or dry grain)
Resistance to powdery mildew and rust
Maturity period
In simple words, there are many improved fruit (green pod) and flower/grain varieties of pea that farmers can grow depending on their region and purpose. Selecting the right variety helps increase yield, reduce disease problems, and improve overall profitability.
