Cowpea, ( Vigna unguiculata ), annual plant within the pea family (Fabaceae) grown for its edible legumes. The plants are thought to be native to West Africa and are widely cultivated in warm regions around the world. Learn about the season, varieties, seed treatment, fertilizer application, sowing, weeding, interculture, harvesting and post-harvest operations of cowpea in Tamil Nadu. Cowpea is a pulse crop with high protein and nutritional value, suitable for rainfed and irrigated conditions. Although cowpea is known to be a quick-growing weed-fighter, it is less successful at suppressing perennial grasses, so cultivation of rows may be required for weed control when it is grown for dry seed. Because cowpea can grow on nutrient poor soils and fix its own nitrogen, no nitrogen fertilizer is required. Cowpea is a warm-season legume crop that is widely grown in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, and can be used as food, forage, or cover crop.
