Previous Year Question

The total area cultivated under pulses in India remained broadly stagnant for a prolonged period. Although it fluctuated from year to year during the decade relevant to the question, the area generally remained around 22–24 million hectares over the longer period.

For example:

• The area under pulses was approximately 20.35 million hectares in 2000-01.

• It remained around 22–24 million hectares during several years in the middle of the decade.

• It was approximately 23.28 million hectares in 2009-10.

The area under pulses was therefore considered more or less stagnant compared with broader changes in other agricultural indicators.

Major reasons for stagnation included:

1. Preference for wheat, rice and sugarcane on irrigated and fertile land.

2. Concentration of pulse cultivation on rain-fed and marginal land.

3. Relatively slow improvement in pulse yields compared with wheat and rice.

4. Limited irrigation, quality seeds and technical support.

5. Greater production risk from pests, diseases and uncertain rainfall.

6. Comparatively weaker assured procurement.

Economic and agricultural importance of pulses:

• They are a major source of protein in the Indian diet.

• Chickpea, pigeon pea, lentil, moong and urad are important pulse crops.

• They fix atmospheric nitrogen through association with Rhizobium bacteria.

• Their inclusion in crop rotation can improve soil fertility.

• They generally require less water than wheat and rice.

Examination of the options:

• Rice: Its cultivated area was large, but irrigation and agricultural expansion produced regional changes.

• Oilseeds: The Technology Mission on Oilseeds and price incentives caused notable changes in oilseed area.

• Pulses: Their area remained broadly confined to the range of about 22–24 million hectares for a prolonged period.

• Sugarcane: Its cultivated area experiences stronger cyclical fluctuations because of prices, sugar-industry demand and water availability.