Coimbatore: More than 1,000 farmers in the district are expected to benefit from cowpea cultivation scheme that is aimed at increasing pulse production and promoting climate-resilient farming practices.District agriculture joint director M Tamilselvi said the Rs22.3 lakh scheme has been sanctioned for Coimbatore to encourage cultivation of cowpea, a short-duration pulse crop that requires comparatively less water and offers high nutritional value.She said the crop requires only around 350mm of water and contains high levels of protein and fibre, making it suitable both for human consumption and as fodder for livestock. The crop could also be cultivated in two seasons.According to Tamilselvi, Coimbatore receives an average annual rainfall of 611mm, of which around 135mm is recorded in summer. The district is expected to receive nearly 88mm rainfall in May this year. Moderate rainfall has already been reported in areas such as Mettupalayam, Annur, Madukkarai, Kinathukadavu, Periyanaickenpalayam and Sulur.