AGRICULTURAL NEWS - Mofokeng said the pigeon pea could play an important role in sustaining the livelihood of poor rural African populations. In recent years, there had been an increased demand for nutritional foods rich in proteins, vitamins and essential minerals on the continent.
“The pigeon pea is made up of 18% to 26% protein. Some of the wild types have a protein content of 30% and above. It is also a rich source of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and zinc,” she said.
Nutritionally, pigeon pea contains more minerals, ten times more fat, five times more vitamin A and three times more vitamin C than ordinary peas and other food legumes such as cowpea and chickpea.
