Role of pulses in doubling farmer’s income: A review

Abstract

Agriculture is the main source of farmer’s income in India. The target of doubling farmer’s income in a short period requires identification of sources of income growth and enabling conditions for harnessing their growth potential. The pathway for doubling of farmer’s income encompasses several dimensions, from production to post-harvest management. Chickpea, pigeonpea, urdbean, mungbean, lentil, fieldpea, cowpea and lathyrus are the major pulse crops grown in the country. Pulses contributes immensely towards doubling farmer’s income through diminishing cost of production, scaling per unit productivity, efficient marketing networks, increased minimum support price and post harvest value addition.