Pulses are annual leguminous crops yielding between 1-12 grains or seeds of variable size, shape and colour within a pod, used for both food and feed. The term “pulses” is limited to crops harvested solely for dry grain, thereby excluding crops harvested green for food, which are classified as vegetable crops, as well as those crops used mainly for oil extraction and leguminous crops that are used exclusively for sowing purposes.
Besides serving as an important source of protein for a large portion of the global population, pulses contribute to healthy soils and climate change mitigation through their nitrogen-fixing properties. Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea / Desi Chana), Pigeon Peas (Arhar / Toor / Red Gram), Green Beans (Moong Beans), Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana), Black Matpe (Urad / Mah / Black Gram), Red Kidney Beans (Rajma), Black Eyed Peas (Lobia), Lentils (Masoor), White Peas (Matar) are major pulses grown and consumed in India.
India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world. Pulses account for around 20 percent of the area under food grains and contribute around 7-10 percent of the total food grains production in the country. Madhya Pradesh is a major pulse-producing state in the country; it caters to 32 percent of the country’s total production. Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60 per cent of the total production.
Since ages, pulses have been well integrated into the farming system of our country as the farmers could produce them by using their own seeds and family labour without depending much on external inputs. With the advent of the Green Revolution, which promoted rice and wheat using external inputs and modern varieties of seeds, pulses were pushed to the marginal lands. This resulted in decline in productivity and land degradation. Thus, pulses are still cultivated on the marginal and sub marginal land, predominantly under un-irrigated conditions. The trend of commercialisation of agriculture has further aggravated the status of pulses in the farming system.
The average productivity per hectare of various pulses at the national level is:
- Moong: 414 kg / hectare (kharif), 577 kg / hectare (zaid)
- Urad: 519 kg / hectare (Kharif), 745 kg / hectare (zaid)
- Arhar: 725 kg / hectare
- Moth: 382 kg / hectare
- Chick pea: 932 kg / hectare
- Peas and beans: 940 kg / hectare
- Lathyrus: 776 kg / hectare
The average yield of all pulses is about 660 kg / hectare compared to the world average of 909 kg / hectare. Surprisingly, the average yield of Bahrain is 18,485 kg / hectare, the highest in the world. It is obvious that there is a vast scope to increase the yield.
There are numerous agricultural universities, research stations and national/ international centres in the country for development of new, high-yielding varieties with pest and disease resistance. Yet, the production is not very high.
There has to be planned efforts including adequate financial investment to evolve pulse crop varieties which are high-yielding and resistant to diseases, drought, flood and salinity. Special efforts should be initiated through scientists, subject matter specialists, extension workers, NGOs and farmers to make India self-sufficient in pulse production. In this connection, improved technologies for pulses cultivation should be demonstrated at different parts of the country particularly in non-traditional areas by krishi vigyan kendra (KVKs) to motivate pulse growing farmers. Besides technology support, seeds of improved and hybrid varieties of pulses must be distributed among progressive farmers and extension workers to boost pulse production.
To overcome the pulse crisis in future, emphasis may be given on farm processing and value addition of pulses and storage facilities which are needed as pulses grain are easily damaged by insects and pests. Pulses seeds being hygroscopic in nature, absorb moisture from the atmosphere until the equilibrium is reached between the vapour pressure of seed and atmosphere. Therefore, efforts should be made that relative humidity in the seed storage is kept as low as possible and any chance of absorbing moisture by the seed from the atmosphere is avoided. For this proper packaging techniques needs to be adopted. Aeration during storage of seed is important, particularly when moisture content is low. Emphasis may also be given on pulses processing techniques, utilization centre and development of local markets for pulse produce. So that better harvest of pulses may improve the economy and living standard of small and marginal farmers.
Further, Pulses’ inclusion under PDS makes sense in a country that has dismal nutrition indicators. The Global Hunger Index (2021), which is calculated on the basis of undernourishment of the population, child stunting, wasting and child mortality, placed India at the 101th spot among 116 countries.
Though some states already include them under their Integrated Child Development Scheme and mid-day meal programmes, pulses’ inclusion under PDS could help fight malnutrition. Experts also say it will encourage farmers to grow more pulses. There is no limit on the procurement of wheat and rice. If the limit on pulses is removed, it can help ease the demand.
Given the importance of pulses in food and nutritional security, the United Nations declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. Food and Agriculture Organization’s Soil and Pulses: Symbiosis of Life report released on the occasion, established an implicit relationship between pulses and soil quality, and their criticality to Sustainable Development Goals. It is high time that pulses regain their lost glory in India for better health and sustainability.
