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Context:

The space agency sent eight cowpea seeds as part of the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies experiment conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre to study plant growth in microgravity conditions.

About Cowpea

• Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual pea family (Fabaceae) plant.
• It is a long-stalked legume crop producing black, white, or red-colored seeds that is widely used in various food preparations.
• It originated and domesticated in southern Africa and was later translocated to eastern and western Africa and Asia.
• It is also known as black-eyed pea, southern pea, etc.
• Cowpeas are typically climbing or trailing vines that bear compound leaves with three leaflets.
• Cereals contain 25% protein and several vitamins and minerals.
• The plant tolerates drought, thrives in various soils, and, like a legume, supplements low-fertile soils when the roots are allowed to rot.
  • • A well-drained loamy or slightly heavy soil is best.
    • In cooler climates, somewhat sandy soils are preferred because crops ripen earlier.
• It is mainly grown by small farmers in developing areas, where it is often grown with other crops because it tolerates shade.
• It also grows quickly and covers the ground, preventing erosion.
• The largest world production and consumption of cowpea is in West Africa, accounting for more than 87% of world production and use.
  • • Nigeria, the largest producer and consumer, accounts for 46% of global production.
• In the Indian context, it is a minor pulse grown mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and West UP, along with significant areas in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Important Vitamins

Source:

THE HINDU