Performance and impact of supplemental irrigation to rainfed Pigeonpea through Raingun

In India, Pigeonpea is the second most important pulse crop and is predominantly grown under rainfed conditions.In peninsular India, particularly to Andhra Pradesh viz., Ananthapuramu district where long-duration varieties predominate experience the terminal drought during the reproductive period is the major yield-limiting factor. Inthe long duration traditional pigeonpea varieties and terminal drought coexist with the crop critical stages (Flower bud initiation, flowering, pod maturing) in rainfed areas of Andhra Pradesh are the primeimpediment for dwindled productivity. Thestate administration has initiated to combat the groundnut and sole pigeonpea crop by providing lifesaving supplementalirrigation through rain gun technology though it is uncommon for wide-spaced crops viz., pigeonpea and castor. Bountiful research work was taken up by the various R&D organizations in point to supplemental irrigation and recommended for the doubling of crop productivity. however supplemental irrigation through raingun was not reposited and there was a dire need to address the issue in a short while.