List of Pulses in India

Pulses

• Edible seeds of a plant in the Legume Family.
• They have different colors, sizes, and shapes.
• According to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, there are 11 types of pulses: lupins, vetches, Bambara beans, lentils, peas, dry peas, dry broad beans, cowpeas, vetches, pulsesnes, and dry beans.
• Pulses can act as a substitute for protein for those people who do not eat chicken, fish, and dairy products. Pulses contain a rich amount of protein.
• The main regions of pulse cultivation are eastern and Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Maharashtra.
• Indian Pulses are exported to the United States of America, United Arab Emirates, the People's Republic of China, Nepal, and Algeria.
• As Pulse is a leguminous plant, so it helps in maintaining soil fertility through nitrogen fixation from the air.
• India produces 20% of the world's total production of Pulse.
• Climatic conditions: It requires less moisture and can also be grown in dry conditions.

1. Moong Dal

It is also known as green gram. Moong dal belongs to the Plantae kingdom, and it is a leguminous plant. Moong Dal is an extremely popular food in India. Moong Dal is a great source of protein and contains essential required nutrients. Due to its high nutrient presence, it helps in repairing and building tissues, and it builds skin, blood, cartilage, and bones.

Climatic Conditions required for the production of Moong Dal

It requires temperatures between ranges from 25 degrees - to 35degrees

It is best grown on drained loamy soil, and the rainfall required is 60cm-90cm.

States which produce moong dal at a massive scale are Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujrat, Orissa, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Health Benefits

1. It helps in reducing weight loss. They help in the smooth functioning of a hormone called cholecystokinin, and in return, it helps you improve your metabolism rate and gives you a sense of fulfillment after eating. Therefore, it also stops you from overeating and controls your weight.
2. It helps in improving heart conditions. Moong dal is rich in iron and potassium. Due to the presence of such valuable minerals, it shields you from muscle cramps and helps you in reducing blood pressure. It also helps in regulating irregular heartbeat. Moong Dal is lightweight in nature, so it gets digested easily and helps in fighting heart diseases and hypertension. Those people who are suffering from heart disease and hypertension should include Moong dal in their daily diet.
3. Moong dal has the property to break down carbohydrates turning down into glucose, thus releasing energy into the body. It contains an immense variety of minerals: copper, iron, and magnesium. Extra nutrients which are contained in it are Vitamin B6, Folate, and fiber. Folic Acid's presence helps build DNA and maintain healthy brain function.
4. The presence of a low glycemic index in Moong Dal helps in lowering fat levels, insulin, and blood glucose, and thus, it reduces the risk of having diabetes and maintains sugar levels in the body.

2. Masoor Dal (Lentil)

It is an important constituent of our daily diet and is widely served in Indian homes. It is commonly pronounced as Masoor ki Dal or Split red lentil. It is widely grown in India. It is without skin and yellow in colour.

Nutrition Details

Quantity-100 gram

Protein-9 Gram

Total Carbohydrates-20 Gram (6%)

Dietary Fiber- 8g (32%)

Sugar-1.8g

Cholestrol- 0mg (0%)

Sodium - 2mg (0%)

Potassium- 369 mg (10%)

Total Fat -0.4 Gram (0%)

Saturated Fat 0.1Gram (0%)

Calorie -116

This pulse is from Plantae Kingdom.

It is present in various types and segregated based on its size. For example: - unshelled or shelled, split or whole.

The Coats of the seed can vary from deep purple to green, mottled, black, brown, grey, and tan. Shelled lentils exhibit the color of the cotyledon, and it could be green, yellow, orange or red.

Types of Red - Cotyledons:

• Aldinga (Australia)
• Digger (Australia)
• Cobber (Australia)
• Nipper ( Australia)
• Nugget (Australia )
• Northfield ( Australia)

Production

Major producing countries are India (25%) and Canada (33%). Both countries produce 58% of the lentil in the Global.

Major producing states in India: Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are both states that account for 70% of the total production in India. The other States which produce a significant amount of Masoor Dal are Bihar and West Bengal.

In Canada, Saskatchewan is the region that produces a huge amount of Masoor Dal, and it constitutes about 95% of the total production.

Benefits of Masoor Dal

Due to the immense presence of nutrients in the Masoor dal, it has many health benefits. Masoor Dal contains Fibres, Vitamins, and Flavonoids, which have therapeutic benefits.

Management of Diabetes

Masoor Dal contains a high amount of carbohydrates, and fibers help in containing blood sugar levels. It is suggested that Masoor Dal should be part of their diet as it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Management of Obesity

When lentil is included in the daily diet, it reduces the risk of obesity-related disease. Lentil has high fiber content there, so it gives them a sense of fulness sooner, and it reduces food intake and helps in the management of body weight.

