**7. Environmental impacts**

Nitrogen fixation: the unique role of pulses in the global nitrogen cycle is due to their property of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in soils. The intercropping of pulses with traditional crops reduces fertilizer requirements of soil in subsequent crop cycles by actively fixing nitrogen in the soil. The leftover nitrogen in the soil also increases the productivity in subsequent crops. Hence, the benefit of pulses observed in different cropping systems to enhance the soil properties and crop productivity is a matter of an ever-evolving science.

The changing patterns in traditional planting methods of maize and bean affect the nitrogen balance in cropping systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was found that, intercropping of cowpea with maize and groundnut enhanced the nitrogen benefits. Also, modified strip-cropping of cowpea and sorghum altered to traditional farming practices prevented the nutrient losses in the dry savannahs of Nigeria and Niger. The environmental benefits of pulses are prominent in terms of their nitrogen fixation abilities, reduction in fertilizer nitrogen requirements and nutritional enrichment (protein content) of succeeding cereal crop strong. Related benefits of the reduced synthetic nitrogen fertilizers requirements in cropping systems, when pulses are added in rotations, include the reduced emissions and energy use associated with the production, use and disposal of fertilizers.

In the twentieth century, the negative effects of human impacts on the global nitrogen cycle are mainly due to increased and imbalanced fertilizer use and fossil fuel combustion causing severe water pollution and high emissions of N2O. It has been observed that nitrogen fertilizer use has increased by roughly 800% from 1960 to 2000, which is almost half of that being used for wheat, rice, and maize production [24]. Synthetic fertilizers provided close to half of all the nutrients received by crops globally during the mid-1990s, demonstrating both a large dependency on synthetic fertilizers, but also inefficient management of nitrogen in global agriculture [25]. Cereal crops such as wheat, rice and maize typically only utilize 40% of fertilizer applied, leading to significant waste and environmental impacts such as eutrophication of coastal waters and creation of hypoxic zones [24].

It was observed that field pea, lupin or faba bean fulfilled about 70% of nitrogen requirements from atmospheric nitrogen with an average of 19 kg of nitrogen fixed per ton of pulse shoot dry matter during 2001–2013. The study was conducted across the geographic range of southern and central New South Wales, Mallee and Wimmera in Victoria, and the high rainfall zone of south-eastern South Australia [26]. The two most important interventions to decrease nitrogen requirement are systematic crop rotation including pulses/legumes into maize-based systems and optimizing the timing of application with balanced amounts of fertilizer [24]. Biological nitrogen fixation is a crucial alternative source of nitrogen, and can be enhanced along with other integrated nutrient management strategies such as animal manure and other biosolids, and recycling the nutrients contained in crop residues [27].

Conservation tillage: changes in tillage practices have had a significant effect on shifting conventional cereal-based cropping systems to more diversified crop rotations that utilize pulses or oilseeds and that result in less soil disturbance. Long-standing patterns of monoculture cereal cropping resulted in pest and disease outbreaks and erosion, and fallowing led to increased soil salinity and loss of soil nitrogen and water. The nitrogen fixation capability of pulses is the greatest environmental benefit into cereal-fallow rotations thereby reducing fertilizer nitrogen requirements in the current and succeeding crop along with improved soil capacity to supply nitrogen. Farmers in Saskatchewan changed the tillage requirements by managing herbicide practices leading to reduced rates of applications.

**107**

production.

**8. Social impacts**

*Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India*

crop yields by reducing the need of expanded production area.

Changes in tillage practices have been an important part of shifts from conventional cropping systems, based on grain production, to more diversified crop rotations utilizing pulses or oilseeds. Importantly, implementing conservation tillage practices has often involved introduction of pulses and oilseeds into grain-based crop rotations. Many studies have demonstrated the nitrogen fixation benefits of conservation- or no-tillage, with pulse and oilseed bean nodulation improving after multiple years of no-till and nitrogen fixation rates increasing (moderated by

Productivity vs. area expansions: Addition of pulses into different crop rotations increases the efficiency of any production system and hence increases the overall

In Sub-Saharan Africa to improve the production rate for accomplishment of the food and feed demands is very crucial as maximum pulse production, although relatively low, occurs in rainfed areas with minimal inputs. It is estimated that the requirement of pulses (mainly cowpeas and beans) is expected to increase up to 155% till 2050. However, there are some examples which indicate enhanced production rates i.e., the yield of cowpea is increased at a greater proportion than the hectares planted in Ghana. This reflects the efficiency of production system due to supply of better quality seeds and improved varieties, cost-effectiveness for farm-

