Commercial perspectives of intercropping peas and lentils - IntercropVALUES Practice Abstract

Summary

The practice can result in more efficient resource use, lower costs, improved resilience, soil health and climate benefits, as both crops can fix atmospheric nitrogen. Peas typically grow more vigorously and can support lower-growing lentils.
Practical recommendations
To reap the benefits of pea-lentil intercropping, the final product must be commercially acceptable. Due to the cleaning costs of harvested seeds, cross-contamination or grain impurities need to be accepted. Otherwise, costs can be in excess of what can be covered commercially.
• Minimise cleaning costs: Ensure physical differences in grain shape or size between crops to reduce cleaning costs— e.g., through varietal choice—thereby ensuring commercial viability.
• Cross contamination must be accepted at an agreed level within the value chain, as 100% clean end product is not commercially sustainable. The level of contamination depends on usage of the cleaned seeds and is specific for end use.
• Farmers need to explore and agree upon commercial options with wholesalers and millers to minimize sales risks. This includes options such as high protein flour that can be used for bread and for other use in bakeries.
• Ensure physical differences in grain shape or size between crops to reduce cleaning costs – i.e., wheat and peas – hereby ensuring commercial viability. Alternatively, the risk profile needs to be agreed upon among partners involved