Journal of AgriSearch 2(2): 75-83 ISSN : 2348-8808 (Print ), 2348-8867 (Online)

Pulses Production in India: Present Status,

Bottleneck and Way Forward
ANIL KUMAR SINGH*, SS SINGH1 , VED PRAKASH, SANTOSH KUMAR AND SK DWIVEDI

ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, India

ABSTRACT
India is the still by and large vegetarian in dietary habit and heavily depends upon vegetative
source to meet out its daily protein requirement. India is bound to be global leader in terms
of production and consumer of pulses. Since, India is leading importer of pulses, production
ARTICLE INFO of pulse/ legume crops has been stagnant over the years. Consequent upon this there is
Received on : 16.04.2015
widening gap between demand and supply. About 20 % of the total pulses demands are
Accepted on : 06.05.2015 met by imports only. Apart from legumes fix atmospheric ‘N’ in readily available form to
Published online : 01.06.2015 the upcoming succeeding crop. Associated non legume intercrop also gets benefited by ‘N’
transfer from legume roots up to some extent. It also contributes to sustain production system
through physical, chemical and biological improvements of soil properties, as a rotation
effect. The seed replacement rate is still (<30%) which lower than cereals especially wheat
and rice. This paper addresses the bottleneck and focus on the way forward for improving
pulses production in India, vertically and horizontally as well.

Keywords: Bottleneck, Policy intervention, Pulses scenario, Way forward,

INTRODUCTION Table 1: Nutritive value of Pulse

Pulses are the important sources of proteins, vitamins Constituents Magnitudes
and minerals (Table 1) and are popularly known Protein >20-%
as “Poor man’s meat” and “rich man’s vegetable”, Carbohydrate 55 – 60%
contribute significantly to the nutritional security of
Fat >1.0%
the country. Currently, we are in the mid-way of self-
Fibre 3.2%
sustaining in pulses production as we are world leader
Phosphorus 300-500 mg/100 g
in production, consumption and import as well. India
import 2-3 million tons (MT) of pulses during 2010-11, Iron 7-10mg/100 g
causing huge hard foreign earning. By the 2050 we Vitamin C 10-15 mg/100 g
will able to sustain our production and we turned to Calcium 69 -75mg/100g
net importer to net exporter for pulses if every things Calorific value 343
goes as per plan. Another unique feature is its source Vitamin A 430-489 IU
of livelihood and still not a commercial business (Singh
et al., 2013a).
more importantly India is also the largest importer and
Pulses Scenario in India processor of pulses in the world. Ironically, the country’s
pulse production has been hovering around 14– 15
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in
MT, coming from a near-stagnated area of 22– 23 M ha,
the world accounting for about 29 per cent of the world
since 1990–91 (Singh et al., 2013a). Major areas under
area and 19 per cent of the world’s production. Even
pulses are in the States of Madhya Pradesh (20.3%),
Maharashtra (13.8%), Rajasthan (16.4), Uttar Pradesh
1
Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
(9.5%), Karnataka (9.3%), Andhra Pradesh (7.9%),
Corresponding author email: [email protected] Chhattisgarh (3.8%), Bihar (2.6%) and Tamil Nadu
76 Singh et al [Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2]

