India is poised to clinch the title of the world’s largest lentil producer by the 2023-24 crop year. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs estimates a record high production of 1.6 million tonnes during this period due to an increase in acreage. The preceding 2022-23 crop year saw India producing 1.56 million tonnes of lentils.
Understanding Lentils and Their Cultivation
Lentils are edible legumes known for their flat, disc-shaped seeds produced by an annual herbaceous plant from the legume family. They are an excellent source of energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibers, phosphorus, iron, zinc, carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Typically, lentils are grown as a rainfed crop. They require cold temperatures for vegetative growth and warm temperatures at the time of maturity. Lentils can survive in varied soil types, ranging from sand to clay loam, with deep sandy loam soils providing the best conditions. A soil pH around 7 is optimal for their growth. However, they cannot tolerate waterlogged or flooded conditions.
Major Lentil Producing Regions
The primary states contributing to lentil cultivation in India include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The Bundelkhand region, straddling Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is fondly referred to as the “lentil bowl” and contributes approximately 25% of total lentil production in India.
Despite being the second-largest lentil producer globally, India relies heavily on imports to fulfill domestic demand, primarily sourcing from Australia, Canada, Russia, Singapore, and Turkey.
Status of Pulse Production in India
India leads globally in the production, consumption, and import of pulses. It accounts for around 25% of global production, 27% of world consumption, and imports 14% of global supplies. Pulses cover roughly 20% of the area under food grains and contribute between 7 to 10% of the total food grain production in the country.
The dominant pulse crop is gram, occupying approximately 40% of total pulse production, followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20%, and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong at around 8-10% each. Although pulses are cultivated in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, the latter’s contribution exceeds 60% of total production.
Government Initiatives to Boost Pulse Production
To ensure reasonable prices for farmers, the government has largely focused on procuring pulses by providing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), supplemented more recently by the Small Farmers Agri Consortium (SFAC).
Other noteworthy initiatives include the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses, ICAR’s role in research and variety development, and the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme. These efforts aim to stabilize pulse production and ensure fair income for farmers.
Importance of Pulse Production in Public Service Examinations
The 2020 UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims included questions related to pulse cultivation in India. Candidates had to assess statements about Black gram cultivation and Green-gram’s contribution to pulse production. This emphasis on pulse cultivation underscores its significance in food security and economic stability, making it a crucial topic for aspirants.