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

Intake of Pulses reduces hypertension (Reduction of Serum Cholesterol Levels) and incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Management of Cancer Prevention

Intake of Masoor Dal helps in reducing the chances of breast cancer. Masoor Dal contains plant lectins, and they exhibit anti-cancer activity. Protease also contains cancer-preventing properties.

3. Toor Dal

It belongs to the Plantae Kingdom and is a perennial legume. Toor dal's seed is commonly available in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Toor dal is a major source of protein and is consumed on a wide-scale basis in India.

The Scientific name is Cajanus cajan.

Nutrition Table - Quantity per 100gram

Protein-22 gram

Total Carbohydrate: 63g- 21%

Dietary Fiber 15g (60%)

Potassium: 1,392 mg (39%)

Sodium: 17mg (0%)

Cholestrol: 0mg (0%)

Total Fat 1.5g (2%)

Saturated Fat 0.3 g (1%)

Calories-343

It has immense health benefits, and intake of toor dal on a daily basis will protect you from several diseases.

Helps in Wound Healing: Toor Dal has an anti-inflammatory activity property. It can reduce the pain of inflammation in the wounded areas and actives the cell for tissue formation.

Maintenance of Cholesterol and Diabetes

Toor Dal contains a significant amount of protein, and it aids in avoiding diabetes. Data shows that person who is suffering from high diabetes and cholesterol problems, for them it has been observed that taking toor dal on a regular basis helps in reducing cholesterol and sugar levels. Reduction in cholesterol happens due to the presence of high fiber content and anti-oxidant.

Malaria

The toor daal leaves contain chalcone. It is an active anti-malarial, and it is used to treat jaundice. Therefore, Toor Dal may act as Anti- Malarial agent.

Problems Related to Disorders

Toor Dal's components like leaves, flowers, and seeds are taken as an ingredient and used for the preparation of teas. This tea is used for treating various kinds of ailments: to treat various diseases like yellow fever, ulcers, infections, and urinary tract.

4. Rajma

People also call this "lal lobia", "rajmah," and razma. It originated from the Indian subcontinent. They are immensely popular in countries like Pakistan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Rajma is served along with rice and has been made part of the daily diet in previously mentioned countries. Rajma has the shape of kidney beans.

Rajma is grown on a widescale basis in states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

Climatic Conditions required for the growth of Rajma

It can be grown on any soil, but the most suitable soil is well-drained loamy soil. It requires 600mm-1500mm rainfall and the temperature required is 15 degrees and 25 degrees.

Health Benefits

1. Rajma contains magnesium in the proper amount. The presence of such crucial minerals helps in the smooth functioning of metabolism activity and the formation of teeth and bones.
2. It has the presence of complex carbs and contains required fiber, and it helps in bringing down the cholesterol level. The availability of soluble fiber helps lower the absorption of cholesterol, and in return, it reduces LDL Cholesterol and total cholesterol. Both cholesterol levels are responsible for increasing the risk of heart disease.
3. Rajma contains complex carbs having a Glycemic index 28, which is very low. The high fiber content and low Glycemic Index helps lower the release of sugar level.

5. Urad Dal

The Scientific name of Chana dal name is Vigna mungo, and it belongs to Plantae Family and it is one of the extremely popular food ingredients in India. It is also called black gram. It has originated in South Asia. It is cultivated in the northern part of Nepal and Bangladesh, the Southern part of India. Chana Dal is called mash dal in Nepal and Bangladesh. It is a legume plant, and it has also been introduced in countries like Africa, Myanmar, the Caribbean, Fiji, and Mauritius.

Nutrition chart for 100gram

Vitamins

Minerals

Climatic Conditions for Urad Dal

It is widely cultivated during the summer and rainy seasons.

Favorable conditions for this crop: humid and hot, and the required temperature is 25 degrees to 30 degrees.

Soils

Black gram can be cultivated on soil like heavy clay to sandy soil, but it can't be grown on saline and alkaline soil. It is best grown on black cotton soils, which have the property of retaining moisture. Those soils with neutral pH are the most favorable soil for its growth.

Irrigation Management

Normally, during the rainy season, it does not require much water. During summers, the water can be provided by seeing the availability of water and the requirement of plants and soil. Its frequency and intervals depend upon weather and soil type. Usually, a crop should be getting water between 10-15 days. It requires sufficient moisture in the soil for the crop to become a plant from flower.

Yield

A well-grown crop can produce 12 to 15 quintals/hectare.

6. Chana Dal (Chick Pea)

It is the oldest crop, and it's been growing since ancient times. It is popularly known as "gram", "chana," and Bengal Gram. It is taken with rice along with vegetables in India. Chana dal, when crushed severely it, turns into besan (flour) and besan has a wide variety of uses: dishes, sweets, and snacks. The scientific name is "Cicer arietinum L". It belongs to the "Fabaceae Family".

