With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements : 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

The correct answer is Option 1.

Statement 1 is correct because Black gram (Urad) is a versatile legume cultivated in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. In Southern and South-Eastern India, it is extensively grown as a Rabi crop, often in rice fallows.

Statement 2 is incorrect because Chickpea (Gram), not Green-gram, is the dominant pulse in India, accounting for nearly 40-50% of total pulse production. Green-gram (Moong) contributes a much smaller share (around 10%).

Statement 3 is incorrect because data from the last three decades shows that the production of both Kharif and Rabi pulses has generally increased due to improved yields and expansion in area. Specifically, Rabi pulses (like Chickpea) have shown significant growth, contradicting the claim that their production has decreased.

Therefore, only the first statement accurately reflects the agricultural patterns of pulse production in India.