(2.9%). Pulse productivity which was 441 kg/ha in 1950 abrupt climatic changes, emergence of new species/
increased up to 689 kg/ha during 2011, registering 0.56% strains of insect-pests and diseases, and increasing
annual growth rate (Table 2). deficiency of secondary and micronutrients in the soil.
This requires a two-pronged proactive strategy, i.e.
Table 2: Compound growth rate achieved in pulses
improving per unit productivity and reducing cost of
production in India during the period 1950-
2011 production. The yield levels of pulses have remained
low and stagnant, also area and total production.
Particular Pulses Number of districts harvesting more than 0.8 or 1 t/
Productivity (1950) 441 kg/ha
ha yield of kharif pulses is very less (Annoymus, 2013).
Situation of rabi pulses is better in this regard. The gap
Productivity (2011) 689 kg/ha
between demand and supply has been widening and
Overall compound growth rate (%) 1.011
has necessitated import of pulses of 2.8 million tons in
Compound growth rate (%) Area 0.52
2007-08. Perusal of data presented in Table 3 revealed
Compound growth rate (%) Production 1.27 that Uttar Pradesh contributes significantly to the pulses
Compound growth rate (%) Productivity 0.73 production and its share to the national pulses security
Source: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, is 21.8% with 3.196 MT. Other two leading states are
Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with 19.5% and 13.6%
production share of India. Only eight states contributing
Production of pulses in 2008-09 was 14.66 million tons
90 % of total pulses production.
with an average yield of 655 kg/ha. In the Year 2013-14
India produced record 19.5 MT of total pulses. Share Table 3: State wise contribution in the Indian pulses
of chickpea, pigeonpea, mungbean and urdbean to production
total production has been worked out about 39, 21, 11
State Production Production
and 10%, respectively. Lentil and field pea accounted
(MT) (%)
for 7- and 5% share of total production. For meeting
Uttar Pradesh 3.196 21.8
the demand of the growing population, the country is
importing pulses to the tune of 2.5–3.5 MT every year. Madhya Pradesh 2.859 19.5
Strong upward trend in the import of pulses is a cause Rajasthan 1.994 13.6
of concern, since an increase in demand from India has Maharastra 1.407 9.6
shown to have cascading effect on international prices, Orissa 1.202 8.2
thus draining the precious foreign exchange. By 2050, the Bihar 1.041 7.1
domestic requirements would be 26.50 Mt, necessitating Karnataka 0.777 5.3
stepping up production by 81.50%, i.e. 11.9 Mt additional Haryana 0.748 5.1
produce at 1.86% annual growth rates. Other states 1.437 9.8
This uphill task has to be accomplished under more Total 14.66 100
severe production constraints, especially abiotic stresses,

Fig 1: Decadal growth in All-India Area, Production and Productivity of pulses

Source: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India

[Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2] Pulses Production scenario in India 77

Data presented in Table 4 reveal the importance of the IGP can thus be achieved by fine tuning management
individual legume crop in national pulse production. aspects and thereby increasing total system productivity
Chickpea top the list with 26.85 and 38.81 per cent share and sustainability (Ramakrishna et al., 2000; Reddy, 2009
with respect to area and production in India, followed by and Singh et al., 2012).
pigeonpea and mungbean respectively. Lentil occupies
only 4.94 % area and corresponding contribution in Unfavourable weather conditions
national pulseproduction is 6.96%. Poor soil and agro-climatic conditions not only compel
late sowing of legumes, leads to reduced length of
Table 4: Contribution of individual Pulses in India growing period but also necessitate to sustain cold
Scenario injuries at early vegetative phase which freeze all
biological activities for prolonged period. A sudden
Name of Area Area Production Production rises in temperature after that, not only induces forced
crops (Mha) (% of (MT) (% of Total) maturity but simultaneously invites several biotic
Total) stress viz., diseases and insects pests (Ali et al., 2012;
Chickpea 5.81 26.85 5.69 38.81 Reddy, 2009 and Singh and Singh, 2008). Traditionally
Pigeonpea 3.62 16.73 3.07 20.94 rabi pulses sowing were delayed up to last week of
Mungbean 2.98 13.77 1.61 November and some time under extreme circumstances
10.98
Urdbean 3.18 it goes up to the first fortnight of December, obviously
14.70 1.46 9.96 due to reasons already explained. However, optimum
Lentil 1.07 4.94 1.02 6.96 sowing time of lentil is first fortnight of October (Singh
Other Pulses 6.30 29.11 1.75 11.94 et al., 2011 and Ramakrishna et al., 2000). However, few
Total 21.64 26.85 14.66 100.00 winter legumes including lentil are also grown as a paira
crop in the eastern India, which helps in timely planting
Relative economics of pulses in different States in of the crop even before, the paddy has been harvested
India (Singh and Singh, 1995).
In Maharashtra at present gram is found to provide
more than 3 times of income from sorghum. Similarly Abnormal soil conditions
in Karnataka during the recent years income from gram In general, pulses crop prefer neutral soil reactions
was found to be 58 per cent higher than sorghum. In and are very sensitive to acidic, saline and alkaline
Madhya Pradesh, income from gram increased by 65 per soil conditions. Indian soils especially, north -western
cent over barley and by 7 per cent over wheat. Relative soils having high pH contrary to eastern and north
economics of lentil shows almost double over linseed eastern part which are characterized as acidic soils.
in Maharashtra. In Madhya Pradesh, return from lentil Due these soil conditions deficiency of micronutrient is
was 13 per cent lower than barley in early 1970’s. Recent pronounce up to acute shortage level. Acute deficiency
data shows economics superiority of lentil over barley with respect to zinc, iron, boron and molybdenum and
by 5 per cent. In Bihar, competition seems to be taking that of secondary nutrients like sulphur particularly in
place within pulses. Three decades back gross return traditional pulse growing (Singh et al., 2013d).
from lentil was 12 per cent lower than gram, whereas
now it is 5 per cent higher than gram. Gross return Agronomic constraints
from pigeonpea remained higher than bajra and ragi in Improper sowing time, low seed rate, defective sowing
Maharashtra and the margin increased further by more method, insufficient irrigation, inadequate intercultural,
than 30 per cent. sowing under utera without proper management are
major agronomic constraints (Ramakrishna et al., 2000 and
Major Bottlenecks in Pulses Production
Reddy, 2009). Consequent upon delayed planting, early
Participatory rural appraisal (PRA), a widely adopted encounter with severe cold, growth and development
methodology to prioritized list of researchable issue, of lentil crop gets hampered for a considerable period.
has been conducted by several workers to identify the Subsequently plants get comparatively less time to
important cause of such low productivity (Ali et al. 2012 complete their lifecycle which, by and large forces
and Reddy, 2009). PRA techniques revealed several maturity (Ramakrishna et al., 2000). For stance, in Eastern
factor responsible for extremely low productivity related India, normal sown lentil is a medium duration (130-150
to inputs and their efficient management (Singh et al., days) crop, while under late sown conditions it is forced
2012). Substantial increases in the production of lentil in
78 Singh et al [Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2]

to complete its life cycle in 105±5 days (Joshi, 1998; Pests and diseases
Ramakrishna et al., 2000; Reddy, 2009; Singh and Singh, Although legumes crops are prone to many insect pests
2008 and Singh et al., 2012). Typically, late sown rabi and seed borne diseases, a major cause of concern as
pulses especially lentil and chick pea undergoes three its incidence, if not controlled, devastates the crop.
distinct phases and considerable degrees of phenological Fusarium wilt is wide spread in legumes growing
modifications are bound to happen. Eventually, lentil regions. In addition, heavy damage to legumes grain is
crop during its early seedling phase grows slowly caused by pests during storage. Legumes are in general
due to its energy invested in the initial establishment pest free crop under normal condition if proper crop
(Singh et al., 2002 and Singh et al., 2012). However, in rotation is follows. However Pod borer, Aphids and
mid-phase, very insignificant growth and development Wilt (Fusariumlentis) aremajor insects and disease pests
is observed. This poses serious threat to realization of (Singh et al., 2013b and Singh et al., 2013g). Hence the
yield potential due to cold injuries. This phase is very control measures of all three are listed in Table 5.
important for creating source of channelizing the energy
at later stage. In the last and most important phase lentil Table 5: Important diseases and insets pests of major
faces heat injury, resulting in early onset of reproductive pulses
phase, causing imbalance in resources and inputs,
Crop Disease Insect pests
biotic stress and forced maturity (Joshi, 1998; Dixit et
al. 2009; Reid et al., 2011 and Singh and Bhatt, 2013).An Chickpea Fusarium wilt, Ascoochyta Pod borer and
blight, Botrytis grey mould cut worm
earlier study revealed that area under pulses in mostly
and stunt virus
predetermined, but as the irrigated area increases, pulses
Pigeon Sterility mosaic virus, Pod borer and
are relocated to rainfed areas and their area is replaced
pea Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora pod fly leaf
by cereals or some cash crop (Singh et al., 1995). In India, stem blight Alternaria leaf tier
the irrigated area under pulses was only 12 per cent, spot and powdery mildew
while under wheat and paddy; it was more than 60 per Urd and Yellow mosaic virus, white fly,
cent of the total area (Reddy and Reddy, 2010). Mung Cercosora leaf spot, Jassid and pod
powdery mildew, leaf borer
Input quality and availability related constraints crinple virus and root rot
Timely availability of quality chemical fertilizers Lentil Rust, wilt Sclerotinia Pod borer
continues to be a problem in many pulses growing area. blight, collor rot
Inadequate availability of gypsum or pyrites as a cheap Field pea Powdery mildew, rust, Pod borer,
source of sulphur remains a serious impediment in many downy mildew, wilt stem borer ,
states/regions (Singh et al., 2013d).Nutrient requirement leaf minor
of legumes are much lower than cereals mainly because
of biological nitrogen fixation and relatively low Blue Bull trouble
productivity levels although legumes crops respond Legumes are vulnerable to attack by Blue Bulls in
favourably to higher doses of fertilizer nutrients than the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Because of the widespread
generally applied or even recommended (Singh et al., menace particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya
2013e). Availability of pesticides (including herbicides) Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh the potential area
in most of the states has been comfortable but their suitable for taking legumes crops is left uncultivated by
quality in terms of effectiveness and eco-friendliness the farmers. There is no viable strategy available in the
has been an issue in spite of a well-designed regulatory country to effectively the menace.
mechanism put in place (Singh et al ., 2012c).
Technological constraints
Varietal constraints
A legume is grown under varied agro-climatic conditions
Lack of high yielding varieties, low harvest index, high (soil types, rainfall and thermal regime) in the country.
susceptibility to diseases and insect pests, flower drops, This calls for region specific production technology
lack of short duration varieties, intermediate growth including crop varieties with traits relevant to prevailing
habits, poor response to inputs and biotic and abiotic stresses. Even biological fertilizers
Instabilities in performances are the few of the varietal and pesticides used should be based on strains isolated
constraints needs immediate attention (Singh et al., 2013e from regions with similar agro-climatic conditions for
and Ramakrishna et al., 2000). them to be effective. Our research and development
[Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2] Pulses Production scenario in India 79

programme in pulses has yet to appreciate and address There is overwhelming scientific evidence suggesting
this issue adequately. Production technology for a a vast gap between farmer’s yield of pulses and front
legumes crop has to be soil type/region specific (Singh line demonstration plot yield. There is need to promote
et al., 2012a) equally applicable for tillage and seeding high yielding varieties along with selection of suitable
device/gadgets. varieties for different agro climatic conditions. Further
use of disease and pests resistance varieties is highly
Infrastructural Constraints advocated under present climate change scenario
Rainfall received during maturity of kharif pulses, (Anonymous, 2013). Methods and techniques which can
causes losses in yields and grain quality when farmers be potentially used for improving pulses production can
usually do not have pakka and covered threshing floor. be classified in two group i.e. (A) Vertical Approach (B)
Farmers also lack awareness and means for safe storage Horizontal Approach and (C) Policy intervention
of grain/seed of pulses. Many areas are approachable
only during fair weather. Warehousing facilities are A. Vertical Approach
either inadequate or inaccessible (Anonymous, 2013 and In this, possible methods and technique were discussed
Singh et al., 2013a). which helps to achieve more production without
expanding crop area, here focus on to improve
Credit, Marketing and Policyconstraints productivity of crop per unit area. Following vertical
Farmers engaged in cultivation of legumes are mostly approach can be efficiently and effectively utilized for
small and marginal. A majority are in areas with poor increasing pulse productivity
banking infrastructure. They have poor resource base
and lack risk-bearing capacity. They therefore either (i) Promotion of sequential cropping
lack access to credit or turn defaulters. Delivery of credit intercropping and utera cultivation of pulses
to such farmers is also not hastle-free. There is lack of There are a good number of promising intercropping
marketing network in remote areas. Procurement of systems for pulses developed by Agricultural Research
produce by a dedicated agency is virtually non-existent Stations. Promising intercropping for different pulse
or in-effective. System of regulating quality of inputs producing States are given in Table 6. Farmers in
though in place in all the states, needs to be made more rainfed states (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
effective. Delivery of improved technology, inputs, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh) are
credits need to be stream lined through appropriate familiar with some of them as they have been practicing
policy interventions. Benefit of crop insurance need to them in traditional ways. The approach to be followed
be extended to pulses farmers (Anonymous, 2013 and by the rainfed states should include: a) Identification of
Singh et al., 2013a). districts and promising intercropping systems for each
agro-climatic zone and setting of area coverage targets.
Realizing potential productivity in pulses and way b) Conduction of field demonstrations on intercropping
forward with farmer’s active participation and comparing returns
Indian agriculture is endowed with the second largest with sole cropping system. c) Ensuring availability of
cultivable land area in the world, the largest number of seed of pulse varieties recommended for intercropping.
varied agro climatic conditions, 270 days of sunshine, d) Demonstration of suitable seeding devices (animal
1120 mm of annual rainfall, rivers crisscrossing the drawn and tractor drawn) for simultaneously planting
country, 7000 km long coast line, extra ordinary bio- of main and intercrop components. e) Seed-minikits of
diversity, and abundant labour force (Singh and pulses may be given to farmers opting for intercropping
Kumar, 2009). Since pulses are invariably subjected to only. f) KVKs at districts level should be involved in
abiotic stresses leading to sub-optimal nutrient uptake, training of farmers and field demonstration of production
farmers tend to use low doses of fertilizer nutrients. technology (Singh et al., 2013e and Anonymous, 2013).
Further, nutrient use is unbalanced and seldom
based on soil-test values. However, wide spectrum of Sequential cropping
agro-climatic conditions, favourable thermal regime •• Summer oilseed and pulses
for almost year round cropping and availability of •• Rabi pigeon pea
generally adequate rainfall point to the fact that there •• Summer mung bean + pigeon pea
is a vast untapped potential for improving productivity
•• Late sown chickpea in irrigated area
of pulses and bringing additional area under pulses.
•• Pulses in rice fallow
80 Singh et al [Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2]

