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Source-This post is based on the article “India’s lentil production set to touch all-time high: Govt” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th January 2024.
Why in the News?
India is anticipated to lead global lentil (masoor) production in 2023-24, due to increased cultivation.
Why is this significant for India?
1) Since reaching its highest output of 1.62 million tonnes in 2017-18, India’s lentil production decreased. Official data for the 2022-23 crop year indicates a production of 1.56 million tonnes.
2) As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the leading lentil-producing countries in 2022 included Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, and Russia.
3) Although India ranks as the second-largest lentil producer, it has predominantly imported from Australia, Canada, Russia, Singapore, and Turkey until now.
4) During the current year, it also imported some quantities of lentil from UAE, USA, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
5) The projected lentil production figures for 2023-24 could potentially contribute to a reduction in crop imports.
What are the distinctive characteristics of the lentil crop?
1) It is a valuable human food, mostly consumed as dry seeds.
2) Lentils are small, lens-shaped seeds that come in various colors, with red and green being popular varieties in India.
3) Lentil is also called Masur and Malka (bold seeded).
| Specifications | Details |
| Worldwide Cultivation | It is extensively grown across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. |
| Cultivation in India | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and others in India. |
| Nutritional Value | Cooked lentils consist of approximately 70% water, 20% carbohydrates, 9% protein, and 0.4% fat. |
| Climatic conditions | a) It requires a cold climate. b) It is very hardy, withstanding frost and severe winter conditions to a significant degree. c) It requires cold temperature during its vegetative growth and warm temperature at the time of maturity. d) Temperature: The ideal growth temperature falls within the range of 18-30°C. It is cultivated at altitudes up to 3,500 meters in the north-western hills. e) Soil: Optimal lentil cultivation occurs in well-drained loam soils with a neutral pH. Acidic soils are unsuitable for lentil growth. |
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy(Agriculture)
