With reference to pulse production in India

With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
  2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
  3. 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?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation

During kharif, it is cultivated throughout the country. It is best suited to rice fallows during rabi in southern and south-eastern parts of India. Black gram needs relatively heavier soils than green gram. So, statement 1 is correct.

Gram is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong (Green gram) at around 8-10 per cent each. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States. Productivity of pulses is 764 kg/ha. So, statement 2 is not correct.

In the last three decades, the production of kharif pulses first decreased then increased and the production of rabi pulses has also increased. So, statement 3 is not correct.

  • Exam Year: 2020