With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. 2. Green-gram

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Many crops are cultivated in both kharif and rabi seasons. Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60 percent of the total production. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. It is consumed in variety of ways accross the North to Southin preparation of differnent regular and popular dishes like vada, idli, dosa etc. During kharif, it is cultivated throughout the country. It is best suited to rice fallows during rabi in southern and south-eastern parts of India. Statement 2 is not correct: Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea / Desi Chana), Pigeon Peas (Arhar / Toor / Red Gram), Green Beans (Moong Beans), Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana), Black Matpe (Urad / Mah / Black Gram), Red Kidney Beans (Rajma), Black Eyed Peas (Lobiya), Lentils (Masoor), White Peas (Matar) are major pulses grown and consumed in India. Gram (Chickpeas) is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. Statement 3 is not correct: The country’s pulses production stood at 234 lakh tonne in the 2018-19 crop year, down from the record level of 254 lakh tonne in 2017-18. The production of pulses for both Rabi and Kharif seasons has increased in the last three decades. Production of Kharif pulses in 2000-01 was 44.48 lakh tonnes which increased to 55.30 lakh tonnes by 2016-17. The production of Rabu pulses has also increased from 66.27 lakh tonnes in 2000-01 to 108.18 lakh tonnes in 2015-16.