News Excerpts:

Recently announced new protocol promises to substantially cut the time required to develop new pigeonpea lines with desirable traits, effectively bringing food to dryland communities faster.

More About the news:

• The new protocol developed by Hyderabad based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) shortens the breeding and control over factors like photoperiod, temperature, humidity, and breeding cycle to 2 to 4 years.
• The traditional Pigeonpea breeding takes up to 13 years.
• The Pigeonpea’s long growth cycle and sensitivity to day length have hindered breeding efforts, with only about 250 varieties released globally over six decades.

Significance of Protocol:

• This new speed breeding protocol addresses these challenges head-on, enabling researchers to develop climate-resilient, nutritionally superior, and higher-yielding pigeonpea varieties at an unprecedented pace. 
• The new protocol represents a significant advancement for major pigeon pea-producing regions, paving the way for self-reliance in pulse production and meeting the dietary necessities of nations like India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, Myanmar, and Mozambique.

Pigeonpea (Toor Dal):

• Pigeonpea (Toor/Arhar Dal) is a versatile and highly nutritious legume that holds a special place in the diets of Indian communities. 
• Pigeonpea is basically a six-nine months crop. The longer duration of the crop is a result of its short day nature, photosensitivity and seasonal specificity.
• The pulse (Dal) is known for its rich protein content.
• Pigeonpea has low glycaemic index and is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
• It has long been a major dietary staple across the Indian sub-continent and other subtropical regions, providing vital nutrition to millions. 
• India is the world's top producer of pigeonpea.