PULSE CROPS
Pluses constitute an important part of human food. Pulses are valued for their high protein content and protein quality and thus, supplement the cereal based diets. The protein content of most pulses ranges from 17-24 per cent which is almost 2-3 times more than that found in cereals. In Himachal Pradesh, Kharif pulses are grown on an approximate area of 61.0 thousand hectares. Among Kharif pules, mash, kulthi and rajmash are the most important. Arhar and mung are the also grown on a very limited area. The average yield, however, is very low. The important reasons for such low yields are lack of high yielding varieties of wider adaptability and stability, susceptibility to various diseases and pests and lack of responsiveness to higher levels of management. |