Pea

Overview

Production

Country Production

Cultivation

What is Pea?

Peas are small, spherical seeds, or seed pods, of the plant species Pisum sativum, typically green or yellow. The seed pods, which develop from the flower's ovary, are considered fruits as they contain seeds. Other edible seeds from the Fabaceae family, like the pigeon pea and cowpea, may also be referred to as peas. These plants have a one-year life cycle and an average weight between 0.1 to 0.36 grams.

Peas are a type of legume that has been cultivated for thousands of years and are now enjoyed all around the world. They are nutritious and versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways and used in many different dishes.

Peas come in several different varieties, including green peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas. Green peas are the most commonly consumed variety and can be found fresh, frozen, or canned. Snow peas and sugar snap peas are both eaten with their pods and are often used in stir-fries and salads.

Peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and potassium. They are also high in fiber and protein, making them a filling and satisfying food.

One of the most popular ways to prepare peas is by boiling them, either alone or with other vegetables. They can also be roasted, steamed, or sautéed. Peas are a common ingredient in soups, stews, and curries, and are often used to add flavor and nutrition to pasta dishes and salads.

In addition to their culinary uses, peas also have a variety of other applications. They are commonly used as animal feed and are a popular ingredient in pet food. Pea protein is also becoming increasingly popular as a vegan protein source and can be found in a variety of protein powders and supplements.

Peas are relatively easy to grow and can be grown in a variety of climates. They are typically planted in the early spring and can be harvested in the summer months. Peas are a great crop for home gardeners, as they require minimal maintenance and can provide a bountiful harvest.

In conclusion, peas are a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein and are a great addition to any diet. Whether you are a home gardener looking to grow your peas or a chef looking for new ways to incorporate this tasty legume into your dishes, peas are a food that is sure to please.

Green Peas Production in the World

The global production of Green Peas plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, China is the top producer, contributing 11,821,097 tonnes, which accounts for 55.02% of the total global production. India ranks second, producing 6,592,000 tonnes, representing 30.68% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Pakistan, France, and United States, with production levels of 401,866, 268,200, and 237,270 tonnes, respectively. Mauritius has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 2 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Green Peas reached approximately 21,484,772 tonnes in 2023.