Intercropping System 2013e). Agronomic practices that have major impact on

•• Cereal+ pulse (Barley /Wheat + Lentil/ productivity of pulses include tillage, crop geometry,
Gram) plant population, planting method and time, nutrient
and water (rainwater and irrigation) management, seed
•• Oilseed+ pulse (Mustard /linseed + lentil/
treatment (with fungicides) and crop-specific bacterial
Gram)
cultures, weed management and plant protection (Singh
•• Pulse +pulse (Gram +Lentil Field pea) et al.,2012c). Crop-specific recommendations based on
•• Sugar cane +Pulse (Moong / Urd) applied and adaptive research findings generated in
different agro-climatic regions are developed by Zonal
Table 6: Promising intercropping for different pulse Agricultural Research Stations (Singh et al., 2013c).
producing States
(iv) Balance nutrient management
Intercropping systems States
Wide spread deficiency of zinc and sulphur in major
Soybean + Pigeon pea Madhya Pradesh,
pulse growing states and boron deficiency in acid soils
Maharashtra
of eastern and north eastern states has necessitated use
Pearl millet/sorghum + Karnataka, Andhra
of sulphur containing fertilizers and zinc sulphate as
Pigeon pea Pradesh, Gujarat,
Maharashtra a source of zinc. Sulphur application @ 20-40 kg/ha
Groundnut + Pigeon pea Gujarat
(through gypsum, SSP) at sowing and zinc sulphate
@25-50 kg/ha once in two years effectively address the
Groundnut/ Sorghum/ Bihar, Maharashtra,
Pearl Millet + Urdbean Madhya Pradesh,
problem and tend to maximize crop productivity (Singh
Karnataka, et al., 2013d). Correction of Soil pH has a major role in
Mungbean/ Cowpea Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, nutrient and water use efficiency and consequently
Rajasthan on crop yield. Use of gypsum in western states and
Sugarcane + Cowpea/ Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, liming in eastern and parts of southern states is must.
Mungbean / Urdbean Karnataka AndhraPradesh, Nitrogen requirement of pulses is much higher than
Tamil Nadu that of cereals. However, most of the requirement is
Cotton + Mungbean / Punjab, Haryana, Madhya met through biological N-fixation. Minimization of
Urdbean /Cowpea Pradesh, Gujarat, magnitude and duration of moisture stress (Patel et al.,
Andhra Pradesh, 2014). Weed infestation of pulses has been observed to
Maharashtra cause heavy yield losses in legumes pluses, a number
of cost-effective herbicides are available in the market
(ii) Seed replacement/multiplication strategy that can be promoted for optimizing pulses production
Opportunities for increase in crop productivity exist (Singh et al., 2014b).
in the form of new varieties of seeds developed for
recording higher yields (Singh et al., 2012b). Main issue
(v) Use of Plan Growth Regulators
relating to promotion of quality seeds is the availability
of seed of promising varieties to the farmers in adequate Growth and development of legume plant is
quantities and in time. Use of good quality/certified comprehensively controlled by plant growth regulators
seed in pulses has generally been low. Seed replacement (PGRs). To provide momentum to the vegetative growth
Rate (SRR) estimated for the year 2006-07 was only auxins plays a vital role especially under low ambient
10.41%. Efforts made through various Government temperature and cold rhizosphere regime (Singh and
Sponsored Programmes such as Integrated Scheme of Bhatt, 2013).
Pulses, National Food Security Mission, (NFSM), Seed
Village Programme etc have been successful in raising (vi) Efficient Pest Surveillance and management
SRR of pulses to 22.5% by the year 2010-11(Anonymous, practices
2013). In the era of climate change, it is important that region
specific advisories are issued for guiding pulse growers
(iii) Adoption of best agronomic practices on pest control. This calls for an effective pest surveillance
Opportunities for increase in crop productivity exist mechanism to be put in place at district level. National
in the form of better crop management practices that Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) has
make the pulses cultivates of more efficient (Singh et al., come out with a model for pest surveillance in cotton,
[Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2] Pulses Production scenario in India 81

