Largest Producer Of Pulses In India: Pulses are one of the main crops in India, benefiting many farmers and industries. Pulses are cultivated in many states, but there is one state that has the major share. Let's find out which state is the largest producer of pulses.
Which state is the largest producer of pulses in India?
Rajasthan, often referred to as the ‘king of pulses’, is located in northwestern India. Despite its arid climate, the state has emerged as the leading producer of pulses in the country. This achievement is attributed to its vast agricultural land, adoption of modern farming practices, and favourable climatic conditions that support pulse cultivation.
Why is Rajasthan the leader in pulse production?
Pulses can be cultivated in Rajasthan due to its unique agriculture and climatic features. The region also nurtures various pulses like moong, urad, gram and moth beans due to its semi-arid climate as well as sandy and loamy soils.
Top 5 Pulse-Producing States in India (2023–24)
| Rank | State | Production (Million Tonnes) | Key Pulses Produced |
| 1 | Madhya Pradesh | 6.18 | Gram, Tur (Pigeon Pea), Urad |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 4.00 | Tur, Moong, Urad |
| 3 | Rajasthan | 3.63 | Gram, Moong, Arhar, Moth |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | 2.56 | Gram, Lentils |
| 5 | Karnataka | 2.16 | Tur, Moong, Horse Gram |
Madhya Pradesh
The state of Madhya Pradesh leads pulse production in India at approximately 6.18 million tonnes, comprising primarily of gram, tur (pigeon pea) and urad (black gram). The favourable climate and well-drained and fertile soils make it very conducive for the production of pulses. One of the reasons for improving production is the various government initiatives aimed at promoting and supporting farmers.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra also largely contributes to pulse production, accounting for approximately 4.00 million tonnes, mainly consisting of tur, moong (green gram) and urad varieties. During the 2023-24 Kharif season, Maharashtra recorded a 14.56% decline in pulses sowing, mainly due to the delayed and poor monsoon season, which proved particularly troublesome for the Marathwada region.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan produces about 3.63 million tonnes of pulses, including gram, moong, and arhar moth. It has diverse agro-climatic zones where pulses could be cultivated with good returns. In spite of unfavourable weather conditions, Rajasthan still contributed a large chunk of the pulse production in the country.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has been able to increase pulse production by 36% from 2016-17, producing about 3.25 million tonnes of pulses in the 2022-23 season. Pulses such as urad, tur and moong are produced in Uttar Pradesh. The various government initiatives, including distributing seeds as well as developing various crop demonstrations under the National Food Security Mission, have helped Uttar Pradesh improve its pulse productivity.
Karnataka:
Karnataka has also improved its pulses production, as it produced approximately 2.16 million tonnes of pulses and mainly produced the tur and moong crops. Known as the "Tur Bowl of Karnataka", the Kalaburagi area produces a large amount of the state's tur.
Why Are Pulses Called Protein Powerhouses?
Pulses are called the protein powerhouse because they are an excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Significance Of Pulses In India
1. Nutritional Security
Pulses are a primary source of plant-based protein, especially for vegetarians. They are rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and dietary fibre, contributing to improved health outcomes and helping combat malnutrition.
2. Agricultural Sustainability
Pulses naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. This practice supports crop rotation and intercropping systems, promoting biodiversity and soil health.
3. Economic Importance
Pulses are a staple in the diets of millions, supporting rural economies by providing livelihoods to farmers. They contribute to food security and are a vital component of India's agricultural sector.
4. Environmental Benefits
Pulses require less water compared to other staples, making them suitable for cultivation in arid regions. Their cultivation emits fewer greenhouse gases, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
5. Cultural Significance
Pulses are deeply embedded in Indian cuisine and culture. Dishes like dal and khichdi are staples in many households, and pulses feature prominently in various festivals and traditional practices.
Geographical Advantages Of Rajasthan:
Climate: The semi-arid climate of Rajasthan, characterised by low rainfall, promotes the cultivation of drought-tolerant pulses. During the growing season pulp plants mature at a rate that maximises both quality and quantity.
Soil: The sandy and loamy soils of Rajasthan are ideal for growing pulses because they drain well and need little water. Pulses also benefit the soil with nitrogen fixation, benefitting other crops when planted consecutively.
Land Use: Rajasthan allocates a large part of its arability to raise pulses. The districts of Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Barmer are the major pulse-producing areas in Rajasthan.
Irrigation and Technology: Most pulses are rainfed, but in Rajasthan, there is a shift to more efficient micro-irrigation practices like drip irrigation in periods of reduced rainfall. The state has also adopted high-yielding seed varieties, which are drought resistant, to maximise potential yields.
Farming Tradition: Pulses are a longstanding crop in Rajasthan's agricultural tradition. The crop not only supports the livelihood of local farmers but also sustains the pulse processing sector in the state.
The Role of Pulses in India
Pulses in India are called the ‘protein powerhouse’. They are an essential part of the Indian diet and help millions of farmers. In addition to being nutrient-dense, pulse crops also help India achieve its sustainable agricultural goals by fixing nitrogen, a nutrient crucial to soil health.
Interesting Facts About Pulses:
- Nutrient-Packed: Pulses are a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- Drought Resistant: Pulses use less water than most crops, a benefit in dry conditions.
- Soil Fertility: Pulses are part of a plant system that naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil and improves fertility of the plant system.
- Export Role: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world.
- Climate Resilience: Pulses are able to grow in a variety of climate conditions throughout India.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation