Top Pigeon Pea Producing Countries

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a vital legume crop primarily cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. India is by far the world’s largest producer, accounting for over 80% of global production, with significant cultivation in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Other important producers include Myanmar, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda, where pigeon pea is a key source of protein and income for smallholder farmers. The domestication of pigeon pea is believed to have occurred in the Indian subcontinent around 3,500 years ago, from where it spread to East Africa and Southeast Asia through ancient trade routes. Over centuries, pigeon pea adapted to diverse agro-ecological zones, becoming a staple in diets and cropping systems, particularly valued for its drought tolerance and ability to enrich soil through nitrogen fixation. Today, pigeon pea continues to play a crucial role in food security and sustainable agriculture across Asia and Africa.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat