16 Jan Lentil production in India
This article covers ‘Daily Current Affairs’ and the topic details of “Lentil production in India’’. This topic is relevant in the “Indian Economy” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
UPSC MAINS GS3 Syllabus : Major crops-cropping patterns
Why in the News?
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, increased acreage would cause India to overtake other countries as the world’s leading producer of lentils (masoor) in the 2023–24 crop year. On larger acreage, the nation’s lentil production is predicted to reach an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023–24 rabi season. Based on official data, the nation produced 1.56 million tonnes of lentils during the 2022–2023 crop year.
About Lentils
- Lentil is a bushy perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family
- These are edible legumes distinguished by their flat, disc-shaped, lens-shaped seeds.
- Usually small in stature, lentil plants produce blooms that pollinate themselves.
- Lentil grains serve as excellent sources of calories, carbs, protein, fat, fibres, phosphorus, iron, zinc, carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- It is an important food source for humans, mainly eaten as dry seeds.
- It is primarily eaten as “Dal” in India, which involves removing the outer peel and splitting the cotyledons.
- Another name for lentils is Masur and Malka (bold seeded).
Climatic conditions needed for Lentils
- Lentil needs a cool environment. It is quite resilient and can withstand a lot of cold and a harsh winter.
- When it is growing vegetatively, it needs cold temperatures, and when it reaches maturity, it needs warm temperatures.
- Temperature: 18 to 30 degrees Celsius is the ideal range for growth. Its cultivation range reaches as high as 3,500 metres in the highlands to the northwest.
- Soil: Neutral-reaction, well-drained loam soils are ideal for lentil farming. It is not suitable to cultivate lentils in acidic soils. The ideal pH for soil would be about 7. Flooding and soggy weather are intolerable to lentils.
Health Benefits of Lentils:
- Rich in Nutrients: Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, containing high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide essential nutrients like folate, iron, potassium, and manganese.
- Heart Health: The high fiber content in lentils contributes to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Lentils also contain potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure.
- Digestive Health: Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and preventing constipation. The fiber content helps maintain a healthy gut microbiota.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Lentils have a low glycemic index, which means they release glucose slowly, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes them a suitable food for individuals with diabetes.
- Weight Management: The combination of fiber and protein in lentils helps increase satiety, making people feel fuller for longer periods. This assist in weight management and prevent oneself from overeating.
- Source of Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are a valuable source of protein, especially for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets. They offer a protein-rich alternative to animal products.
- Antioxidant Properties: Lentils contain antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and inflammation.
Benefits of Growing Lentils for farmers and Environment:
- Crop Rotation and Soil Health: Lentils are nitrogen-fixing crops, enriching the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This makes lentils an excellent rotational crop, improving soil fertility.
- Drought Tolerance: Lentils are relatively drought-tolerant compared to some other crops. They require less water, making them suitable for cultivation in regions with limited water availability.
- Short Growth Cycle: Lentils typically have a shorter growth cycle compared to other crops, allowing farmers to cultivate multiple crops in a single growing season. This versatility can contribute to increased yields and income for farmers.
- Income Diversification: Lentils offer farmers an opportunity to diversify their crops and income streams. The demand for lentils in the global market provides a potential source of revenue for farmers.
- Reduced Need for Fertilizers: As legumes, lentils have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This reduces the dependence on synthetic fertilizers, resulting in cost savings for farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
- Adaptability to Various Climates: Lentils can grow in various climates, from cool temperate to warm conditions. This adaptability makes lentils a versatile crop suitable for cultivation in different regions around the world.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Lentils can be part of a sustainable agricultural system, promoting practices that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Their ability to improve soil health, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and adapt to various climates aligns with sustainable agriculture principles.
Lentils growing region
- It is widely grown throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, and Russia were the leading lentil producers worldwide in 2022.
- India, the world’s second-largest producer of lentils, has up until now relied on imports to cover its domestic needs, primarily from Turkey, Australia, Canada, and Russia.
- West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh are the primary states where it is grown.
- Considered as a lentil bowl, Bundelkhand region, which is part of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh provides around 25% of the nation’s lentil crop.
Initiatives by the Indian Government to Increase Pulse Production
- Procurement of the pulses by offering “Minimum Support Prices (MSP)” to the farmers via National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) as well as lately through Small Farmers Agri Consortium (SFAC).
- National Food Security Mission – Pulses (NFSM-P): Launched under the National Food Security Mission, this scheme aims to enhance the production of pulses by promoting the adoption of improved technologies, high-yielding varieties, and better agronomic practices. It also focuses on increasing the area under pulses cultivation.
- Research and Development: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is a key player in developing new varieties and doing research that can improve the productivity potential of pulse crops. ICAR produces production packages and high-yielding cultivars tailored to specific locations.
State of Pulse production in India
- India is the world’s biggest importer (14%), user (27% of global consumption), and producer (25% of global output) of pulses.
- While pulses are grown in both the Rabi and Kharif seasons, over 60% of the overall production comes from Rabi pulses.
- Pulses make up about 20% of the land planted to grains and make up between 7 and 10% of the nation’s overall grain production.
- The most common pulse, accounting for around 40% of the overall production, is gramme. It is followed in order of importance by Tur/Arhar (15–20%), Urad/Black Matpe, and Moong (8–10%).
- Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are the top five states that produce pulses.
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Prelims practice question
Q1) Which of the following is not a type of pulse?
1) Lentils
2) Chickpeas
3) Quinoa
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
- A) 1 only
- B) 2 only
- C) 3 only
- D) 1 and 3
Answer: C
Q2) What role do pulses play in sustainable agriculture practices?
1) They deplete soil nutrients.
2) They enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
3) They contribute to water pollution.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
- A) 1 only
- B) 2 only
- C) 3 only
- D) 2 and 3
Answer: B
Mains practice question
Q1) Examine the environmental sustainability of pulse cultivation. How do pulses impact soil health and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices?
Q2) Analyze the role of pulses in addressing global food security. How can the widespread cultivation and consumption of pulses contribute to combating hunger and malnutrition on a global scale?
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