What are pulses in agriculture?
Pulses are edible dry seeds of leguminous plants, grown mainly for protein-rich human consumption.
Why are pulses called legumes?
Pulses belong to the legume family and develop seeds inside pods formed after flowering.
Which nutrients are abundant in pulses?
Pulses are rich in protein, dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals.
Why are pulses important for vegetarians?
Pulses provide high-quality plant protein, making them essential protein sources for vegetarian diets.
What is the protein content of pulses?
Most pulses contain 18–25 percent protein, significantly higher than cereal crops.
Which pulse crop is highest in protein?
Soybean has the highest protein content among pulses, ranging between 35–40 percent.
Why are pulses called poor man’s meat?
Pulses provide affordable protein, replacing expensive animal-based protein for low-income populations.
Which climate is suitable for pulse cultivation?
Pulses grow best in warm climates with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils.
What soil type is ideal for pulses?
Well-drained loamy or sandy-loam soils with neutral pH are ideal for pulse cultivation.
Why do pulses improve soil fertility?
Pulses fix atmospheric nitrogen in soil through symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules.
What is nitrogen fixation in pulses?
Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, enriching soil fertility naturally.
Which bacteria help pulses fix nitrogen?
Rhizobium bacteria live in pulse root nodules and help convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
Why are pulses used in crop rotation?
Pulses improve soil health, break pest cycles, and reduce fertilizer requirements for succeeding crops.
What is the lifespan of most pulse crops?
Most pulse crops are short-duration crops, maturing within 60 to 120 days.
Which season is suitable for growing pulses in India?
Pulses are grown in Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid seasons depending on crop type.
Which pulses are grown in Kharif season?
Pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, and cowpea are common Kharif pulse crops.
Which pulses are grown in Rabi season?
Chickpea, lentil, pea, and lathyrus are major Rabi pulse crops.
Which pulses are grown in Zaid season?
Green gram and black gram are commonly grown during the Zaid season.
What is the botanical name of chickpea?
The botanical name of chickpea is Cicer arietinum.
What is the botanical name of pigeon pea?
The botanical name of pigeon pea is Cajanus cajan.
What is the botanical name of lentil?
The botanical name of lentil is Lens culinaris.
What is the botanical name of green gram?
The botanical name of green gram is Vigna radiata.
What is the botanical name of black gram?
The botanical name of black gram is Vigna mungo.
Which country is the largest producer of pulses?
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses.
Why does India import pulses despite high production?
High population demand exceeds domestic production, making imports necessary to meet protein needs.
Which state leads pulse production in India?
Madhya Pradesh is the leading pulse-producing state in India.
Which pulse is known as gram?
Chickpea is commonly known as gram or Bengal gram in India.
Which pulse is called arhar or tur?
Pigeon pea is commonly known as arhar or tur dal.
Which pulse is known as masoor?
Lentil is commonly known as masoor dal.
Which pulse is known as moong?
Green gram is commonly known as moong dal.
Which pulse is known as urad?
Black gram is commonly known as urad dal.
Which pulse is rich in dietary fiber?
Lentils are particularly rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and gut health.
How do pulses help in digestion?
Pulses contain soluble and insoluble fiber that improves digestion and prevents constipation.
Why are pulses recommended for diabetics?
Pulses have low glycemic index, helping regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
How do pulses help heart health?
Pulses lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Are pulses gluten-free foods?
Yes, pulses are naturally gluten-free and suitable for people with gluten intolerance.
Why are pulses important for food security?
Pulses are affordable, nutritious, long-storable, and adaptable to diverse climates.
What is dal processing?
Dal processing involves cleaning, dehusking, splitting, and polishing pulse grains.
Why is soaking pulses important before cooking?
Soaking reduces cooking time, improves digestibility, and decreases anti-nutritional factors.
What are anti-nutritional factors in pulses?
Phytates and tannins reduce nutrient absorption but are lowered by soaking and cooking.
Why are pulses slow-cooking foods?
High fiber and complex carbohydrate content makes pulses require longer cooking time.
What is the shelf life of pulses?
Properly stored pulses can last 1–2 years without significant nutritional loss.
How should pulses be stored?
Pulses should be stored in airtight containers, away from moisture and pests.
What pests commonly attack stored pulses?
Pulse beetles and weevils commonly infest stored pulse grains.
What is intercropping with pulses?
Intercropping pulses with cereals increases land productivity and improves soil fertility.
Which cereal is commonly intercropped with pulses?
Pulses are often intercropped with maize, sorghum, and millets.
What is the water requirement of pulses?
Pulses require less water compared to cereals, making them drought-tolerant crops.
Why are pulses suitable for dryland farming?
Low water requirement and nitrogen fixation make pulses ideal for dryland agriculture.
