Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.): A Hidden Treasure of Regime Nutrition

Abstract

Pigeon pea is a tropical grain legume grown mainly in India. Though largely considered an orphan crop, it has a huge untapped potential for improvement both in quantity and quality of production in India. More than any other legume adapted to the region, pigeon pea uniquely combines optimal nutritional profiles, high tolerance to environmental stress, high biomass productivity and most nutrient and moisture contributions to the soil. Pigeon pea is rich in starch, protein, calcium, manganese, crude fibre, fat, trace elements and minerals. Besides, its high nutritional value, pigeon pea is also used as traditional folk medicine in India, China, Philippines and some other nations.