ATTAPPADY THUVARA (Attappady Red Gram)

Red gram or Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) belongs to family Leguminosae. It is known as "Thuvara" in Malayalam and "Thomara" in tribal language. Is is mainly cultivated by tribal farmers of the area. Attappady thuvara has large seeds with more seed size and weight and it has better nutritive value. This cultivar has wide adaptability to diverse climate and soils. It performs well in the marginal environments and has the inherent ability to withstand environmental stresses, especially drought. Attappady thuvara is an important traditional tribal crop of Attappady area in Palakkad district, Kerala.

Attappady is a rain shadow region receiving less amount of rainfall and this traditional cultivar is highly adapted to the dry climatic conditions of Attappady tract. Generally, red gram is a hardy crop and can survive better in adverse climatic conditions and diverse soils. It performs well in the marginal environments and has the inherent ability to withstand environmental stresses, especially drought.

The most unique features of this redgram is adaptation to adverse climatic conditions, spreading growth habit and ability to be maintained for 2-3 years without much care. The seed size and seed weight is more in this redgram. The color of seed coat is mainly cream. Compared to many cultivars it has less tannin and phenol content making it suitable to use as vegetable and dhal. It has better content of protein, dietary fibre, minerals and vitamins

Tannins have also been reported to exert other physiological effects, such as to accelerate blood clotting, reduce blood pressure, decrease the serum lipid level, produce liver necrosis, and modulate immune responses. Tannins reduce the taste also. Attappady Thuvara has recorded less tannins and phenols and hence is more tasty. Attappady thuvara is an important traditional crop of Attappady tribal area in Palakkad district, Kerala. Attappady is spread over three grama panchayaths namely Agali, Pudur and Sholayur. Attappady thuvara is cultivated in 700 ha area in Attappady. It is used as vegetable and also as 'dhal".