What is the average yield of pulses per hectare?
Pulse yields generally range between 800 to 1200 kilograms per hectare.
Why is pulse productivity lower than cereals?
Pulses are often grown in marginal soils with minimal inputs and rainfed conditions.
What is the role of pulses in sustainable agriculture?
Pulses enhance soil fertility, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and support sustainable farming.
What is World Pulses Day?
World Pulses Day is celebrated on February 10 to promote pulse consumption globally.
Why was International Year of Pulses declared?
It highlighted pulses’ role in nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
How do pulses help reduce malnutrition?
Pulses provide essential proteins, iron, and micronutrients combating protein-energy malnutrition.
Which pulses are rich in iron?
Lentils, chickpeas, and pigeon peas are good sources of dietary iron.
Which pulses are rich in folic acid?
Lentils and chickpeas are rich in folic acid, essential for pregnant women.
Are pulses good for weight management?
Yes, high fiber and protein content promotes satiety and reduces overeating.
Why are pulses important in Indian diet?
Pulses complement cereals, providing balanced nutrition in traditional Indian meals.
What is the role of pulses in vegetarian thali?
Pulses serve as the main protein source, replacing meat in vegetarian diets.
Which pulse is commonly used for sprouts?
Green gram is commonly used for sprouting due to fast germination.
Why are sprouted pulses healthier?
Sprouting increases vitamin content, improves protein digestibility, and reduces anti-nutrients.
Which pulses are used for making papad?
Black gram is primarily used for making papad and similar products.
Which pulse is used in making dosa batter?
Black gram is essential for fermentation and texture in dosa batter.
Which pulse is used for making besan?
Chickpea flour, known as besan, is made from chickpeas.
Which pulse is used in hummus?
Chickpeas are the main ingredient used in preparing hummus.
Which pulse is widely used in soups worldwide?
Lentils are widely used in soups due to quick cooking and mild flavor.
Are pulses environment-friendly crops?
Yes, pulses reduce greenhouse emissions and fertilizer dependency, making them eco-friendly.
Why are pulses considered climate-smart crops?
They tolerate drought, improve soils, and adapt well to climate variability.
What is pulse milling?
Pulse milling separates husk and splits grains into edible dal.
What is the byproduct of pulse milling?
Husk and broken grains are byproducts used as animal feed.
Which pulse matures fastest?
Green gram is one of the fastest maturing pulses, harvesting within 60–70 days.
Which pulse has deep root system?
Pigeon pea has a deep root system, helping drought tolerance.
Why do pulses need less fertilizer?
Nitrogen fixation reduces the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers.
What is integrated pest management in pulses?
It combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods to control pulse pests sustainably.
Which disease commonly affects pulse crops?
Wilt, rust, and powdery mildew commonly affect pulse crops.
What is wilt disease in pulses?
Wilt causes sudden plant drying due to fungal infection in vascular tissues.
How can pulse diseases be controlled?
Using resistant varieties, crop rotation, and seed treatment controls pulse diseases.
Which pulse is used as green manure?
Cowpea and green gram are often used as green manure crops.
What is green manure in agriculture?
Green manure crops are grown and ploughed into soil to improve fertility.
Why are pulses important for small farmers?
Low input costs and stable demand make pulses profitable for small farmers.
Which pulses are exported from India?
Chickpeas, lentils, and pigeon peas are major exported pulses.
Why is pulse price volatile?
Weather dependency, low productivity, and demand-supply gaps cause price fluctuations.
How do pulses contribute to balanced diet?
They complement cereals, supplying lysine-rich protein lacking in grains.
Which amino acid is abundant in pulses?
Pulses are rich in lysine, an essential amino acid.
Which amino acid is limited in pulses?
Pulses are deficient in methionine, which cereals provide.
Why is cereal-pulse combination ideal?
Together they provide complete protein with all essential amino acids.
Are pulses suitable for children’s nutrition?
Yes, pulses support growth by providing protein, minerals, and energy.
Which pulse is commonly fed to infants?
Lentil-based preparations are commonly fed to infants after proper cooking.
How do pulses help farmers’ income?
Pulses fetch good market prices and reduce fertilizer expenses.
What is the average spacing for pulse crops?
Spacing varies but generally ranges between 30–60 centimeters between rows.
Which pulse is shade tolerant?
Pigeon pea tolerates partial shade and intercropping conditions.
Why are pulses important in organic farming?
They naturally enrich soil nitrogen, supporting organic nutrient management.
Which pulses are used as fodder?
Cowpea and cluster bean are commonly used as fodder pulses.
What is cluster bean also called?
Cluster bean is commonly known as guar.
Which pulse is used to produce guar gum?
Guar seeds are used to extract guar gum.
