Tur or Arhar (Pigeon Pea or Red Gram)

Introduction

Toor dal and Arhar dal both are the same and are commonly known as pigeon peas. The size of Toor dal is small and oval in shape, mostly in a yellow colour. Toor dal is a dicotyledonous seed that belongs to the legume family. However, Arhar dal comes in a variety of colours such as brown, yellow and variegated. Arhar dal has been believed to have originated from the geography of India where they are identified as red grams and presently grown in massive amounts throughout subtropics and the tropics of Asia.

Discussion

Characteristics of  Toor dal or Arhar dal

Toor dal or Arhar dal is considered to be a drought-tolerant legume. It requires 600-650mm of annual rainfall along with moist conditions for the initial eight weeks and dry conditions during its flowering and pod development phase. This favourable condition will generate a high yield crop. Considering the Indian geography where annual rainfall is considered to be high, in such conditions high rainfall during the flowering phase may result in poor pollination. Arhar dal is grown throughout the rainy, summer, and winter seasons. Since it is a semi-arid crop that can tolerate dry conditions and has a deep root system, it is necessary that proper conditions should be met and high irrigation must be provided during the absence of rainfall.

Soil condition for Arhar dal cultivation

The distinct Indian geography and its favourable soil conditions have provided major benefits in the cultivation of Arhar dal. Pigeon crop can easily be grown on all types of soil, however, sandy loam or loam soil is most suitable for its cultivation. Toor dal also grows well in sloppy landscapes in the mid-hills. Neutral soil having a pH value between 6.5 to 7.5 is mandatory for good yield.  Toor or Arhar crop is a deep-rooted plant that responds nicely to a proper tilth. Therefore the soil is prepared by ploughing during the season summer followed by disc ploughing and harrowings. Toor dal requires organic manure 2 to weeks prior to its sowing. The soil must be equally levelled since it requires proper water stagnation. Weeds must be removed properly and well tilted by mechanical means.

Treatment for seeds for Arhar dal cultivation

The seeds of Toor dal must be treated with Thiram and Carbendazim before sowing. Treated seeds of Toor of a good variety having good germination and suitable value should be picked for cultivation. Seeds should be 2 seasons old or less or generally current year-produced seeds are preferred. The bolder seeds are picked and sowed which provides better germination and vibrant seedlings. Traditionally Arhar or Toor dal is a Kharif grown and is sown in the month of June and July along with the start of rainfall in the distinct geography of India. It is recommended that Toor dal must be sown before the start of the monsoon for receiving a higher yield from the crops. During the irrigation process, seeds must be sown after giving a pre-monsoon irrigation prior to the first shower since the roots will get well inducted before the actual rainfall.

Intercropping of Arhar dal crop 

Intercropping of the crop means selection of two or more crops with a distinct pattern of growth are grown together in the same piece of land. Since India has a densely populated geography that requires a huge amount of yield to fulfil the requirement of all people, intercropping is a common practice. Traditionally Arhar dal was intercropped with oilseeds, grain legumes, Cotton, or cereals. The Most common Arhar dal is incorporated with pearl millet, finger millet, maize, and sorghum. Currently, Toor dal is popularly intercropped with oilseeds such as sesame, soybean, and groundnuts. 

Manuring and weed control in Arhar dal plantation

Basal manure for the Arhar dal crop can be used for the soil. 45 kg of P2O5 phosphate and 15 kg of Nitrogen per hectare is suitable for Pigeon pea crops. 3.5 metres of distance must be kept between the rows and a 35cm gap between each plant. It is advisable to give two hand weddings twice a month after the sowing of Arhar crops. If the weeds are not managed, it can reduce the seed yield by 90%.

Harvesting and storage

It is advised that two weddings and digging are required for the Arhar dal plantation. Harvesting of Arhar dal is performed when 75% of pods get matured. In Arhar dal farming, green pods are harvested for various reasons. When the pods are green they are picked and used as vegetables. The crops are harvested by cutting their stem through sickle or by machines followed by threshing and drying. After the harvesting pigeon peas are stored in a cool and dry place and can be stored for a long period of time.

Conclusion

The Toor or Arhar dal is believed to have originated from India and is vastly cultivated in the major geography and landscapes of Asia. Arhar crop is easy to cultivate since it has a low chance of getting infected by insects. Arhar crops are Kharif crops grown in the months of June and July and harvested between December and January. Toor dal crop is harvested when 75 to 80% pods are matured and turned brown. Toor dal is rich in iron and protein and is used in various Indian cuisines. It is used in curry, vegetables, and animal feed.