List of Top 10 Pulses-Producing States in India

List of Top 10 Pulse-Producing States in India: Pulse-Producing states of India make a major contribution to the total output of the country. India produced 14.76 million tonnes of pulses in the FY 2020-21. With 4,821,840 tons produced annually, Rajasthan is India’s top producer of pulses. Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest producer of pulses in India, with an annual production of 4,364,740 tonnes. Maharashtra ranks third among the states that produce the most pulses in India, with a production of 4,224,870 tons in FY 2020–21.

India is the world’s biggest importer (14%), user (27% of global consumption), and producer (25% of global output) of pulses.

In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 pulses-producing states of India along with their output. We will also look into the list of the top 10 pulse-producing countries of the world.

About Pulse Production in India

India produces 27–28% of the world’s pulses, making it the leading producer in the world. Globally, 14% of pulses are imported by India. Also, 7–10% of India’s total foodgrain production is made up of pulses. Moreover, pulses are suitable for growth in both the Rabi and Kharif seasons. Rabi crops, which are harvested in April and June, are cultivated abundantly and contribute to 60% of the whole output.

Gram is the most important crop, comprising up to 40% of all pulses. However, 15-20% of the entire production is made up of toor or arhar daal. Moong daal and urad daal constitute 8–10% of the total production. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are the top five states in India for producing pulses.

List of Top 10 Pulses-Producing States in India 2023

The following table lists the top 10 pulses-producing states in India in 2023:

States	Production of Pulses (Tonnes)
1. Rajasthan	4821.84
2. Madhya Pradesh	4364.74
3. Maharashtra	4,224.84
4. Uttar Pradesh	2621.15
5. Karnataka	2170.89
6. Andhra Pradesh	1759.93
7. Gujarat	1185.43
8. Jharkhand	908.93
9. Tamil Nadu	664.14
10. Telangana	549.02

List Top 10 Pulses-Producing Countries in the World

The following table lists the top 10 pulses-producing countries in the world:

Countries	Production of Pulses (Million Tonnes)
1. India	14.76
2. Myanmar	7.0
3. Canada	6.7
4. China	4.5
5. Nigeria	3.26
6. Niger	2.98
7. Ethiopia	2.8
8. Brazil	2.7
9. The USA	2.4
10. Russia	2.3

Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest pulses-producing state in India. In FY 2020–21, the state produced 4821.84 tonnes of pulses annually. The state produces the most arhar in the Kharif season and the most moong, moth, and gram in the Rabi season. This indicates that the state is well-known for producing many different kinds of pulses.

• Many kinds of pulses can be grown year-round in Rajasthan due to their varying agroclimatic conditions.
• The three main pulses grown during the Rabi season are moong, urad, and gram. These pulses grow well in the state’s winter climate, which lasts from November to March.
• Arhar, or pigeon pea, is widely grown from July to October, which is known as the Kharif season.
• Rajasthan’s pulse basket includes important districts like Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer.

Second Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Madhya Pradesh

In FY 2020–21, Madhya Pradesh produced 4364.74 tonnes of pulses annually in India. The most cultivated and growing pulses in Madhya Pradesh include gram, tur, and urad.

• Various pulses can be cultivated in the state due to its unique agroclimatic conditions.
• The three main pulses farmed in the state are urad, tur, and gram.
• Following the National Food Security Mission, MP carried out programs that have increased pulse output over time, including teaching farmers, providing farm appliances, and distributing high-yielding seed varieties.
• To promote the cultivation of pulses, the state government also offers subsidies.

Third Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Maharashtra

India’s third-largest producer of pulses is Maharashtra. In FY 2020–21, the state produced 4,224.84 tons of pulses annually. Also, the majority of Maharashtra’s 20 lakh hectares of land are used to grow toor pulses.

• The main pulse cultivated in Maharashtra is tur, also known as arhar, and it is mostly farmed in the areas of Amravati, Yavatmal, and Nagpur.
• Tur cultivation occupies over 20 lakh hectares of the state’s territory.
• The state government encourages the growing of pulses by offering farmers access to markets, infrastructure, and inputs through a number of programs.
• The goal of programs like the Mahatma Phule Krishi Sanjivani Yojana is to increase farmers’ revenue from pulses and productivity.

Fourth Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Uttar Pradesh

In India, Uttar Pradesh comes in fourth place for producing pulses. Also, in FY 2020–21, India’s UP produced 2621.15 tons of pulses annually. The most popular pulse due to its largest crop area for production is the gram pulse.

• Gram is the main pulse crop that contributes to the highest cultivated area.
• Other important pulses are moong, urad, and arhar.
• With programs that assist farmers financially, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, the state government encourages the production of pulses.
• UP has maintained its position as one of India’s top four states for the production of pulses due to supportive farming communities and favorable laws.

Fifth Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Karnataka

India’s fifth-largest producer of pulses is Karnataka. In FY 2020–21, the state produced 2170.89 tons annually. The state holds responsibility for 60% of the growth in pigeon peas and chickpea crops.

• Different pulses, including chickpea, pigeon pea, horse gram, black gram, and green gram, are grown in the state.
• Different short- and long-duration pulse varieties are grown throughout Karnataka according to the region’s varied soil and climatic conditions.
• With programs like crop debt waivers, drip irrigation plans, market assistance, and the distribution of high-yielding hybrid seeds, the state government supports the pulse industry.
• Due to favorable weather and ongoing support from the government, Karnataka has managed to remain in the top 5 states in the country for producing pulses.

Sixth Largest Pulses-Producing State in India –Andhra Pradesh

The sixth-largest producer of pulses in India is Andhra Pradesh. Also, in FY 2020–21, the state produced 1759.93 tons of pulses annually. India produces a range of high-protein pulses from this state.

• The main pulses that are grown are horse, red, green, black, and Bengal grams.
• Pulse farming has been promoted by initiatives like Rythu Bharosa, which provides financial aid and subsidies for inputs.
• Also, Andhra Pradesh carries out projects to improve market infrastructure and extension services targeted to individual crops.
• With plenty of natural zones and a skilled farming populace, the state has remained one of India’s top 6 producers of pulses.

Seventh Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Gujarat

Gujarat is the seventh-largest producer of pulses, with 1185.43 tons produced in FY 2020–21. In 2020, Gujrat, on the other hand, produced 1,057.300 tonnes annually. This indicates an important boost in Gujrat production from the previous year.

• The main pulses that are grown are tuar, moong, urad, and gram. Different seasons might be utilized for growing different types due to varied agroclimatic zones.
• The state government encourages the cultivation of pulses by offering incentives for high-yielding crops like the Ratan Lal Ninama Award.
• Gujarat is implementing infrastructural projects and innovative agro-techniques to increase the income of farmers.
• The state’s position as one of the top producers of pulses appears certain to hold in the upcoming years due to the ideal weather and the support of government.

Eighth Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Jharkhand

In India, Jharkhand produced 908.93 tons of pulses annually in FY 2020–21. But in 2020, the state produced 814 thousand metric tons annually. This indicates a small yet significant rise in the state’s output volume during the current fiscal year compared to the previous one.

• The state produces many kinds of pulses that are suited to its agroclimatic conditions, including arhar, urad, moong, and different grams.
• The state government has taken steps to encourage the growth of pulses, including improving crop insurance programs for growers, irrigation facilities, and institutional credit lines.
• Efforts are also being made to promote agricultural mechanization and disperse premium seeds.
• Jharkhand has the ability to raise yields and solidify its place among the top states in India that produce pulses with the right weather and continued support mechanisms.

Ninth Largest Pulses-producing State in India – Tamil Nadu

Tamilnadu is the ninth-largest state that produces the most pulses in India. In FY 2020–21, Tamil Nadu produced 664.14 tons annually. It has developed land under pulses for 3.97 to 7.85 lakh acres annually for the past six years.

• The three main pulses farmed in its irrigated and rain-fed farmlands are horse, black, and green grams.
• The state government has effectively expanded the yearly area under pulse cultivation from 3.97 to 7.85 lakh hectares during the last few years.
• Tamil Nadu has put into place effective programs and initiatives for irrigation infrastructure development, agriculture mechanization, and seed distribution and replacement through designated “Seed Villages.”
• With favorable agroclimatic conditions and ever-improving agriculture infrastructure, the state is well-positioned to increase its output levels even higher in the years to come.

Tenth Largest Pulses-Producing State in India – Telangana

With 549.02 tonnes produced in FY 2020–21, Telangana ranks as India’s tenth-largest producer of pulses. There are enough pulses produced in the state to eat twice a day. Also, large numbers of people can find respectable employment prospects due to the scope of the pulse crop.

• The three main pulses farmed in the state to suit local consumption demands are red, black, and green grams.
• The Telangana government provides incentives and subsidies for intercropping pulses with other horticulture crops based on productivity.
• To help farmers, it has also increased the supply of approved seeds, fertilizers, and micro-irrigation equipment.
• There are continuous efforts to establish Farmers Producer Organizations that cultivate pulses and provide improved market connections.

Government Initiative to Increase the Production of Pulses in India

NFSM Pulses Program is a government scheme to increase the production in India. The full form of NFSM is National Security Food Mission. From 2018 to 2021, there has been an increase in pulse production. Similarly, to keep up with this expansion, the Indian government launched the NFSM-Pulses initiative, which aims to support the cultivation of several pulse varieties in India. Approximately 644 districts in 28 States, as well as the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, have taken part in the initiative. It includes:

• Incentives are provided to farmers.
• High-yielding seed variety distribution (HYVs).
• Certified seed production.
• Distribution of productive agriculture equipment and tools.
• Distribution of soil ameliorants (substances that help grow the physical state of the soil), water-saving devices, and plant protection chemicals.
• Farmers are also trained to increase crop yield and productivity.
• Also, Central Seed Agencies receive support in producing the newest and authorized types of seeds.
• Farmers receive kits containing a variety of pulses at no cost.

World Pulses Day 2023

World Pulses Day is observed annually on February 10 to raise awareness of the dietary benefits and environmental advantages of pulses as a component of sustainable food production. To promote global awareness and accessibility of pulses, the UN General Assembly held a day dedicated to them in 2019. Legumes, sometimes referred to as pulses, are grown in practically every nation and are regarded as global staples.

The event in 2023 had the theme “Pulses for a Sustainable Future.” The celebration this year focused on the benefits of pulses, including increased soil production, heightened farming system resilience, improved living conditions for farmers in water-scarce environments, and more. Pulses are essential for sustainable food production because of their reduced water footprint and increased resilience to drought and climate-related calamities.

Conclusion – List of Top 10 Pulses-Producing States in India

In India, the production and marketing of pulses have grown significantly during the last three years. Moreover, India supplies 27–28% of the global pulse market. India also contributes to the favorable climate and other agriculturally beneficial factors that support the growth of the pulses. Rajasthan produced the most pulses in the fiscal year 2020–21 because of the state’s consistent weather patterns, adaptable government-backed programs, and the hard work of its farmers. India has a lot of potential when it comes to using more land for agriculture. Similarly, if the government and we work together to expand the production area, add more sophisticated seed varieties and technologies, as well as make the best pulses easily accessible, India may maintain its position as the world’s top producer of pulses.

UPSC Prelims PYQ on Top 10 Pulses-Producing States in India

Q. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: (2020)

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? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (a) 1 only

FAQs on List of Top 10 Pulses-Producing States in India

1. Which Country is Largest Producer of Pulses in World?

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world. India produces 27–28% of the world’s pulses, making it the leading producer in the world. Globally, 14% of pulses are imported by India. Also, 7–10% of India’s total foodgrain production is made up of pulses.

2. Which State is no 1 in Pulses Production in India?

Rajasthan is the largest pulses-producing state in India. In FY 2020–21, the state produced 4821.84 tonnes of pulses annually. The state produces the most arhar in the Kharif season and the most moong, moth, and gram in the Rabi season.

3. Which State is the Second Largest Producer of Pulses?

Madhya Pradesh is the second largest producer of pulses. In FY 2020–21, Madhya Pradesh produced 4364.74 tonnes of pulses annually in India. The most cultivated and growing pulses in Madhya Pradesh include gram, tur, and urad.

4. Which Country eat more Pulses?

Indian food is largely composed of pulses. India is the world’s biggest importer (14%), user (27% of global consumption), and producer (25% of global output) of pulses.

5. Which Pulses are Imported in India?

About 27 lakh tons of pulses were imported in 2021–2022. 6.7 lakh tonnes of lentils, 6.1 lakh tonnes of urad, and 8.4 lakh tonnes of tur were included in this. Chana is the most common crop and contributes to over half of India’s pulse production.