INDORE / NEW DELHI, 27 February 2024 : data-sourcepos="1:1-1:96">INDORE / NEW DELHI, 26 Febraury 2024: Pulses, the humble legumes packed with protein and dietary fiber, are an essential component of the Indian diet. As the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, India boasts a vibrant landscape of producers contributing to this vital food source.
Let's delve deeper into the top 5 states shaping India's pulses production, exploring their contributions and unique strengths:
1. Rajasthan: The Undisputed Leader (19.53% share)
Rajasthan, the land of vibrant colors and rich history, takes the lead in pulses production, contributing a remarkable 4.82 million tonnes (19.53%) of the national output. This state's diverse agro-climatic conditions, ranging from arid deserts to fertile plains, create a perfect canvas for cultivating a variety of pulses throughout the year.
- Key Pulses: Gram (bengal gram), tur (pigeonpea), moong (green gram), urad (black gram).
- Major Contributing Districts: Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Bikaner, Jaisalmer.
- Factors for Success: Varied climate, government initiatives promoting pulses, adoption of improved farming practices.
2. Madhya Pradesh: The Land of Gram (17.84% share)
Madhya Pradesh, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance, emerges as the second-largest producer of pulses, contributing a significant 4.36 million tonnes (17.84%) share. This state is particularly renowned for its gram production, making it a vital contributor to the national gram basket.
- Key Pulses: Gram, tur, moong, urad.
- Major Contributing Districts: Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Indore, Bhopal.
- Factors for Success: Fertile land, suitable climate for gram cultivation, government support programs for pulses farmers.
3. Maharashtra: The State of Diversity (16.14% share)
Maharashtra, the land of vibrant festivals and rich cultural heritage, secures the third position with a noteworthy 4.22 million tonnes (16.14%) contribution. This state boasts diverse pulses production, catering to different regional preferences and dietary needs.
- Key Pulses: Tur, urad, moong, masoor (lentil).
- Major Contributing Districts: Amravati, Yavatmal, Nagpur, Akola, Wardha.
- Factors for Success: Favorable climate for various pulses, strong agricultural infrastructure, dedicated research efforts for pulse development.
4. Uttar Pradesh: A Land of Rich Tradition (11.54% share)
Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, also holds a significant position in pulses production, contributing 2.62 million tonnes (11.54%) to the national output. This state, with its fertile Gangetic plains, is well-suited for the cultivation of pulses, particularly gram.
- Key Pulses: Gram, moong, masoor, arhar (pigeon pea).
- Major Contributing Districts: Agra, Kanpur, Meerut, Bareilly, Aligarh.
- Factors for Success: Fertile land, availability of irrigation resources, large-scale farming practices.
5. Karnataka: The Land of Diverse Landscapes (10.22% share)
Karnataka, renowned for its majestic waterfalls and historical sites, contributes 2.45 million tonnes (10.22%) to India's pulses production. This state, with its varied topography and climate, offers suitable conditions for cultivating different pulses, catering to diverse regional preferences.
- Key Pulses: Tur, urad, toor dal (split pigeon pea), horse gram.
- Major Contributing Districts: Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Raichur.
- Factors for Success: Favorable climatic conditions for tur and urad, government initiatives promoting pulses cultivation, adoption of technological advancements in agriculture.
Beyond the Top 5
While the top 5 states dominate India's pulses production landscape, several other states also play a crucial role, contributing to the nation's food security:
- Andhra Pradesh: Contributing 2 million tonnes (8.31%)
- Gujarat: Contributing 1.35 million tonnes (5.59%)
- Jharkhand: Contributing 930,000 tonnes (3.86%)
- Tamil Nadu: Contributing 749 tonnes (3.12%)
- Telangana: Contributing 625,000 (2.60%)
Conclusion
India's success story in pulses production is a testament to the collective efforts of its diverse states. Each state, with its unique strengths and resources, contributes significantly to national food security. As India strives for self-sufficiency in pulses and promotes healthy dietary practices, these top producers will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's food landscape.
