Pigeonpea has many unique characteristics:

1. Finds an important place in the farming systems adopted by smallholder farmers;

2. Grown on mountain slopes to reduce soil erosion;
3. Seed protein content (21%) compares well with other grain legumes;

1. Main use as dhal (dry, dehulled, split seed used for cooking) .
2. Green seeds are used as a vegetable.
3. Crushed dry seeds as animal feed.
4. Green leaves as fodder.
5. Stalks as fuel wood and to make huts, baskets, etc.
6. Plants are also used to culture the lac-producing insect.