Explain the importance of pulses in Indian agriculture.

(l) India is the largest producer as well as the consumer of pulses in the world.
(ii) Pulses are the major source of protein in a vegetarian diet.
(iii) Major pulses grown are tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and gram.
(iv) Major pulses producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
(v) Pulses need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions. Thus, these are grown all over the country.
(vi) Pulses are leguminous crops and therefore, help in restoring soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air. These are, therefore, grown in rotation with other crops. In view of the above the importance of pulses in Indian agriculture is significant.