Peas (Pisum sativum) are a significant pulse crop in India, valued for both green pod consumption (vegetable pea) and dry grain (field pea). Successful cultivation relies on precise production technologies.

Varieties:

Vegetable Peas: Popular varieties include Arkel, Pusa Pragati, Azad P-3, and Bonneville, known for good pod filling and yield.

Field Peas (Dry): Varieties like Rachna, Ambika, and VL-1 are preferred for their dry grain yield and suitability for pulse production.

Climate Requirement: Peas thrive in cool, dry weather conditions. They are sensitive to high temperatures, especially during flowering and pod development, which can lead to flower drop and reduced yields. Frost is also detrimental during flowering. Well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5 are ideal.

Sowing Time:

Plains: Optimal sowing time is typically from mid-October to mid-November, coinciding with the onset of the cool, dry winter season. Early sowing can suffer from higher temperatures, while late sowing can be affected by terminal heat stress.

Hills: Sowing is usually done in March-May.

Seed Rate:
The seed rate varies depending on the pea type, variety, and desired plant spacing.

Vegetable Peas: Generally, a higher seed rate of 75-100 kg/ha is used to ensure optimum plant stand and higher pod yield.

Field Peas (Dry): A seed rate of 100-120 kg/ha is common.
Proper seed treatment with fungicides (e.g., Carbendazim) and rhizobium culture is essential for disease prevention and nitrogen fixation.

Plant Protection:
An Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) approach is crucial.

Pests: Major pests include Pod Borer, Aphids, and Leaf Miner. Management involves monitoring, use of pheromone traps, biological control agents (e.g., Trichogramma for pod borer), and judicious application of recommended insecticides only when economic threshold levels are reached.

Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Rust, and Wilt are common diseases. Control measures include planting resistant varieties, timely application of fungicides (e.g., sulfur for powdery mildew), crop rotation, and good field sanitation.

Weed Management: Weeds compete severely with pea plants. Pre-emergence herbicides (e.g., Pendimethalin) followed by one or two manual weedings are effective.

Adherence to these production technologies ensures healthy crop growth and maximizes pea productivity, contributing to food and nutritional security.