The present study has been conducted with the objectives of (i) examining the trends of area, production and yield of pulses in planned economy of India, (ii) identifying the factors responsible for stagnation of pulses production in India, (iii) assessing the impact of existing level of pulses production on demand and supply of consumers along with economy of the country, and (iv) suggesting suitable policy for future sources of growth in pulses production in the century.
The productivity of pulse crops in India has been found very low despite favourable agro-climatic and environmental conditions of the country. Various biotic and abiotic factors are responsible for lower area, production and productivity of pulses in India. Also, a large number of production technologies of pulses generated by R&D institutions have been either been not disseminated or their adoption has been low, resulting in lower productivity of pulse crops in the country. It has been found that production of pulses has been constant, 11–15 million tonnes for the past four decades. The availability of pulses has reduced very fast, from 69.0 g/capita/day in 1960–61 to 29.1 g/capita/day presently, whereas FAO and WHO recommend an intake of 80 g pulses per day. It has studied reasons for India's export of pulses despite their domestic shortage. Finally, the study has suggested several strategies for meeting the challenges of pulses production in the country. Also, a wider institutional support is essential for the coverage of pulses crops under comprehensive crop insurance scheme for minimizing risk and uncertainly due to various natural as well manmade calamities.
