The Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) has released a short-duration pigeonpea (redgram) for commercial cultivation.

The high yielding pigeonpea "Durga" was developed with the collaboration of scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arib Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, near Hyderabad. With its earliness this variety escapes from Helicoverpa damage as it flowers and pods before the dreaded pest peaks its activity.

Growing to a hight of 1.0 to 1.2 metres, the plants of this variety are of determinate type. They grow erect with more branches and dark green leaves. Flowering starts in 80 to 85 days after sowing. The flowers are yellow without any streaks. Coming under the extra-early group; the variety matures in 115 to 120 days. It has recorded an average yield of 1500-kg redgram per hectare under normal conditions. Its medium-bold seeds (9.0 g for 100 seeds) are readily accepted by the consumers and the trade, according to the scientists. Tested extensively in the fields under the name ICPL 84031, this variety has been found to be ideal for raising in Telengana region in Andhra Pradesh.

"Durga" is suitable for early sowing. It is a promising kharif season variety. A seed rate of 20 to 25 kg will be needed to cover a hectare with this variety. A spacing of 45 cm between rows and 10 cm within rows is recommended for its cultivation. It responds well to liberal application of organic supplements, and application of biofertilizers. A nutrient dose of 20-kg nitrogen and 50 kg phosphorus may be added based on the soil test results.