Description

🟢 Arka Mangala pea is a high-yielding yard-long bean (cowpea) variety developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR). Despite the name “pea,” it’s actually a vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) known for its exceptionally long, tender pods and vigorous growth.

🌿 Key Features

• Growth Habit: Pole-type climber; requires support
• Pod Length: Can reach up to 1.5 meters—hence the nickname “meter bean”
• Texture: Stringless, smooth, and round in cross-section
• Yield: Around 25 tonnes per hectare
• Season: Suitable for Kharif and Rabi seasons

🍽️ Culinary Value

• Used in stir-fries, curries, and traditional Kerala dishes like payar mezhukkupuratti
• Tender pods are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• Absorbs spices beautifully and cooks quickly

🌱 Cultivation Tips

• Climate: Thrives in warm, humid conditions—perfect for Kerala
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil enriched with compost
• Support: Needs trellising or stakes due to its climbing nature
• Harvest: Ready in 60–75 days; pick when pods are tender and glossy