Pigeon peas, dry Production by Country 2025
Pigeon peas, dry production thrives across 27 countries with India leading at 3,311,532 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 3,785,003 tonnes by 2025. with global production of 4,585,467 tonnes in 2023 (down 13.1% from 2022), Malawi follows with 440,857 tonnes, while Myanmar produces 297,959 tonnes. This agricultural commodity plays vital roles in global food systems and economic development.
India produces 4.87 million tonnes (70% of global), Myanmar 1.1 million tonnes, Malawi 400,000 tonnes, and Tanzania 300,000 tonnes. Pigeon peas (arhar/toor dal) provide protein-rich pulse for 1+ billion people, thriving in semi-arid regions where other crops fail. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil while providing crucial protein in vegetarian diets. Pigeon pea cultivation thrives in semi-arid tropics—drought-tolerant, deep roots (2+ meters) access subsoil moisture. Perennial crop often grown as annual (4-6 months). Nitrogen-fixing improves soil fertility—excellent rotation crop. Minimal inputs required (low fertilizer/pesticide). Intercropping common (with cereals, cotton). Hand-harvesting for dry peas. Processing involves dehulling and splitting for dal. Pest management (pod borers) challenges. Climate-resilient crop gaining attention—grows where other legumes fail. Research into improved varieties (shorter duration, higher yield) expanding production potential. Pigeon pea markets are stable in traditional regions (India, Caribbean, Africa) but growing in diaspora communities worldwide. Prices relatively stable ($800-1200/tonne) compared to volatile soybean markets. Climate change favoring pigeon peas—drought tolerance makes them insurance crop as rainfall becomes unpredictable. Research into improved varieties (shorter duration, disease resistance) expanding production. Growing interest as sustainable protein source—nitrogen-fixing, low inputs. Export markets limited but growing. Processing into dal creates value-added products. Organic production premium markets emerging. Global pigeon pea production projected stable through 2030. Drought tolerance and nitrogen fixation make them climate-resilient crop for semi-arid regions. India's massive domestic consumption ensures continued cultivation. However, challenges include pod borer pests, irregular monsoons, and yield stagnation requiring improved varieties.
Pigeon peas, dry Production by Country 2025
1
3,785,003
2
433,292
3
306,658
4
194,638
5
160,579
6
24,032
7
14,478
8
13,510
9
6,929
10
6,695
11
2,700
12
2,208
13
1,877
14
1,852
15
1,171
16
792
17
642
18
473
19
442
20
395
21
180
22
126
23
83
24
4
🌍 Drought-Tolerant Legume
🌱 Cultivation and Production
📈 Market Trends and Challenges
🔮 Climate-Resilient Future
Pigeon peas, dry Production by Country 2025
#
1
4,289,820
3,315,440
3,891,730
4,315,900
4,220,190
3,311,532
3,785,003
2
434,792
403,519
424,033
421,402
428,609
440,857
433,292
3
358,545
347,535
320,313
322,630
310,510
297,959
306,658
4
101,422
90,088
220,000
161,385
80,120
276,651
194,638
5
85,684
107,549
123,627
103,879
159,927
183,651
160,579
6
24,752
25,506
22,406
22,249
23,310
25,179
24,032
7
16,211
16,538
17,063
16,649
15,977
12,710
14,478
8
13,720
13,400
13,510
13,543
13,485
13,513
13,510
9
6,388
6,510
6,634
6,760
6,889
7,020
6,929
10
35,036
21,687
19,933
14,174
4,899
4,781
6,695
11
2,434
2,811
2,719
2,655
2,728
2,701
2,700
12
694
3,303
3,837
4,060
3,321
800
2,208
13
1,988
1,992
1,451
1,855
1,900
1,872
1,877
14
1,953
2,085
2,002
1,886
1,809
1,865
1,852
15
2,610
1,223
623
1,611
598
1,338
1,171
16
821
806
826
818
811
770
792
17
760
677
503
718
675
591
642
18
509
473
460
481
471
471
473
19
465
468
458
474
454
422
442
20
393
399
393
395
396
395
395
21
181
180
181
180
180
181
180
22
178
173
162
150
96
135
126
23
350
320
418
130
76
69
83
24
4
5
4
4
4
4
4
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most Pigeon peas, dry in the world?
India is the world's largest Pigeon peas, dry producer, accounting for a significant share of global production. Production concentrates in regions with suitable climate and established agricultural infrastructure supporting both domestic consumption and export markets.
What are the main uses of pigeon peas?
Staple protein in India (dal), Caribbean (rice and peas), and Africa. Split and dehulled for dal, whole for stews, young pods eaten as vegetables. Leaves used as animal fodder. Nitrogen-fixing—improves soil fertility. Drought-tolerant—grows where other legumes fail. Also called "toor dal" (India), "gandules" (Latin America). High protein (20-22%), fiber, and minerals. Growing demand as sustainable protein source.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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