What is legume || definition of pulses crop
Information about pulses:
Legumes are plants that belong to the pea family, also known as Fabaceae. The word "legume" can also refer to the fruit or seeds of these plants. When the seeds are dried and used for food, they are called pulses.
Legumes or pulses are plants that belong to the pea family, also known as Fabaceae. The word "legume" can also refer to the fruit or seeds of these plants. When the seeds are dried and used for food, they are called pulses.
Legumes are mostly grown for people to eat, but they are also used as animal feed and to improve soil health. They produce a special kind of fruit that is dry and splits open on two sides when ripe.
You can also explore ...
Introduction to Pulses
Pulses are dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family. They are rich in protein and form a major part of diets in many countries, especially for vegetarians. Popular pulses include lentils, chickpeas, urad, moong, and pigeon peas.
Major Varieties of Pulses
Lentils (Masoor): Pusa Masoor-5, PL-639
Chickpeas (Chana): Kabuli: Pusa 1103; Desi: JG-11, ICCV-10
Pigeon Pea (Tur): BSMR-736, ICPL-88039
Black Gram (Urad): Pant U-19, IPU-2-43
Green Gram (Moong): SML-668, IPM-2-3
Cowpea (Lobia): Pusa Komal, C-152
Nutrient Requirements
Pulses fix atmospheric nitrogen, but still need starter nutrients:
Nitrogen: 15–25 kg/ha – leaf growth
Phosphorus: 40–60 kg/ha – nodulation
Potassium: 20–30 kg/ha – stress resistance
Sulphur: 20–25 kg/ha – protein synthesis
Micronutrients: Zinc, Molybdenum (for enzyme function)
Biofertilizers like Rhizobium + PSB are highly beneficial.
Ideal Climate and Soil
Climate: Semi-arid to sub-humid (20–30°C)
Rainfall: 400–700 mm/year
Soil: Well-drained loamy or black soils with pH 6.0–7.5
Top Producing Countries
India: 27.5 million tons (Largest producer)
Canada: 8.0 million tons
Myanmar: 5.2 million tons
China: 4.5 million tons
Australia: 3.6 million tons
Top Producing States in India
Madhya Pradesh: 7.5+ million tons (Gram, Tur, Urad, Moong)
Maharashtra: 4.8+ million tons (Tur, Chana)
Rajasthan: 4.5+ million tons (Gram, Moong)
Uttar Pradesh: 2.9+ million tons (Gram, Arhar)
Karnataka: 2.2+ million tons (Tur, Lobia)
Productivity (Yield per Hectare)
Lentils: 900–1200 kg/ha
Chickpea: 1000–1400 kg/ha
Pigeon Pea: 800–1100 kg/ha
Moong: 700–900 kg/ha
Urad: 700–850 kg/ha
Importance of Pulses
- Rich source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Fix atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil health
- Water-efficient and suitable for dryland farming
- Economic crop for millions of Indian farmers
Government Support and Schemes
NFSM-Pulses: Productivity enhancement
PM-AASHA: Procurement support
MSP: Minimum Support Price revised annually
Subsidies: Available for seed, irrigation, Rhizobium, and PSB