Why is guar gum economically important?
Guar gum is widely used in food, textile, and oil industries.
Which pulse crop is drought-resistant?
Pigeon pea is highly drought-resistant due to deep roots.
Why do pulses need well-drained soil?
Waterlogging damages roots and reduces nitrogen fixation efficiency.
What is seed rate in pulses?
Seed rate refers to quantity of seed required per hectare for optimal plant population.
Why is seed treatment important for pulses?
Seed treatment prevents diseases and improves germination.
Which micronutrient is important for pulses?
Zinc and molybdenum are essential micronutrients for pulse growth.
What is molybdenum’s role in pulses?
Molybdenum supports nitrogen fixation by activating enzymes.
How long can pulses be stored without refrigeration?
Properly dried pulses can be stored for months without refrigeration.
Which pulse has highest export demand globally?
Chickpeas have high international demand due to diverse culinary uses.
Why are pulses included in midday meal programs?
They provide affordable protein and improve nutritional quality of meals.
What is the calorific value of pulses?
Pulses provide around 300–350 kilocalories per 100 grams.
Why are pulses important for elderly people?
They are easy to digest, protein-rich, and support muscle maintenance.
Which pulse crop improves soil organic matter?
All pulses contribute organic residues that enhance soil organic matter.
Why are pulses grown on marginal lands?
Low input requirement allows cultivation on less fertile soils.
What is rainfed pulse cultivation?
Rainfed cultivation relies solely on rainfall without irrigation.
Which pulse thrives under rainfed conditions?
Pigeon pea performs well under rainfed farming systems.
Why are pulses important for sustainable diets?
They offer nutrition with lower environmental impact than animal protein.
Which pulse is commonly used in snacks?
Chickpea flour is widely used in snacks like pakoras and sev.
Which pulse is essential in South Indian cuisine?
Black gram is essential in idli and dosa preparations.
Why are pulses boiled before consumption?
Boiling destroys toxins, softens grains, and improves digestibility.
Which pulse contains highest fiber content?
Lentils and chickpeas contain very high dietary fiber.
How do pulses support gut health?
Fiber in pulses feeds beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion.
Are pulses suitable for ketogenic diet?
No, pulses are high in carbohydrates and unsuitable for strict ketogenic diets.
Why are pulses soaked overnight?
Soaking reduces gas formation and shortens cooking duration.
Which pulse is easiest to digest?
Split moong dal is considered the easiest pulse to digest.
Which pulse is commonly used during fasting?
Moong dal is commonly consumed during fasting periods.
What is pulse grading?
Pulse grading classifies grains based on size, color, and quality.
Why is pulse grading important?
Grading ensures uniform quality, better pricing, and consumer satisfaction.
Which pulse is most consumed worldwide?
Lentils are among the most widely consumed pulses globally.
What is the role of pulses in food diversification?
Pulses add variety, nutrition, and taste to daily diets.
What are minor pulses?
Minor pulses are less widely grown legumes but locally important for nutrition and soil fertility.
Which pulse is known as horse gram?
Horse gram is scientifically known as Macrotyloma uniflorum.
Why is horse gram considered medicinal?
Horse gram aids weight loss, improves digestion, and helps manage diabetes and kidney stones.
Which pulse is called field pea?
Field pea is botanically known as Pisum sativum.
What is the main use of field pea?
Field pea is used for food, fodder, and improving soil fertility.
Which pulse is used as cover crop?
Cowpea is widely used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion.
Why are pulses sensitive to waterlogging?
Excess water reduces oxygen availability, damaging roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules.
Which pulse has maximum drought tolerance?
Pigeon pea shows excellent drought tolerance due to deep rooting system.
What is ratooning in pulses?
Ratooning allows regrowth of pulse crops after harvesting for additional yield.
Why is ratooning uncommon in pulses?
Most pulses have short lifespan and limited regrowth capacity.
Which pulse crop fixes maximum nitrogen?
Soybean fixes large amounts of nitrogen due to extensive root nodulation.
What is the average nitrogen fixation by pulses?
Pulses can fix 30–150 kilograms nitrogen per hectare annually.
Which pulse is widely grown in Africa?
Cowpea is widely grown across Africa for food and fodder.
Why is cowpea called poor man’s vegetable?
Cowpea leaves, pods, and seeds are nutritious and affordable.
Which pulse is known as red gram?
Pigeon pea is commonly known as red gram.
Why are pulses important in rainfed agriculture?
They tolerate moisture stress and require fewer external inputs.
Which pulse matures within two months?
Green gram matures quickly, usually within 60–65 days.
Which pulse is photoperiod sensitive?
Pigeon pea is sensitive to day length for flowering.
What is photoperiod sensitivity?
It is plant response to day length affecting flowering and growth.
