Source: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPING PIGEONPEA AS A VIABLE CASH CROP ON SMALL FARMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0215100
Grant No.
2008-38814-04736
Cumulative Award Amt.
$500,000.00
Proposal No.
2008-03129
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2008
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2013
Grant Year
2008
Program Code
[EQ]- Research Project
Recipient Organization
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
3500 JOHN A. MERRITT BLVD
NASHVILLE,TN 37209
Performing Department
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Small farms, which make up a large proportion of farms in the United States, are concentrated in the Southeastern region. They have been facing a number of challenges over the years of which maintain an adequate level of income from their farm operations remains to be the major one. In this era of global competition, trade regulations, emerging technologies and changes in government policies regarding the Tobacco Buyout program small Farmers need to explore new opportunities to survive. This three-year integrated multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional proposal, based on a pilot study, is aimed at introducing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp), a warm season grain legume, to small farmers. Tennessee State University is the lead institution and Alabama A&M and Virginia State Universities are partners. The Agricultural Research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Services are USDA cooperators. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) is a warm season grain legume that has potential as an alternative crop for small farmers in the Southeastern region of the United States. Objectives: 1) to evaluate a wide range of pigeonpea breeding lines for adaptation and agronomic traits desirable for production as food and forage crop, 2) to assess acceptance of the crop by small producers and fill knowledge gap about it, 3) to conduct economic analysis of pigeonpea production and identify markets and marketing strategies, 4) to disseminated information about adaptability, production practices, marketing and nutritional aspects of pigeonpea using Web site, fact sheets, and field days, and 5) to strengthen collaboration among teaching, research and extension faculty and provide student experiential learning. Field trials will be conducted on research stations and selected farms. The proposal is consistent with goals and objectives of participating universities and is related to goals 2 and 3 of the Capacity Building Grants Program; it falls under the program priority area 2 and supports CSREES, USDA goals 2 and 3. The project discipline area is General Food and Agricultural Sciences with the discipline code EQ.G. It addresses the need area of Studies and Experimental in Food and Agricultural Sciences, build the research capacity of the participating institutions and contribute to food and agricultural sciences higher education system.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
6011419114010%
6011419301015%
6011419308010%
6041419114010%
6041419301015%
6041419308010%
8031419114010%
8031419301010%
8031419308010%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 803 - Sociological and Technological Change Affecting Individuals, Families, and Communities; 604 - Marketing and Distribution Practices;

Subject Of Investigation
1419 - Leguminous vegetables, general/other;

Field Of Science
1140 - Weed science; 3010 - Economics; 3080 - Sociology;
Goals / Objectives
The scope and focus of this proposal and problem are based on the results of pilot studies conducted by faculty members (teaching, research and extension) at TSU during 2005-2007, Alabama A&M, and Virginia State Universities in 1992. The proposed project therefore builds upon the progress made in the previous pilot efforts. The previous results indicated the potential of the crop as a niche crop for small and minority farmers. However, a larger study that would corroborate previous results, and test the production and marketing of the crop under small farm conditions is needed. The 1890 institutions place high importance in serving the needs of small and minority farmers and rural communities. The proposed study will thus strengthen our institutional capacity to serve these communities - our primary stakeholders. The overall goal of this study is to develop pigeonpea as a viable cash crop in southern United States. The specific objectives are to: 1) evaluate a wide range of pigeonpea breeding lines for adaptation and agronomic traits desirable for production as a food and forage crop using station research and on farm demonstrations. 2) assess acceptance of the crop by small producers and fill a knowledge gap about the crop for optimum profitability. 3) conduct economic analysis of Pigeonpea production under prevailing farming conditions in the region and identify markets and marketing strategies for small farmers. 4) disseminate information about adaptability, production practices, marketing and nutritional aspects of pigeonpea using on- farm demonstration on selected fields of farmers and various other means including web site, fact sheets, and field days. 5) strengthen collaboration among teaching, research and extension faculty and provide experiential learning opportunity for students. The project will directly benefit small farmers who grow the crop on their farms. Additionally, farmers who will visit the on-farm demonstration fields and others who have access to the results in other ways can also benefit. The type and method of growing pigeonpea crops that were evaluated in the demonstration plots, data describing the performance of the crops, the number and types of workshops, the number of participants attending each workshop, and results compiled from field records will be captured in a comprehensive report and other publications.
Project Methods
Objective 1: Field Studies. Field plots will be identified in the three states of Alabama, Tennessee, and Virginia at the three university farms for the first year of study. In subsequent years, the studies will continue at farms in the universities. However, non-replicated demonstration plots will be established in the 2nd and 3rd years at selected fields owned by farmers, as well, in each of the states. The plots would be laid out in a split plot experimental design with three replications. Four pigeonpea cultivars (Georgia 1, Georgia 2, W-1, and W-2) will constitute the main plot, whereas two plant-spacing (6 inch and 12inch) will comprise the 'sub-plot'. Ten-foot rows with 42 inch row spacing will be used, because the pilot study at TSU showed that 42 inch row spacing was advantageous. No nitrogen applications will be made. Some of the key variables to test in the trials are: variety comparisons, planting, harvesting, and key production constraints. Demonstrations allow prospective producers to gain important familiarity with the growth habit and pests by the crops before committing to a larger acreage. Producers need to learn about timing needs on weed control, labor demand, etc. Objective 2: Focus group method will be used to collect data to assess acceptability of pigeonpea as a niche crop by producers. A set of questions will be developed to determine how the producers perceive pigeonpea as a niche crop and factors affecting adoption, understanding of agronomic practices, marketing and knowledge gaps. To collect data from consumers a short questionnaire will be developed and administered to consumers at specialty stores (ethnic grocery stores) to determine their liking/disliking of pigeonpea, acceptance and price sensitivity. Objective 3: A profit maximizing farmer will choose operations that result in the highest net returns, accounting for differences in revenues and in production costs (cost of the seeds, labor, supplies and equipment). Input and yield data from on-farm demonstration plots will be used to develop enterprise and partial budgets for different analytical models. Sale price data and yield will be used to determine revenue. Subsequently, net return analysis will be performed to determine profitability. Markets and marketing potential will be evaluated for pigeonpea using existing information. Additional surveys at farmers markets will be conducted to determine familiarity with the crop and assess potential demand. Objective 4: For field demonstrations, three farmers in each state will be selected. Every effort will be made to ensure that these farmers have open mind about the crop and their farms are considered typical in the county. The location of farm will also be another criterion for selection as these farms should be easily accessible to other farmers and have good visibility. Another three farmers will be added in each state in the third year for demonstration purposes. Objective 5: To capture the spirit of the program under which these funds are provided, student experiential learning opportunities and collaboration between extension, research and teaching faculty will be encouraged in a sustained way.

Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: -Small farmers - Extension personnal - Agricultural researchers -Policy makers -Others interested on the crop Various stakeholders were reached during the life of the project. They include farmers; extension personnel; students; researchers; policy makers; and private businesses. Researchers/ exstension personnel at three Universities were provided information on production and other operational aspects along with seed for four varielties. A landowner in Texas, who was intrested in investing to grow the crop on large scale called to inquire about producing the crop and from where to buy the seeds. A private company in East Tennessee had intrest in investing in the crop who was then given information. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Several students involved in the project had an opportunity to to aquire experientiallearning in the planting, harvesting, and processing of the crop. They also gained knowledge in field crop data collection and used of the data to write thesis. As a result of having researchers with diffrent areas of expertise, there was inter- disiplinary learning including fieldpreparation for planting and harvesting protocol and the use of enterprise budget to asses net return. A one day meeting of project personnel and collaborators who have expertise on the subject provided opportunities for professional development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results have been disseminated by presenting results at national, regional, state and local confrences/ meetings, through publications in peer reviewed journals and other publications such as confrence proceedings summary sheet; face to face meetings at field demonstrations; agricultural research publications; summary and outreach confrences. Such publications were reported to NIFA which will in turn provide the results to policy makers. Consumers were assed to provide feedback based on the taste prefrence of dishes. Seed was given out to a number of farmers to plant on their plots. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Complete publications under preparation, submit to various outlets- peer reviewed journals and own peer reviewed outlets continue to make the findings widely available to more stakeholders especially assisting those who want to produce the crop. Also dissemianate information to individuals and/or companies about planting, harvesting, and processing protocols available. Provide guidence to source(s) from where to aquire seed. Connect producers to market outlets and provide information in preparing it.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Field trials on university research stations and farmers’ fields were conducted using four varieties of pigeonpea (GA1, GA2, W1 and W3). Randomized Block Design and Split- Split plot design with four replicaions. Forty farmers planted the crop on their fields. They were provided seed directly and through county agents. The trials showed that the crop can be grown in the three states. Data collected from the field were analyzed and four manuscripts were published in refereed journals. Several abstract were also published. Additional manuscripts are under preparation for submission to refereed journals and outreach publications. Presentations at local, state, regional and national meetings drew numerous stakeholders, including farmers, extension personnel, researchers and policy makers. Outreach activities were also held at annual farm expos, outreach meetings and on farm demonstrations. The project also trained twenty undergraduate and graduate students in field research including planting protocol, measurement of plant growth, flowering, and pod formation at different stages. Data analyses is another task that student were able to learn. Two of the students used a portion of the data to write their theses and another student is pursuing Ph.D. involving the crop. Thus, research and outreach activities envisaged in the project have been successfully implemented.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Rapheal Baggett, S.R. Mentreddy, J. Herring, and U. Bishnoi. 2011. Pigeonpea: A potential vegetable, grain and forage legume crop in Alabama. 16th Biennial Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, 1890 Insitutions. July 22-25, 2011. Atlanta, GA. Rapheal Baggett. 2011. Pegionpea: A potential Vegetable and Forage Crop for Small Farms in Alabama. Graduate student research presentation. AgWeek, College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences, Alabama A&M University. April 24, 2011. Wilson, C., Hui, E., Nwaneri, Davidson,C., Wang, J., Deng, Q., Duseja, D., Tegegne, F., (2011) Effects of planting dates, densities and varieties on Ecophysiology og Pigeonpea in the Southeastern United States. Journal of Agricultural Sciences.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Rapheal Baggett, S.R. Mentreddy, E. Cebert and U. Bishnoi. 2012. Evaluation of Pigeonpea for Growth, Vegetable Yield and Forage Quality in North Alabama. Abstracts, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA International Annual Meetings. Oct. 21-24, 2012. Cincinnati, OH. Tegene, F., Singh, S. P., Ekanem, E., & Bullock R. (2012) Pigeonpea as a niche crop for Small Farmers. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 42 (3). Wilson, C.D., Hui, F., Tegegne, F., Nwaneri, E., Davidson, C., and Duseja, D. (2012) Effects of Climate and Agricultural Practices on the Ecphysiology of Pigeonpea in the Southeastern United States. Journal of Pure and Applied Biology, 1(2): 33-39.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rapheal Baggett1, Rao Mentreddy, Ernst Cebert, Udai Bishnoi. 2013. Evaluation of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp ] as a food and feed crop on small farms in Alabama. STEM Day. Graduate Student Competitive Poster Presentation. AAMU, March 30, 2013. 2st Place Winner. Rao Mentreddy, Rapheal Baggett, Ernst Cebert, and Udai Bishnoi. 2013. Response of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp ] to planting date and spacing in Alabama. HortScience 47 (S): 52S
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: 1. Genotypic variation for growth and fresh pod yield of [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp ] in response to planting date and spacing in Alabama. Crop Science. 2. Forage yield and quality of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp ] genotypes grown in Alabama. 3. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp ]: A potential vegetable and forage crop for small farms in Alabama.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ms. Rapheal Baggett MS thesis research title: The evaluation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp) as vegetable and forage crop in Alabama.


Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Another round of planting pigeonpea was done on the Tennessee State University Research and Demonstration Farm located on the main cmpus.Four varieties of the crop were planted as in past years. Four additional farmers have also planted the crop to have experience in growing the crop on their farms and observe yield associated with it. A similar number planted it in 2011. A demonstration was made at the 2012 Tennessee State University Small Farm Expo to diverse groups that attended the event including area school children, extension professionals, farmers, representatives of various agricultural and related agencies, and researchers. A one page summary of project objectives, activities and accomplishments were distributed. Information was also provided to farmers and private businesses interested to invest in pigeonpea. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals working on the project at Tennessee State University are: F. Tegegne,D. Duseja, S. Singh, E. Ekanem, F. Bullock assisted by field workers. Researchers at the collaborating institutions are: H. Bhardwaj at Virginia State University and Rao Mentreddy at Alabama A and M University. Rao Srinivas at the USDA, ARS lab in Oklahoma is also a collaborator on the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Key target audiences are small farmers, extension professionals, entrpreneurs, students, researchers, marketers and policy makers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None

Impacts
As a result of presentations made on on one discussion at various meetings including the national small farm conferences, farmers and extension agents are aware about pigeonpea and its potenial as an alternative crop. Some area food stores have also expressed interest in purchasing large quantities of the crop. In addition, both undergraduate and graduate students continue to acquire experience in field crop production and the different aspects involved ranging from planting to harvesting. A graduate student will use some of the data to write his thesis and undergraduate students also have opportunity to do their senior projects using some of the project data. Availability of fund has made it possible to undertake the different actities including financial support for students throughout the year.

Publications

  • Tegegne, F., Singh, S.P., Duseja, D., Ekanem, E. and Bullock, R.. Pigeonpea as Niche Crop for Small Farmers. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 2012.
  • Wilson, C., Hui, D., Tegegne, F., Nwaneri, E., Davidson, C. and Duseja, D. Effects of Climate Change and Agricultural Practices on the Ecophysiology of Pigeonpea in the Southeastern United States. Journal of Applied and Pure Biology, 2012.
  • Wison, C., Dafeng H., Nwaneri, E., Davidson, C., Wang, J., Qi,D., Tegegne, F. Effects of Planting Dates,Densities and Varieties on Ecophysiology of Pigeonpea in the Southeastern United States. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2011.


Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

Outputs
(N/A)

Impacts
Agronomic data at different stages of the crop's growth beginning from seed germination, plant height growth, rate of flowering to maturity are being gathered by students. Preliminary analysis of Tennessee data shows that intra-row spacing has statistically signifiant impact on yield. That is, the more the spacing the more the yield. A number of students have been working on different aspects of the project acquiring experience in learning field based research. One student at each of the participating universities is expected to use a portion of the data for thesis writing.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Students acquired experiential learning opportunity in production agriculture and farm management as a result of being involved in project field work activities. Farmers have also been exposed to the potential economic benefit of producing pigeonpea by discussing with them at farmers meetings, field days and using demonstration. Opportunities to market the product to food stores are found to be very promising with offer from the stores indicating their willingness to buy large quantities of the product at premium price. The price of the product will vary depending on whether it is done on pick your own basis or picked and delivered to stores by the producers. The crop can be consumed when it is green as vegetable or as dry bean. Feedback from consumers who tasted pigeonpea dish prepared with rice has been very positive. PARTICIPANTS: The PI is resposible for acqusition and distribution of seed to the collaborating universities. He also overseees appropriate application of herbicide for weed management, harvesting and reporting activities. Dr. R. Bullock works on weed management applying pre and post emergence herbicide. He also participates in field plot design alongwth with myself, Drs. D. Duseja, S. P. Singh,and E. Ekanem. Mr. C. Robbins set up a demonstration plot at a TSU research station in Mcminville, Tennessee, shelled and weighed the crop harvested last year. Mr. E. Williams prepares the land for planting, and assisted in herbicide application. Dr. K. Sanford will help in designing and pre-testing survey of producers' adoption of pigeonpea to be conducted in the coming year.F. Stribiling will assist in the demonstration effort by organizing farmers to come to demonstration site. The PI with assistance from the Co-PIs and others on the project will develop various types of publications using project data and disseminate results to stakeholders. Dr. H. Bhardwaj and R. Mentreddy, Co-PIs at Virginia State and Alabama A and M Universities respectively, are entrusted with undertaking all roject activities ranging from planting to dissemination of results in their respective states. TARGET AUDIENCES: Small farmers, extension agents, researchers, students and agriculture policy makers. The former are being provided seed to plant on their fields and also being guided on the potential market outlets. Extension agents are assisting with selection of farmers to do the planting on their fields as well as organize other farmers to come to the demonstration sites. Students are involved in different activities ranging from planting to data collection. Researchers and policy makers would look into potential adoption of the crop, conduct cultivar improvement work. The results are also expected to provide input for policy makers in making decisions. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None

Impacts
Potential benefits of the crop are shared with farmers and other stakeholders at local, regional and national conferences including the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists and the 5th National Small Farm conference. Researchers at North Carolina A and T State University and extension agent at Delaware State University called us requesting for seeds. We sent them a sample of seeds and referred them to the company that holds such seeds for more seed supplies as we had limited quantities. They have since planted the crop on campus research station and on farmers' plots in the two states. Farmers have also called indicating their willingness to plant the crop on their fields. Planting on some farmers plots which began this year will continue next year along with demonstration. The project is laying the foundation for establishment of pigeonpea as a niche crop for small farmers in the three collaborating states and beyond.

Publications

  • Tegegne, F., Bullock, R., Singh, S.P., Duseja, D., Ekanem, E. and Williams, E. 2010. Benefits of Adopting Pigeonpea as a Niche Crop by Farmers. Abstract, Southern Rural Sociological Association Annual meeting, Orlando, Florida, February 7-9.


Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Agronomic and economic data are being collected from the crop planted at two different dates. Specific instructions are given for agronomic data collection while enterprise budget form is developed to collect various cost figures. Theses activities are being shared with other small farmers at various local, state meetings as well as regional and national conferences. The crop is at the flowering stage and developing pods. Harvesting will take place before the first freeze. PARTICIPANTS: Tegegne, F. Ekanem, E. Bullock, R. Singh, P. S. Duseja, D. Stribling, F. Robbins, C. Sanford, K. Partner organizations ARS, USDA (Rao, S.) NRCS, USDA Alabama A and M University (Rao, M.) Virginia State University (Bardwaj, H) TARGET AUDIENCES: Small farmers in Tennessee and Alabama PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The poject provides experiential learning opportunity for students that have been working in planting, and data collection involving different aspects. Analysis of yield data in relation to some variables is expected to yield outcomes that can have impact in enhancing adoption of pigeonpea by small farmers.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period