Pulses are the cheapest source of protein containing!8-25 % compared to meat and eggs. India accounts for one quarter of world production, but the net per capita per day availability is 37 grams ( 2009) as against 80 grams recommended by WHO. The higher rate of growth ofpopulation and marginal growth rate of pulse production resulted in import of 15 to 24 per cent of domestic production .The analysis revealed a huge gap between production and demand of 19.56 million tonnes by 2016-17 and 19.22 million tonnes by 2021-22 based on 80 g/ capita/day recommended by WHO. The present yield of 600 kg/ha needs to be increased to global average Of 819 kg/ha through HYVJPM etc . The cultivation of pulses should be extended to cultivable wasteland of 13.12 million hectares and reduce current fallows of 14.81 million hectares (2007-08) besides encouraging to grow pulse crops with supply of seeds, financial incentives, demonstration of package of practices etc., to increase area under the crop. The Government should assess the impact on production of dry land crops like pulses at all India level while acquiring cultivated land for non agricultural purposes A long term policy is needed on production, procurement .import and export of pulses to built buffer stocks of pulses as in the case of cereals.
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