pigeon pea, chickpea and other crops and tested the same and Singh et al., 2013a).
in Maharashtra state. The model is being demonstrated
in some selected NFSM-pulses states. The model has met (x) Expansion of irrigation using resource
with notable success. It is therefore suggested to adopt conservation technologies
the model with defined priorities (Anonymous, 2013). Pulses crops are invariably grown under moisture stress
which leads to sub-optimal productivity levels. Scientific
(vii) Better extension for adoption of improved
scheduling of irrigation, an estimate of quantity of water
pulse production technique
to be applied and deployment of water saving irrigation
Improved and better pulse production technique to be methods can lead to enhanced yield, higher water and
disseminated have to be not only region/agro-climatic nutrient use efficiency and larger area coverage under
zone-specific but should also match the resource-base of irrigation. Use of sprinkler irrigation has enormous
the farming community (Singh et al., 2014a). Innovative potential for saving irrigation water and expanding area
ways of institution building that aggregates the produce under irrigation. The method has gained popularity
of scattered legumes farmers and links them up with the in many districts with limited water resources. Drip
businesses for better quality of inputs and for efficient irrigation attention of the policy makers, administrators,
marketing of the produce need to be found. Similarly, social workers, as it has assumed social, economic and
extension strategy to be followed should take into ecological dimensions. Fertigation hold promise for
account the prevailing socio-economic status of farmers widely spaced crops like pigeonpea. These devices can
(Singh et al., 2014b). expand irrigation area by 30-50 (Anonymous, 2013 and
Singh et al., 2013a).
(viii) Mechanization in pulses
Legumes are grown in different agro climatic regimes (xi) Managing blue bull effectively
and soil conditions can vary. In many soils mechanisation The damage caused to pulses crops by blue bull has been
is essential to raise productivity. Adoption of deep on the rise in the extent and magnitude. The problem
ploughing, ridge planting, line sowing, inter-culture has become so acute that area of pulses in general and
operations etc besides, mechanization contributes to summer mungbean in particular has witnessed drastic
timeliness of operations, reduces cost of production reduction in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan,
and improves resource (water, energy and inputs) Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. Although, the problem has
use efficiency (Singh et al., 2014a and Patel et al., 2014). been in existence for decades, no socio-economically
Considering small holding of the farmers, custom viable control measures have been evolved and
hiring of the machines is the only viable option for implemented. Pulse growers continue to suffer heavy
increasing the reach of Farm mechanization. In this economic losses. The issue is very serious and warrants
context, example of ‘Haldhar’ program of Madhya (Anonymous, 2013).
Pradesh Government is a good practice that subsidizes
the farmers to the extent of Rs. 2000/- per hectare for B. Horizontal Approach
deep ploughing of their lands (Anonymous, 2013 and
Singh et al., 2013a). Efficient utilization of rice fallow lands and
replacement of low productivity crops with pulses
(ix) Post-harvest handling of grains for reducing The area left un-cropped after kharif rice is estimated
losses to be around 11.65 million ha. The area is primarily
Mechanical threshing needs to be promoted by providing rainfed and exists in the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
incentives for purchase of threshers. Procurement of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
pulses grains by Govt. authorized organizations will and Jharkhand. About 25% of this area has potential for
considerably reduce the need for storage at farmer level. supporting a rabi pulses after rice depending on soil type
Small Dal-mills should be popularized and promoted and depth. Thus, the 3 to 4 million ha additional area
through various incentives. Private sector should be can be brought under rabi pulses. Assuming an average
encouraged to establish’ Dal Mill’s in rural areas/ productivity of 600 kg/ha, the area can produce 1.8 to 2.4
districts with large acreage under pulses on the pattern million tons of pulses. Farmers need to be encouraged
of sugar mills. Private companies need to be involved in through various incentives and region specific extension
processing, packing and marketing of pulses. The public strategy for cultivation of pulses in the identified
sector procurement agencies are severely handicapped districts. Necessary technological back up in terms of
for funds and expertise in this area (Anonymous, 2013 suitable short-duration varieties, nutrient application
82 Singh et al [Journal of AgriSearch, Vol.2, No.2]