Top 10 Countries by Green Peas Production in 2023

Countries Ranked by Green Peas Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)	Acreage (Hectare)	Yield
1	China	11,821,097	1,471,959	8,031
2	India	6,592,000	609,000	10,824
3	Pakistan	401,866	54,177	7,418
4	France	268,200	40,150	6,680
5	United States	237,270	46,944	5,054
6	Algeria	211,552	39,074	5,414
7	United Kingdom	155,616	36,233	4,295
8	Kenya	150,074	25,288	5,935
9	Turkiye	147,344	14,401	10,232
10	Peru	142,804	36,320	3,932
11	Russia	122,519	27,804	4,407
12	Spain	114,530	19,700	5,814
13	Egypt	105,941	14,162	7,481
14	Hungary	91,350	18,490	4,941
15	Morocco	89,544	14,386	6,224
16	Italy	72,530	15,170	4,781
17	Belgium	62,400	9,600	6,500
18	Mexico	58,692	10,050	5,840
19	Tunisia	54,052	12,681	4,263
20	Poland	49,500	8,400	5,893
21	Canada	43,661	10,335	4,225
22	Guatemala	41,803	5,451	7,669
23	Netherlands	37,250	6,230	5,979
24	New Zealand	30,633	4,648	6,591
25	Argentina	29,972	14,825	2,022
26	Australia	25,448	5,786	4,399
27	Japan	23,665	3,219	7,352
28	Bolivia	20,802	16,323	1,274
29	Ukraine	20,350	4,500	4,522
30	Germany	20,310	3,820	5,317
31	Serbia	19,711	5,310	3,712
32	Sweden	17,350	6,200	2,798
33	Syria	16,949	2,095	8,090
34	Iran	15,914	2,737	5,814
35	Chile	15,252	1,691	9,019
36	Tanzania	9,590	5,401	1,776
37	Austria	8,650	1,920	4,505
38	Lebanon	8,527	1,170	7,290
39	Finland	7,830	3,910	2,003
40	Mali	7,289	1,311	5,560
41	Portugal	7,280	1,540	4,727
42	Albania	7,143	547	13,049
43	Greece	7,130	870	8,195
44	Libya	6,296	1,197	5,259
45	South Africa	6,197	2,643	2,345
46	Ecuador	5,560	2,485	2,237
47	Philippines	5,077	1,638	3,100
48	Belarus	4,989	1,496	3,335
49	Uzbekistan	4,975	834	5,964
50	Denmark	4,110	1,090	3,771
51	Norway	4,000	694	5,762
52	Switzerland	3,910	1,031	3,792
53	Moldova	3,903	1,344	2,904
54	Slovakia	3,560	1,330	2,677
55	Ethiopia	3,256	537	6,063
56	Croatia	3,160	390	8,103
57	Thailand	2,978	232	12,852
58	Palestine	2,731	272	10,044
59	Czech Republic	2,630	1,020	2,578
60	Belize	2,558	928	2,755
61	Taiwan	2,517	267	9,413
62	Malawi	2,336	1,133	2,061
63	Jordan	2,207	244	9,045
64	Romania	2,140	1,070	2,000
65	Azerbaijan	2,062	431	4,785
66	Zimbabwe	2,050	453	4,527
67	Kazakhstan	1,672	405	4,130
68	North Macedonia	1,653	964	1,715
69	Bulgaria	1,410	530	2,660
70	Madagascar	1,397	1,326	1,054
71	Kyrgyzstan	987	100	9,866
72	Cyprus	660	50	13,200
73	Armenia	631	172	3,666
74	Hong Kong	421	56	7,463
75	Bhutan	333	136	2,450
76	Montenegro	280	136	2,065
77	Estonia	200	130	1,539
78	Lithuania	190	170	1,118
79	Malta	130	-	-
80	Slovenia	130	40	3,250
81	Israel	46	6	8,309
82	Iraq	18	3	6,000
83	Niger	17	8	2,051
84	Kuwait	3	1	5,000
85	Mauritius	2	-	-

Cultivation of Pea

Cultivating peas is a relatively easy and rewarding gardening activity. Here are some basic steps to get you started:

Soil preparation: Peas grow best in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If your soil is poor, add compost or aged manure to improve its quality.
Planting: Plant Pea seeds directly in the garden in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Space the seeds 1-2 inches apart, and plant them 1-2 inches deep. If you're planting in rows, space the rows about 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing: Peas are light feeders, but they will benefit from a boost of nitrogen. You can side-dress the plants with a balanced fertilizer when they are about 6 inches tall.
Support: Pea plants grow as vines and need support to keep them from sprawling on the ground. You can provide support by installing a trellis, stakes, or a fence.
Harvesting: Peas are ready to be harvested when the pods are plump and firm. Pick them regularly to encourage continued production. Once the plants are finished producing, you can remove them from the garden and add them to the compost pile.

In general, green beans are well-suited for growing in temperate climates with moderate temperatures and moist soils. They are also well-suited for growing in raised beds or containers, making them a good choice for urban gardeners or those with limited garden space.

Nutritional Information of Pea

Peas are a type of legume that is commonly consumed around the world. They are a rich source of many nutrients and have a variety of health benefits. We will explore the nutritional value of peas and how can be incorporated into a healthy diet.

Peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, K, A, folate, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy body and can help to prevent various diseases and conditions.

Vitamin C: Peas are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Vitamin K: Peas are also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Peas contain vitamin B1, which is important for converting food into energy.
Vitamin B6: Peas are a good source of vitamin B6, which is important for brain development and function.
Folate: Peas are a good source of folate, which is important for DNA synthesis and cell division.
Iron: Peas are a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.
Magnesium: Peas contain magnesium, which is important for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function.
Potassium: Peas are a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Zinc: Peas contain zinc, which is important for immune system function and wound healing.

