Arhar

Arhar (Cajan Peas or Pigeon Pea)

Botanical name: Cajanus cajan (C. indicus)
Family: Leguminosae
Sub Family: Papilionatae
Parts used: Seeds

Economic Importance: 

1. Arhar is extensively used in the form of split pulse or daal.

2. It is an important food in south India where rice is the staple food grain. The nutritional deficiencies of rice are made upto some extent by the inclusion of pegion pea in the diet. It provides proteins, Vitamin B, Calcium and phosphorus.

3. Sometimes soft, tender and green pods are used as a vegetable.

4. Dried husks and broken pieces of seeds constitute a valuable feed for dairy cattle.

5. The green leaves and top of plants provide excellent fodder and are used as a green manure.

6. Arhar is also grown as a cover crop in plantation.

7. Dried stalks are used as fuel, for making baskits or as a thatching material.