rates and other agronomic practices should come from for pulse production (6) Public–Private partnership for
local research stations. SAUs/KVKs may be mandated sustaining chain and to minimizing post-harvest losses
to conduct field demonstrations on pulses in rice fallow (7) Policy support for value chain for pulse .
lands and train field staff and farmers participating in
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Pulses Dealer license for over one year. All channel
Dixit GP, Katiyar PK, Singh BB and Shivkumar. 2009. Lentil
partners have to also apply for licenses. Generally, the
varieties in India. AICRP on MULLaRP.Indian Institute
official time limits vary from 1-2 months, while the actual of Pulses Research, Kanpur.
time taken is much longer. New methods for marketing
Guilfoyle T and Hagen G. 2001.Auxin response factors.J. Plant
should be devised to supplement some of the shortfalls Growth Regul. 10: 281-91.
in specific pulses crops. For example, Yellow Dal is
Harlan, JR, de Wet JMJ and Stemler ABL .1976.Plant
being aggressively promoted by Ministry of Consumer domestication and indigenous African agriculture. In:
Affairs through publicity campaign (Anonymous, 2013 Harlan JR, de Wet JMJ and Stemler ABL (eds) Origin
and Singh et al., 2013a). of African plant domestication. Mouton, The Hague,
Netherlands.

Conclusion Joshi PK.1998. Performance of Grain Legumes in the Indo-

Gangetic Plain in Residual Effects of Legumes in Rice
Best agronomic practices (BAP) and their different and Wheat Cropping Systems of the Indo-Gangetic
components shown potential to excel under change Plain. In: Legumes in Rice and Wheat Cropping
climate condition, there is need to adopt the all the Systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. (Kumarrao JVDK,
component of advocated technology as a unit not to Johansen C and Rego TJ Eds.). pp. 3-13. ICRISAT,
Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh.
choose few of them at will, which were leading to several
complication soil health hazards and poor response of Patel AK, Singh D, Baghel KS and Pandey AK. 2014. Enhancing
Water Productivity to Improve Chickpea Production in
technology. Thesesteps may be taken on priority basis
Bansagar Command Area of Madhya Pradesh. Journal
for improving pulse productivity (1) Encouraging of AgriSearch 1(1): 19-21.
accelerated adoption of present technology for bridging
Ramakrishna A, Gowda CLL and Johansen C.2000. Management
the yield gap (2) Institutional support to boost seed factors affecting legumes production in the Indo-
replacement rate and quality production as well (3) Gangetic Plain. In: Legumes in rice and wheat cropping
strengthening of life-saving irrigation in pulse growing systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plain-constraints and
pockets (4) Guaranteeing availability of critical inputs opportunities. (Johansen C, Duxbury JM, Virmani SM,
viz., seed fertilizer, pesticides (5) Gradual mechanization Gowda CLL. Eds.). pp. 156-165. ICRISAT, Patancheru,
Andhra Pradesh.
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Reddy AA and Reddy GP. 2010. Supply Side Constrains in Singh AK,Manibhushan, Bhatt BP, Singh KM and Upadhyaya
Production of Pulses in India: A Case Study of Lentil. A.2013a.An Analysis of Oilseeds and Pulses Scenario
Agricultural Economics Research Revie.Vol. 23 January- in Eastern India during 2050-51. Journal of Agril. Sci.5
June 2010 pp 129-136. (1): 241- 9.
Reddy AA. 2009. Pulses Production Technology: Status and Singh AK, Meena MK, Bharati RC and Gade RM. 2013d.Effect
Way Forward. Economic & Political Weekly 44 (52): of sulphur and zinc management on yield, nutrient
73-80. uptake, changes in soil fertility and economics in rice
Reid DE, Ferguson BJ, Hayashi S, Lin YH and Gresshoff (Oryzasativa) – lentil (Lens culinaris) cropping system.
PM. 2011.Molecular mechanisms controlling legume Indian J. Agril. Sci. 83 (3):344-8.
autoregulation of nodulation.Annals of Botany108:789- Singh AK, SinghD, SinghAK, GadeRM and Sangle UR.2012c.
95. Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) - An efficient and
Singh AK and Bhatt BP. 2013.Effects of foliar application of eco-friendly tool for sustainable management of plant
zinc on growth and seed yield of late-sown lentil.Indian diseases under changing climate scenario.J. Plant
J. Agril. Sci. 83 (6): 622-6. Disease Sci. 7 (1):1-8.

