With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
3. 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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Black gram (Urad) is cultivated across India during both the kharif and rabi seasons. In peninsular and southeastern India, it is extensively cultivated as a rabi crop in rice fallows.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Gram (Chickpea/Bengal gram) is the single most dominant pulse crop in India, accounting for over 40% to 50% of total national pulse production. Green gram (Moong) contributes roughly 8% to 10% of total pulse output.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Over the last three decades, total domestic production across both kharif and rabi pulses has witnessed an overall upward trajectory, with rabi pulse production registering significant expansion.
Hence, only statement 1 is correct — Option A.