What do you understand by the term ‘Pulses’?

The family Leguminosae, also known for legume plants, consists of 12 different crops, such as dry beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc. They are known for their high protein and fiber and low-fat content. In India, the major pulses cultivated are 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).

Classification of Pulses

• Kingdom-Plantae
• Order-Fabales
• Family-Leguminosae

Factors Affecting the Production of Pulses

The production of pulses largely depends on the geographical and climatic conditions of the country. Pulse cultivation is also beneficial for the soil since the leguminous crops have the ability to fix the nitrogen gas in the soil, which makes the soil more fertile for the next season’s crop in the field. Hence, it reduces the dependency on artificial or market-based fertilizers. Furthermore, pulses add great economic value to the country’s GDP due to the large demand for pulses in the international market. 

Statistical Data On Pulses

Here’s a list of a few statistical snippets related to Pulses:

• World’s largest Bengal Gram producer- India
• World’s largest Pigeon Peas producer- India
• World’s largest Green Beans producer- China
• World’s largest Chick Peas producer- India
• World’s largest Black Matpe producer- India
• World’s largest Red Kidney Beans producer- India

Uses of Pulses

 A few of the uses of pulses are listed below:-

• Pulses are rich sources of protein, fiber, and vitamins. They are used to make multiple food recipes.
• Roasted pulses are often used as healthy snack options.
• Pulses are used to feed livestock as these contain high protein content which is essential for growth.
• Pulses are often planted in fields to replenish the content of the nitrogen in the soil.

Cereals and pulses are the two major kinds of staple food crops cultivated worldwide to meet the population’s nutritional needs. Food grains refer to both cereals and pulses as a whole. Some examples of cereals and pulses include wheat, rice, corn, and dry beans. Most pulses consist of dried seeds. Cereals are carbohydrate-rich products, whereas pulses are known for their high protein content.