Growth And Trend Analysis of Pulses in India: A Regional Perspective of Karnataka

Abstract Pulses play a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security in India, particularly in a predominantly vegetarian society. The present study examines the trends in area, production, and productivity of pulses at the global and national levels, with special reference to Karnataka, using secondary data and analytical tools such as Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Yearly Growth Rate, and percentage analysis. The results reveal that global pulses production increased from 71.53 million metric tons in 2010 to 97.39 million metric tons in 2022, registering a CAGR of 2.6 percent, though with considerable year-to-year fluctuations. In India, the area under pulses increased from 23.56 million hectares in 1960-61 to 28.83 million hectares in 2020-21, while production rose to 25.72 million tons with an average productivity of 892 kg per hectare. The CAGR during 2013-14 to 2021-22 indicates growth of 3 percent in area, 5 percent in production, and 2 percent in productivity. At the state level, Karnataka accounts for 10.82 percent of the total pulse area but contributes only 8.25 percent to total production, with a relatively lower yield of 680 kg per hectare, which is below the national average. The study finds that pulse production in Karnataka is largely influenced by area expansion rather than productivity improvements and is subject to fluctuations due to rainfall dependency and limited technological adoption. The study concludes that enhancing productivity through improved agricultural practices, irrigation facilities, and policy support is essential for achieving sustainable growth in the pulses sector and meeting the increasing demand for pulses in India.