PULSES
1. Context
According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the total area sown under pulses in the current Kharif season from June till July 9, at 46.32 lakh hectares (lh), was 17.9% lower than the 56.43 lh during the corresponding period of last year. The acreage declines have been particularly sharp for Maharashtra (9.46 lh to 3.83 lh) and Karnataka (12.97 lh to 6.02 lh), while less in Madhya Pradesh (9.53 lh to 8.61 lh), Uttar Pradesh (3.69 lh to 2.70 lh) and Telangana (1.11 lh to 0.80 lh). On the other hand, the progressive coverage in Rajasthan, at 22.38 lh, has been higher compared with 16.82 lh for the same period of 2022.
2. Pulses in India
Pulses, also known as lentils or legumes, are an essential part of the Indian diet. India is one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses in the world. Pulses are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a staple food in many Indian households.
There are several varieties of pulses cultivated and consumed in India, including:
- Chickpeas (Chana): Chickpeas are one of the most widely consumed pulses in India. They are used to make dishes like chana masala, hummus, and falafel.
- Red Lentils (Masoor Dal): Red lentils are commonly used in Indian cuisine and are known for their quick cooking time. They are used to make dals, soups, and stews.
- Pigeon Peas (Toor Dal): Pigeon peas are a popular variety of pulses in India. Toor dal is a commonly cooked lentil dish made from these peas.
- Split Bengal Gram (Chana Dal): Chana dal is made from split Bengal gram and is commonly used in Indian curries, snacks, and sweets.
- Green Gram (Moong Dal): Green gram is another widely consumed pulse in India. Moong dal is a popular dish made from green gram and is used in both savory and sweet recipes.
- Black Gram (Urad Dal): Black gram is used to make urad dal, which is commonly used in South Indian cuisine to prepare dishes like dosa, idli, and vada.
- Kidney Beans (Rajma): Kidney beans are commonly used in North Indian cuisine to make dishes like rajma curry.
3. Impact of less rainfall
- Pulse production in India has been affected by below-average rainfall during the monsoon season.
- Maharashtra has experienced a rainfall shortfall of 23%, Karnataka 26.2%, and Telangana 30.9%.
- Rajasthan, however, has recorded a rainfall surplus of 155.4% during the same period.
- The reduction in pulse cultivation is particularly evident in arhar or tur (pigeon-pea) acreage, which has decreased by almost half.
- North Karnataka, Marathwada, and Vidarbha, known for arhar cultivation, have witnessed significant rainfall deficiencies.
- Urad (black gram) acreage has not seen a significant decline, while moong (green gram) acreage has actually increased.
- Rajasthan has contributed to the increased moong acreage, with higher cultivation in the state.
- Madhya Pradesh, the largest urad producer, has experienced only a marginal dip in acreage.
- Overall, the shortfall in pulse cultivation is a result of varying rainfall patterns across different regions in India.
4. Pulses Cultivation Challenges
- Crop Duration: Moong and urad are short-duration crops, ready for harvesting within 65-75 days after sowing during the kharif season.
- Arhar (pigeon-pea) Growth Cycle: Arhar takes 150-180 days to grow and is harvested in December-January, unlike moong and urad, which are harvested in September.
- Inter-cropping with Arhar: Arhar is commonly inter-cropped with soybean, cotton, and even moong and urad.
- Inter-cropping Process: Farmers typically sow arhar and soybean together after mid-June, coinciding with the onset of the monsoon. Soybean is harvested in 90-100 days (by end-September/early October), while arhar arrives in the market only after mid-December.
- Market Prices: Arhar is trading at high prices in Latur, India's largest wholesale market for pulses, currently priced at Rs 9,500-10,000 per quintal, exceeding the government-declared minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 7,000.
5. Challenges in Arhar Cultivation and Sowing Deadline
- Arhar is predominantly a rain-fed crop, with only 8% of its total area under irrigation.
- In Maharashtra, irrigation covers less than 2% of the arhar cultivation area, while in Karnataka, it covers about 12.5%.
- Arhar's long duration of 5-6 months requires sufficient rainfall, especially during germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and pod formation stages.
- Experts suggest that farmers should sow arhar only after receiving around 100 mm of rainfall, ensuring adequate soil moisture for initial growth.
- The Mahatma Phule Agricultural University recommends a cut-off date of July 10-12 for arhar sowing, with a maximum extension until July 30. Sowing after this period leads to reduced vegetative growth and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, potentially decreasing yields by 10% or more.
- Farmers are inter-cropping arhar with other crops like soybean and cotton to optimize land utilization.
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For Prelims: Pulses, Inter-cropping Process, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Minimum Support Price.
For Mains: 1. Examine the challenges and opportunities in pulse cultivation in India, and discuss the measures to enhance production and address the issues faced by farmers. (250 words).
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Previous Year Question1. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crops.
2. Green gram alone accounts for nearly half of the pulse production.
3. In the last three decades, while the production of Kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses had decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. In the case of all cereals, pulses, and oil seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
