World’s First Heat-Tolerant Pigeonpea Developed Through Speed Breeding Offers Lifeline to Indian Farmers

ICRISAT’s breakthrough cultivar ICPV 25444 matures in 125 days and thrives at 45°C, reshaping pigeonpea cultivation for extreme summer conditions.

09 June 2025, New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for climate-resilient agriculture, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has developed ICPV 25444, the world’s first heat-tolerant pigeonpea cultivar, capable of withstanding scorching temperatures up to 45°C and maturing in just 125 days. Developed through a revolutionary speed breeding technique, this variety marks a paradigm shift for pulse farmers in India and across the tropics.

Tested successfully in Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana, ICPV 25444 has delivered consistent yields of 2 tons per hectare, offering a critical solution to expand pigeonpea cultivation beyond its traditional kharif (monsoon) window into the extreme summer season.

A Milestone in Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Traditionally, pigeonpea cultivation has been restricted due to its sensitivity to both photoperiod and temperature. The introduction of ICPV 25444 is a game-changer, allowing all-season cultivation and making pigeonpea viable during periods of high heat and moisture stress.

“This breakthrough is a shining example of what science can achieve when driven by urgency and purpose,” said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT. “It empowers farmers to combat pulse shortages while building resilience against climate extremes.”

Speed Breeding: From 15 Years to 5

The development of ICPV 25444 was made possible by ICRISAT’s pioneering speed breeding protocol, launched in 2024. This innovative method allows scientists to generate up to four pigeonpea generations annually, drastically reducing breeding time from 15 years to just five years.

“Our protocol enabled us to fast-track genetic improvement,” explained Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research and Innovation at ICRISAT. “We’ve condensed a decade of work into half the time.”

Led by Dr Prakash Gangashetty, Senior Scientist for Pigeonpea Breeding, the team used controlled environments, 4-inch pots, and space-optimized planting to cultivate 18,000 plants per season in a 2,250 sq ft space. The breeding process was further accelerated using seed-chipping genomic technology, enhancing precision in trait selection.

Tackling India’s Pulse Deficit

India faces an annual shortfall of 1.5 million tons in pigeonpea, necessitating imports worth USD 800 million. The introduction of ICPV 25444 supports a dual expansion strategy:

• Vertical Expansion: Improved productivity during kharif across 5 million hectares.
• Horizontal Expansion: Summer and rabi cultivation in rice fallows and irrigated lands, particularly in tail-end command areas where traditional second crops underperform.

These regions—typically growing paddy-maize, paddy-vegetable, or double-paddy systems—are ideal for the new cultivar, especially under terminal moisture stress conditions. With yield potentials of 1.5–2 tons/ha, pigeonpea can improve net returns by approximately ₹20,000/ha (USD 234).

Field Trials Reflect Farmer Optimism

Initial field trials in Bagalkot, Karnataka, have yielded encouraging responses. Farmers Hanumantha Mirji and Basavaraj Ghanti, who tested the crop under high-density summer planting, reported healthy growth and robust performance.

“ICPV 25444 is a boon for summer pigeonpea cultivation. It matures in just four months and showed no signs of pest or disease pressure,” said Farmer Gururaj Kulkarni, who plans to expand cultivation next year.

“The crop is performing well, and farmers are satisfied with its summer adaptability,” added Dr Vijendra S Sangam, Head of the Varietal Research & Development Center at Karnataka State Seeds Corporation, Dharwad.

Global Partnerships and Future Prospects

Beyond India, ICRISAT’s innovation holds promise for global pigeonpea production. The institute is assembling a global trait diversity panel from its genebank collection of 13,000 accessions, enabling international collaborations across Asia, Africa, Brazil, Ecuador, and Australia.

“With our speed breeding platform, we are laying the groundwork for a new generation of climate-ready pigeonpea varieties globally,” said Dr Sean Mayes, Global Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement at ICRISAT.

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