Cowpea and pigeon pea: hardy pulses that feed the soil

Cowpea and pigeon pea give food, income and a little nitrogen back to the soil. Both cope with dry spells better than most crops.

Growing

Cowpea is quick, ready in roughly two to three months. Pigeon pea is slower and taller and can stand much longer on the field. Both do well intercropped with cereals such as sorghum or millet. Use clean, undamaged seed and avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer, since the plants make their own.

Harvest and drying

Pick pods as they dry, in several passes if needed, because pods ripen unevenly. Dry the pods fully in the sun before threshing, then dry the grain again until it is hard and dry.

Storage

Seed beetles are the main storage pest. Put only fully dry grain in clean bags, keep stores clean and off the floor, and check stored lots regularly. Hermetic bags or liners stop insects by cutting off air.