Published Nov 01, 2023
Cowpea or lobiya farming is the cultivation of a protein-rich African legume. It's known for its adaptability to diverse climates and suitability for regions with limited water resources.
Cowpeas thrive in warm weather and do best in regions with lower rainfall. These plants prefer a moderate level of moisture for optimal growth.
Cowpeas grow well in soil that is sandy or sandy loam. To boost soil fertility, it is recommended to use farmyard manure (FYM) and plough the land five to six times before planting.
Apply 5 tonnes of well-decomposed compost. In addition, you can use 45 kg of urea and 120 kg of superphosphate per acre in the main fields for lobiya farming.
Cowpea seeds are sown using the dibbling method. In layout flatbed, spacing is typically set at either 45 cm by 35 cm or 70 cm by 50 cm in cowpea farming.
Cowpeas can be harvested in 3-5 months, but pick tender pods often. It can also be used for animal fodder or make organic fertiliser when they start flowering.