Pea is an important rabi season crop grown widely in India for both vegetables (green peas) and dry grains. Pea is valued for its taste, nutrition, and ability to improve soil fertility. Choosing improved varieties is very important to get higher yield, better quality pods or grains, and resistance to pests and diseases. Improved varieties are developed to suit different climates, growing conditions, and market needs. Pea varieties are generally grouped into vegetable (fruit) varieties and flowering or seed (field pea) varieties.
Improved fruit varieties of pea are mainly grown for fresh green pods and seeds. These varieties are popular among vegetable growers and fetch good market prices.
One widely grown improved variety is Arkel. It is an early-maturing variety suitable for fresh market. It produces sweet, tender green pods and is preferred for kitchen gardens and commercial farming. Arkel performs well in cooler climates and gives uniform pod size.
Azad Pea-1 is another improved variety suitable for North Indian conditions. It gives good yield, medium-sized pods, and performs well under irrigated conditions. This variety is known for stable production.
Punjab-89 is popular in northern regions. It produces long green pods with good seed filling. It is suitable for fresh consumption and local markets. This variety is tolerant to common diseases and gives good yield.
Kashi Nandini and Kashi Shakti are improved varieties developed for better pod quality and higher yield. They produce attractive green pods and are suitable for commercial vegetable farming. These varieties also show better adaptability to changing weather.
Bonneville is another improved variety known for its uniform pods and good taste. It is commonly grown in vegetable belts and performs well under proper management.
Improved flowering or field pea varieties are mainly grown for dry seeds, fodder, and pulse production. These varieties are hardy and suitable for rainfed and irrigated conditions.
Rachna is a popular improved field pea variety. It matures early and gives good grain yield. It is suitable for areas with short winter season and limited irrigation.
IPFD-10-12 is an improved variety with good resistance to diseases and better yield potential. It performs well under diverse climatic conditions.
HUDP-15 is another high-yielding variety grown for grain purpose. It is suitable for northern and central India and shows good tolerance to stress conditions.
Pant P-13 is an improved variety suitable for both grain and fodder use. It gives stable yield and fits well in crop rotation systems.
Improved pea varieties offer many advantages. They have better yield potential, uniform growth, improved pod quality, and better resistance to pests and diseases. Some varieties are early maturing, which helps farmers avoid late-season heat or disease pressure. Others are suitable for extended harvesting and better market supply.
Farmers should select varieties based on local climate, soil type, irrigation availability, and market demand. Using certified seeds of improved varieties ensures good germination and uniform crop stand. Proper crop management further improves performance.
In conclusion, improved fruit varieties like Arkel, Azad Pea-1, Punjab-89, and Kashi types are ideal for vegetable production, while flowering or field pea varieties like Rachna, IPFD-10-12, and HUDP-15 are suitable for grain and fodder purposes. Choosing the right improved variety helps farmers achieve better yield, quality, and profit from pea cultivation.
