Pulses

Total Questions: 17

1. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (pre) 2020]

Black gram can be cultivated as both Kharif and Rabi crop.
Green gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
In the last three decades, while the production of Kharif pulses has increased, the production of Rabi pulses has decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

Solution:Urad is a tropical climate crop. It is a Kharif crop in North India and both a Rabi and Kharif season crop in South India. The production of Moong in the year 2016-17 accounted for 14% of the total pulses. The percentage has remained relatively stable over the years. Hence, Statement 2 (about large changes) is false. In the last three decades, there has been a marginal (negligible) increase in the production of Kharif crops. However, the production of Rabi pulses has increased by about 150 percent. Therefore, Statement 3 (about decreasing Rabi pulses) is also false.

2. Which one of the following countries is the major producer and consumer of pulses? [U.P.P.C.S.(mains) 2014]

(a) U.S.A.
(b) China
(c) England
(d) India

Correct Answer: (d) India

Solution:Among the given options, a major producer and consumer of pulses is India. According to Agriculture Statistics at a Glance 2020. India is the largest producer of Pulses in the world, followed by Myanmar and Canada.

3. Which among the following products is not usually exported from India? [U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013 U.P.P.C.S (mains) 2013]

(a) Wheat
(b) Rice
(c) Sugar
(d) Pulses

Correct Answer: (d) Pulses

Solution:India has to import pulses despite being a leading producer due to the high rate of consumption. Thus, pulses are generally not exported from India whereas wheat, rice and sugar is exported at times.

4. India is the largest producer as well as the largest consumer and importer of which of the following? [Jharkhand P.C.S.(Pre) 2023]

(a) Wheat
(b) Cotton
(c) Pulses
(d) Sugarcane

Correct Answer: (c) Pulses

Solution:India is the largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses. These pulses are Chickpeas (known as gram or channas), lentils (masoor dal), pigeon peas (arhar or toor dal) etc.

5. The largest pulses producing state in India: [U.P. Lower Sub (pre) 2004]

(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan

Correct Answer: (c) Madhya Pradesh

Solution:When the question was asked option (c) was correct answer According to the figures of 2021-22 (4th A.E), the largest producer of pulses in India is Madhya Pradesh.

6. The type of crop which is able to fix nitrogen from the air: [U.P.P.S.C.(mains) 2006]

(a) Wheat
(b) Legumes
(c) Rubber
(d) Coffee

Correct Answer: (b) Legumes

Solution:Legumes are quite unique among other crops as they draw their nitrogen from the air with the help of a specialized bacteria. So it does not require the same application of nitrogen fertilizer like other crops.

7. Which nutrient is considered essential for growing pulse crop? [U.P.P.S.C.(Spl). (mains) 2004]

(a) Chromium
(b) Cobalt
(c) Iodine
(d) Sodium

Correct Answer: (b) Cobalt

Solution:Cobalt is known to be essential for symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium. Cobalt is also needed in the synthesis of vitamin B12.It is necessary for growth, photosynthesis and evaporation Rhizobium is a bacteria found in the crops of pulses.

8. Which of the following is not correctly matched? [U.P.P.C.S.(mains) 2009]

(a) Arhar - Neelam
(b) Groundnut - Chandra
(c) Lentil - Pant L-406
(d) Mustard - Varuna

Correct Answer: (a) Arhar - Neelam

Solution:Neelam is not a variety of Arhar crop it is a variety of Mango Rest other option are correctly matched.

9. Balanced fertilizers Ratio (NPK) for legume crops is- [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

(a) 1 : 2 : 2
(b) 3 : 2 : 1
(c) 4 : 2 : 1
(d) 2 : 2 : 2

Correct Answer: (a) 1 : 2 : 2

Solution:Different crops demand soil nutrients in different proportion For example, legumes (pulses) may need nutrients in a ratio of 0 : 1 : 1, 1 : 2 : 2 or 1 : 2 : 3. Therefore, option(a) is the correct answer.

10. The place of origin of red gram (arhar) is: [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]

(a) America
(b) India
(c) South Africa
(d) Egypt

Correct Answer: (b) India

Solution:Arhar is an important legume crop and protein-rich food which is primarily consumed as dal in India. It is predominantly a crop of tropical areas mainly cultivated in semi arid regions of India. It is commonly intercropped with a wide range of crops. In India, it was estimated that 80-90% of the pigeonpea were intercropped. The important diseases of Pigeon pea are Wilt, Sterility mosaic disease, Phytophthora blight, Alternaria blight and Powdery mildew etc. The Pigeonpea's long growth cycle and sensitivity to day length have hindered breeding efforts, with only about 250 varieties released globally over six decades. It has low glycaemic index and is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Major Pigeon pea producing states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand.

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