One of the main benefits of consuming peas is their high fiber content. Fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and can help to prevent constipation and other digestive problems. Peas are also low in fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight.

Another important nutrient found in peas is protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for maintaining muscle mass. Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Here are some estimates of the protein content in peas:

Green peas (cooked): 1 cup contains about 8 grams of protein.
Split peas (cooked): 1 cup contains about 16 grams of protein.
Pea protein powder: 1 scoop (approximately 30 grams) contains about 20-25 grams of protein.

Peas are also rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that can help to prevent damage to cells and tissues in the body. These antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Flavonoids: Peas contain a type of flavonoid called catechin, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Carotenoids: Peas are a good source of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which can help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
Phenolic acids: Peas contain phenolic acids such as ferulic acid and coumaric acid, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Anthocyanins: Some varieties of peas, such as purple or blue peas, contain anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that may help protect against cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.

Green peas are a nutritious food that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup of cooked green peas contains approximately:

Calcium: 28 mg.
Fiber: 8 g.
Folate: 84 mcg.
Iron: 1.9 mg.
Magnesium: 45 mg.
Potassium: 558 mg.
Protein: 8 g.
Vitamin A: 535 IU.
Vitamin C: 46 mg.

In conclusion, peas are a nutritious and versatile food that should be included in a healthy diet. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. Consuming peas can help to maintain digestive health, prevent chronic diseases, and support overall health and well-being.

Structure of Pea

Both low-growing and vining varieties of peas exist.

The climbing vine cultivars can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters (3 ft 3 to 6 ft 7 in) by producing thin tendrils from their leaves that coil around any accessible support.

To support climbing peas traditionally, woody plant branches that have been cut off trees or other plants are pushed upright into the soil, creating a lattice for the peas to climb.

Branches used in this way are known as pea brushes or pea sticks. The same purpose is served by metal fences, twine, or netting supported by a frame.

Peas help one another to a considerable extent in thick plants. Pea plants are capable of pollinating themselves.

The pea is a type of legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Like other legumes, peas have a distinctive structure that includes several parts, including:

Pod: The outer layer of the pea is a pod, which is a long, slender, and slightly curved structure that encloses the seeds. Pea pods can be either edible or inedible, depending on the variety.
Seeds: The seeds are the small, round structures that are found inside the pod. Peas contain several seeds, each of which is wrapped in a thin layer of tissue.
Cotyledons: When a pea seed germinates, it splits open, revealing two cotyledons, which are the embryonic leaves of the plant. These cotyledons provide the seedling with nutrients until it can develop its leaves and start photosynthesizing.
Embryo: The embryo is a tiny plant that is enclosed within the seed. It consists of the cotyledons, a shoot tip, and a root tip.

The Structure of the pea is well-suited for its role as a seed-bearing plant that can grow into a new plant. The pod protects the seeds and allows them to disperse efficiently, while the seeds contain all the nutrients needed to support the growth of a new plant.

Uses of Pea

Green peas are a versatile vegetable that has many uses in cooking and baking. Some common uses of green peas include:

Side dishes: Green peas can be steamed, boiled, or stir-fried and served as a side dish with main course meals.
Soups and stews: Green peas can be added to soups and stews to add flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Salads: Green peas can be added to salads for a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
Rice dishes: Green peas can be added to rice dishes such as pilaf or fried rice to add flavor and nutrition.
Snacks: Green peas can be enjoyed raw as a snack, or roasted and salted for a crunchy treat.
Baked goods: Green peas can be added to baked goods such as bread, muffins, and cakes to add moisture and flavor.
Sauces and dips: Green peas can be blended into sauces and dips for a creamy texture and a burst of flavor.

Green peas are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and iron. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to many dishes.

Climate Require for Production of Pea

The plants will develop best at temperatures between 13 and 18 °C (55 to 64 °F), however, the seeds can be put in as soon as the soil reaches 10 °C (50 °F). They do well in colder, high-altitude tropical regions, but do not survive in the summer heat of warmer temperate and lowland tropical climates. About 60 days after planting, many cultivars are mature.

Pea