ABSTRACT

The background:The United Nations declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). India welcomed IYP-2016 when, paradoxically, the prices of pulses were raging as never before in history, affecting the very foodbowl of the country which shelters the largest numbers of vegetarians and semi-vegetarians in the world, for whom pulses are integral to nutrition. On this occasion, I should compliment Dr. T.V. Ramachandra, the main architect behind the series of biennially conducted  Lake Conferences, for providing me with the opportunity to adreess this august audience on the subject of pulses in India, despite the fact that I have hardly any expertise in this field. This unique opportunity enabled me to prepare these lecture notes on pulses scenario and come out with certain recommendations. The momentum gained during IYP-2016 should not be lost but lead to renewed interest in pulses, their diversity, nutritional importance, ecological and agricultural significance, specially in this country, the largest holder of genetic diversity pulses as also the largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses in the world.