States which grow Chana dal on a widescale basis are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Varieties of Chick Pea

Based on the thickness, shape, size, and color of the seed, it can be segregated into two varieties:

Kabuli Chickpea:

1. Large in size, having thin coats
2. Range in Colour ( White to Tan)
3. Major cultivating countries: Chile, Africa, Europe, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
4. Low Glycemic index and high fiber content
5. It is good for diabetic patients

Desi Chickpeas:

1. Grown on Dry Lands
2. Smaller in size
3. Colour- tan to black color
4. Major cultivating countries: Bangladesh and India

Health Benefits

• Due to the low glycemic index, it is good for those who have diabetes.
• Due to the presence of iron in it, it gives a significant boost to energy levels in the body.
• It provides stability to sugar levels in the blood.
• They are rich in energy and protein.
• It has the adequate presence of fiber that will help in reducing weight.

Climatic conditions required for the growth of Chana Dal

It requires a good amount of moisture conditions, and a favorable temperature is 24 degree-30 degrees. It requires 65cm to 95 cm rainfall.

Soils

It can be cultivated on sandy loam, black cotton, and heavy soils. But soil which has well-drained storage is most suited for cultivation. Soils should have 5.5 to 7.0 ph. Rotten Farm Yard Manure like Diammonium Phosphate, Phosphorous, Nitrogen are best suited for the crop. Manure should be used before sowing the seed, and it should get mixed properly with soil.

7. Hari Matar (Green Peas)

It belongs to the Leguminosae family. It is an immensely popular vegetable crop in India and is grown on a wide-scale basis. Green Pea straw can be used as fodder for livestock feeding.

Some of the states which produce green peas on a large scale are Bihar, Uttarakhand, Haryana, West Bengal, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Health Benefits

1. It improves digestion
2. Helps in preventing the stomach cancer
3. It has the property of anti-aging, high energy, and provides a strong immune system.
4. Prevents diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, bronchitis, wrinkles, and Alzheimer's.
5. It maintains blood sugar levels.

Climatic conditions the required growth of Green Peas

1. Cool regions and moist conditions are the most favorable conditions for the growth of Green peas.
2. The temperature requirement is 10 degrees to 30 degrees.
3. Beyond 30 degrees may lead to poor yield formation and sufficient moisture required for flowering.
4. It requires 500mm rainfall for suitable growth.

Soils

Well-drained soil is best for the growth of Green Peas. Soils having good organic content will produce a good yield and the best quality of peas. The ph of the soil should be 6 to 8 for good growth.

Irrigation

Regular irrigation at correct intervals is advised. Pulses consume more water than cereals. Waterlogging should be avoided in the field, and it should be well-drained.

8. Chawli Dal

Its scientific name is Virgins Sinensis Savi. It belongs to the Leguminosae family. Some of the common names are Black-eyed Pea, Barbati, Cowpea, and Lobia.

Nutrition Table

Some essential amino acids like phenylalanine, lysine, and leucine are also present.

Types of Cowpea

• Pusa Phalguni grew in the Summer season
• Pusa Barsati grew in the rainy season
• Pusa Dofsali is preferred both in rainy as well as in summer season

Climatic conditions for the cowpea production

Cowpeas grow well in the summer and rainy seasons, not in the winter. Moist weather is a favorable condition for the nourishment of crops. Region having low rainfall is not favorable conditions for the growth of cowpeas.

Soils

Cowpeas can be grown on various soil, and they are best nourished in sandy to sandy, loamy soil. Soil having organic contents helps in the proper growth of a crop.

9. Moth Dal

The scientific name is Vigna aconitifolia, and it belongs to the Plantae family. It is a drought-resistant legume plant cultivated in semi-arid and arid places. Some common names are dew bean, mat bean, moth bean, and matki. Protein-rich seeds, sprouts, and pods are mainly consumed in India. It is available in yellow and brown colors. Due to its drought-resistant, it has been advised to grow this crop in semi-arid regions of Africa. The US grows Moth for fulfilling its green manure crop, fodder, and pasture needs.

It is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin B9.

Major producing states are Maharashtra, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Rajasthan's 86% of the area is used for Moth production, and therefore Rajasthan is the largest cultivator of Moth.

Countries in which Moth dal is produced are Thailand, the United States of America, parts of Asia, and Australia.

Climatic conditions required for the growth of Moth

The required temperature is 24 degrees- 32 degrees, and this crop does not get affected if the temperature reaches 45 degrees celsius. It requires rainfall of around 500-750 mm, and it can also be grown in 300 mm of rainfall.

Soils

It does not require any specific soil for its growth. The soil of the North-Western part of India is best suited for cultivation. The soil has poor dunes with less organic content, poor fertility rate, and well-drained soil is good cultivation of Moth Dal. The suitable range of Ph is 3.5-10.

The best sowing period is from May-June.

This crop does not demand additional fertilizer. It can be grown on abandoned land, which has less fertility and poor organic content. Harvesting is very difficult for this crop, and it is one of the negative limitations of the crop.