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QUESTION 7
GS1
10 marks

Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

List the agronomic, nutritional, environmental and economic advantages of pulses that led the UN to declare 2016 the International Year of Pulses.

MentionAnswer exactly what the question asks.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Soil health: biological nitrogen fixation (Rhizobium), less fertiliser need, good in crop rotation and intercropping≈30 words
  2. 2Water and climate: low water footprint, drought-tolerant, suit dryland and rainfed areas≈30 words
  3. 3Nutrition: cheap protein, iron, fibre; key for vegetarian diets and fighting malnutrition≈30 words
  4. 4Economy: low input cost, short duration, income for small farmers; India's import dependence makes them strategic≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

UN declaration contextSoilWater/climateNutritionFarmer incomeIndia angleConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Describing India's pulse problems instead of advantages
  • Missing the nitrogen fixation point

Draw this

  • Diagram of root nodule nitrogen fixation

Value addition

  • ResolutionUN General Assembly Resolution 68/231 (2013) declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses, with FAO as lead.UNGA, 2013
  • DataIndia is the world's largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses.FAO
  • SchemeBudget 2025-26 announced a six-year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses focusing on tur, urad and masoor.Union Budget 2025-26