Correct Answer - Option 3 : Pulses
The correct answer is Pulses.
- In India, the total cultivated land for pulses has remained more or less constant.
- For many decades it ranged from 14-18 MT. It is only from 2016-17, the production crossed 23 MT and to date, it ranges around this 23 MT mark.
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Pulses are much rich in proteins and are the main source of protein for vegetative people of India.
- It is the second most important constituent of the Indian diet after cereals.
- Cultivation of pulses is more important for the Indian economy.
- Pulses are a major part of a healthy and balanced diet having a low-fat source of protein, with high fibre content and low glycemic index.
- They play a vital role in preventing many illnesses (cancer, diabetes, and heart disease).
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Rice - It is the main food crop. It is produced in hot and humid climatic regions. It is mainly grown in areas where it receives heavy annual rainfall. Rice is a staple food for the eastern and southern parts of India.
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Oilseeds - Agro-ecological conditions in the country are much favourable for growing nine annual oilseed crops. Out of nine seed oils varieties, seven are edible oilseeds ( groundnut, rapeseed & mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesame, safflower, and niger) and two are non-edible oilseeds (castor and linseed).
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Sugarcane - It belongs to the perennial grass family (Poaceae). It is mainly cultivated for its juice. Sugar is processed from its juice. Most of the sugarcane crops are grown in subtropical and tropical areas.