Singh AKand Kumar Pravesh.2009.Nutrient management Singh AK, Singh KA, Bharati RC and Chadra N.2013e.
in rainfeddryland agro ecosystem in the impending Response of intercrops and nutrient management on
climate change scenario.Agril.Situ. India.66 (5): 265- the performance of tobacco based intercropping system
70. and assessment of system sustainability. Bangladesh J.
Bot. 42(2): 343-8.
Singh AK and Singh NP. 2008. Yield and uptake of primary
nutrients by large seeded varieties of lentil under Singh D, Patel AK, Baghel SK, Singh MS, Singh A and Singh
varying seed rates in normal and late sown conditions. AK. 2014a. Impact of Front Line Demonstration on the
Journal of Food Legumes 20 (2): 187-9. Yield and Economics of Chickpea (CicerarietinumL.) in
Sidhi District of Madhya Pradesh. Journal of AgriSearch
Singh AK, Bhatt BP, Singh KM, Kumar Abhay, Manibhushan, 1(1): 22-5.
Kumar Ujjawal, Chandra Naresh and Bharati RC 2013b.
Dynamics of powdery mildew (Erysiphetrifolii) disease Singh Deepak, Kumar Ashish, SinghAnil Kumarand
of lentil influenced by sulphur and zinc nutrition.Plant TripathiHirdai Shankar. 2013g. Severity of chickpea
Pathology Journal12 (2):71-7. wilt in north Bihar and nutritional studies on
fusariumoxysporumf.sp. Ciceri J. Plant Disease Sci.
Singh AK, Bhatt BP, Sundaram PK, Chndra N, Bharati RC 8(2):137-40.
and Patel SK. 2012a.Faba bean (Viciafaba L.) phenology
and performance in response to its seed size class and Singh KM and Singh RKP. 1995. An Economic Analysis of
planting depth. Int. J. of Agril.& Stat. Sci. 8 (1): 97-109. Lentil Cultivation in N-E Alluvial Plains of Bihar.
Economic Affairs 40 (3):157-63.
Singh AK, Bhatt BP, Sundaram PK, Gupta AK and Singh
Deepak.2013c. Planting geometry to optimize growth Singh SK, Varma SC and Singh RP. 2002. Integrated nutrient
and productivity faba bean (Viciafaba L.) and soil management in rice and its residual effect on lentil.
fertility. J. Environ. Biol. 34 (1): 117-22. Indian J. Agric. Res. 36 (4): 286-9.

Singh AK, Bhatt BP, Upadhya A, Singh BK, Kumar S, Sundaram Singh SS, Singh AK and Sundaram PK.2014b. Agrotechnological
PK, Chndra N and Bharati RC. 2012b. Improvement options for upscaling agricultural productivity in
of faba bean (Viciafaba L.) yield and quality through eastern indo gangetic plains under impending climate
biotechnological approach: A review. African Journal change situations: A review. Journal of Agrisearch 1 (2):
Biotechnology 11 (87): 15264-71. 55-65.

Singh AK, Kumar P and N Chandra.2013e. Studies on yield

production of mung bean (Vigna radiate) sown at
different dates. J. Environ. Biol. 34: 1007-11.

Citation
Singh AK, Singh SS, Prakash V, Kumar S and DwivediSK. 2015. Pulses Production in India: Present Sta-
tus, Bottleneck and Way Forward. Journal of Agrisearch 2(2): 75-83