Which pulse has climbing growth habit?
Rice bean exhibits climbing or trailing growth habit.
Why are pulses vulnerable to pests?
Soft plant tissues and flowers attract insects during growth stages.
Which insect is major pest of pulses?
Pod borer is a major insect pest affecting pulse crops.
What damage does pod borer cause?
It feeds on flowers and pods, drastically reducing grain yield.
Which pulse disease spreads through soil?
Fusarium wilt spreads through infected soil and crop residues.
How can wilt be managed in pulses?
Using resistant varieties and crop rotation effectively controls wilt.
Which pulse is best for summer cultivation?
Green gram is ideal for summer cultivation with irrigation.
Why are pulses not heavy feeders?
They require fewer nutrients due to nitrogen fixation ability.
Which fertilizer is recommended for pulses?
Phosphorus is most important fertilizer for pulse crops.
Why is phosphorus important for pulses?
It enhances root development and nitrogen fixation efficiency.
Which pulse is sensitive to frost?
Chickpea is highly sensitive to frost conditions.
Which pulse tolerates high temperature?
Cowpea tolerates high temperatures better than most pulses.
Which pulse is widely used in Ayurveda?
Green gram is widely used in Ayurvedic diets.
Why is green gram considered sattvic food?
It is light, easily digestible, and promotes bodily balance.
Which pulse is used in animal feed industry?
Field pea and chickpea byproducts are commonly used as animal feed.
What is pulse diversification?
Pulse diversification involves growing different pulse species to reduce risk.
Why is pulse diversification important?
It improves income stability and reduces pest and disease outbreaks.
Which pulse crop is suitable for upland areas?
Pigeon pea grows well in upland and well-drained soils.
Which pulse improves soil structure?
All pulse crops improve soil structure through organic matter addition.
Why are pulses preferred in mixed cropping?
They complement cereals and enhance overall system productivity.
Which pulse crop tolerates salinity?
Lentil shows moderate tolerance to soil salinity.
What is the germination period of pulses?
Pulse seeds usually germinate within 4–7 days after sowing.
Which pulse has hard seed coat?
Pigeon pea has relatively hard seed coat affecting germination.
Why is seed scarification needed in pulses?
Scarification improves water absorption and uniform germination.
Which pulse is most preferred for dal milling?
Chickpea and pigeon pea are preferred for dal milling.
Why do pulses crack during milling?
Improper moisture content causes cracking during milling.
What is the optimum moisture for pulse milling?
Grain moisture around 10–12 percent is ideal for milling.
Which pulse is used for making sattu?
Roasted chickpea flour is used for preparing sattu.
Why is sattu considered energy food?
It provides protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and sustained energy.
Which pulse is commonly grown in hills?
Lentil is commonly cultivated in hilly regions.
Why are pulses important in tribal diets?
They provide affordable protein and essential nutrients.
Which pulse is used in traditional fermented foods?
Black gram is essential for fermentation in many foods.
Why does black gram aid fermentation?
It contains mucilage and proteins supporting fermentation microbes.
Which pulse improves cereal yield when rotated?
Chickpea improves yield of subsequent wheat crops.
Why are pulses harvested early morning?
Early harvesting reduces shattering and moisture loss.
What is shattering in pulses?
Shattering is premature falling of pods before harvesting.
Which pulse is highly prone to shattering?
Green gram is highly prone to pod shattering.
How can shattering losses be reduced?
Timely harvesting and resistant varieties reduce shattering losses.
Which pulse requires minimal tillage?
Pulses grow well under minimum tillage conditions.
Why is minimum tillage suitable for pulses?
It conserves soil moisture and reduces production cost.
Which pulse is commonly grown in inter-row spaces?
Green gram is often grown in inter-row spaces.
Why are pulses important for nutritional security?
They supply essential proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamins.
Which pulse is used for making laddoos?
Chickpea flour is commonly used in sweet preparations.
Why are pulses included in balanced diet charts?
They provide plant protein, fiber, and micronutrients.
Which pulse crop reduces greenhouse gas emissions?
All pulses reduce emissions by minimizing nitrogen fertilizer usage.
What is pulse-based cropping system?
It integrates pulses with cereals for sustainable agriculture.
Why are pulses considered future crops?
They support nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable farming.
Which pulse is recommended for protein deficiency?
Lentils and chickpeas are recommended to combat protein deficiency.
Why are pulses included in food aid programs?
They are nutritious, affordable, and easy to store.
Which pulse is widely consumed in Mediterranean diet?
Chickpeas and lentils are staples in Mediterranean diets.
Why are pulses cooked with spices?
Spices improve digestion and reduce gas formation.
Which pulse is best for elderly digestion?
Split green gram is best for elderly digestion.