With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
- Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
- Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
- In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests knowledge about pulse cultivation patterns and production trends in India. Statement 1 is correct as black gram is a versatile pulse cultivated in both seasons, while statements 2 and 3 contain factual inaccuracies regarding production shares and trends.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Black gram (Urad dal) is indeed cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop in India, showing its adaptability to different seasons and agro-climatic conditions.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Green gram does not account for nearly half of pulse production; Chickpea (Chana) is the dominant pulse contributing approximately 40% of total pulse production in India.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Both kharif and rabi pulse production have increased over the last three decades due to government initiatives like National Food Security Mission and improved varieties; rabi pulses contribute over 60% of total production and have shown substantial growth.
📝 Short Notes: Pulse Production in India
| Pulse Type | Dominant Season | Share in Production | Major Producing States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickpea (Chana) | Rabi | ~40% | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra |
| Pigeon Pea (Arhar/Tur) | Kharif | ~15% | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh |
| Black Gram (Urad) | Both Kharif & Rabi | ~10% | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Green Gram (Moong) | Both Kharif & Rabi | ~10% | Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka |
| Lentil (Masur) | Rabi | ~7% | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal |
- Seasonal Distribution: Rabi pulses account for about 60-65% of total pulse production, while kharif pulses contribute 35-40%.
- Growth Trends: Both kharif and rabi pulse production have increased significantly since 1990s due to improved varieties, better agronomic practices, and government support schemes.
- India's Position: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally, accounting for about 25% of world production.
- Key Initiatives: National Food Security Mission-Pulses (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and minimum support price (MSP) have boosted pulse production.
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