ICRISAT has recently released a new pigeonpea variety - ICPV 25444

ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) has recently released a new pigeonpea cultivar, ICPV 25444, that is the first of its kind to be heat-tolerant and mature in just 125 days. This variety can be grown in the extreme heat of summer, reaching up to 45°C, and has shown yields of 2 tons per hectare in trials in Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

• Heat Tolerance:

  ICPV 25444 is specifically bred to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for summer cultivation, a significant advancement over traditional pigeonpea varieties.
• Short Maturation Period:

  The cultivar matures in 125 days, allowing for more flexibility in planting seasons and potentially increasing the number of cropping cycles.
• All-Season Potential:

  This new variety can be grown during both the rainy (kharif) season and the summer, making it a versatile option for farmers.
• Yield Performance:

  Field trials in multiple states have demonstrated yields of 2 tons per hectare, indicating its potential for commercial production.
• Breakthrough in Pigeonpea Cultivation:

  ICRISAT highlights this development as a major breakthrough, as it transforms pigeonpea from a seasonal crop to one that can be cultivated throughout the year