Climate change mitigation and adaptation: In crop rotation system, due to lower

Nutrition and disease: the food consumption per capita may decline in developed countries by 2024, but in developing countries the demand will increase primarily based on increase in protein consumption. Globally, the contents of human diet shifted to more energy-dense foods containing highly saturated fats which are very risky for developing obesity, diet-related diseases like diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer, etc. Along with the fruits and vegetables, pulses and legumes are important diet rich in micronutrients for healthy choices. Pulses help to control cardiovascular disease, increasing gut health and healthy nutrition. The global consumption level of pulses is declining, specifically in developing countries e.g., in 1963 pulse consumption in China was 30 g per capita per day which declined

The total caloric consumption is expected to increase at global level. The rate of food consumption in developed countries is in stagnant growth whereas it is significantly increasing in developing countries, as indicted by OECD/FAO Agricultural Outlook to 2024, reflecting increase in protein consumption. The rate of consumption of cereals is expected to increase about 390 Mt by 2024, which suggest that cereals will remain most consumed agricultural product [30]. India provides a counterpoint to China, as pulses there provide an increasing source of protein, now accounting for almost 13% of overall protein intake [31]. India is the largest pulse producer and consumer, and the country grows the largest varieties of pulses in

fertilizer requirement, pulses can aid in lowering GHG emissions. In Western Canadian cropping systems, about 70% of non-renewable energy used is due to nitrogen fertilizers specifically. SK, research at Swift Current, evaluated net GHG emission in four cropping systems (fallow-wheat-wheat, fallow-flax-wheat, lentilwheat and continuous wheat). They observed the lentil-wheat system as the most efficient in GHG emissions due to the lower requirement of nitrogen fertilizer by wheat. In addition, increased nitrogen availability results into enhanced biomass

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91870*

changes in rainfall patterns) [28].

ers, increased demands for better markets.

significantly to only 3 g per capita by 2003 [29].

*Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91870*

*Legume Crops - Prospects, Production and Uses*

productivity is a matter of an ever-evolving science.

ated with the production, use and disposal of fertilizers.

eutrophication of coastal waters and creation of hypoxic zones [24].

Nitrogen fixation: the unique role of pulses in the global nitrogen cycle is due to their property of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in soils. The intercropping of pulses with traditional crops reduces fertilizer requirements of soil in subsequent crop cycles by actively fixing nitrogen in the soil. The leftover nitrogen in the soil also increases the productivity in subsequent crops. Hence, the benefit of pulses observed in different cropping systems to enhance the soil properties and crop

The changing patterns in traditional planting methods of maize and bean affect the nitrogen balance in cropping systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was found that, intercropping of cowpea with maize and groundnut enhanced the nitrogen benefits. Also, modified strip-cropping of cowpea and sorghum altered to traditional farming practices prevented the nutrient losses in the dry savannahs of Nigeria and Niger. The environmental benefits of pulses are prominent in terms of their nitrogen fixation abilities, reduction in fertilizer nitrogen requirements and nutritional enrichment (protein content) of succeeding cereal crop strong. Related benefits of the reduced synthetic nitrogen fertilizers requirements in cropping systems, when pulses are added in rotations, include the reduced emissions and energy use associ-

In the twentieth century, the negative effects of human impacts on the global nitrogen cycle are mainly due to increased and imbalanced fertilizer use and fossil fuel combustion causing severe water pollution and high emissions of N2O. It has been observed that nitrogen fertilizer use has increased by roughly 800% from 1960 to 2000, which is almost half of that being used for wheat, rice, and maize production [24]. Synthetic fertilizers provided close to half of all the nutrients received by crops globally during the mid-1990s, demonstrating both a large dependency on synthetic fertilizers, but also inefficient management of nitrogen in global agriculture [25]. Cereal crops such as wheat, rice and maize typically only utilize 40% of fertilizer applied, leading to significant waste and environmental impacts such as

It was observed that field pea, lupin or faba bean fulfilled about 70% of nitrogen requirements from atmospheric nitrogen with an average of 19 kg of nitrogen fixed per ton of pulse shoot dry matter during 2001–2013. The study was conducted across the geographic range of southern and central New South Wales, Mallee and Wimmera in Victoria, and the high rainfall zone of south-eastern South Australia [26]. The two most important interventions to decrease nitrogen requirement are systematic crop rotation including pulses/legumes into maize-based systems and optimizing the timing of application with balanced amounts of fertilizer [24]. Biological nitrogen fixation is a crucial alternative source of nitrogen, and can be enhanced along with other integrated nutrient management strategies such as animal manure and other biosolids, and recycling the nutrients contained in crop

Conservation tillage: changes in tillage practices have had a significant effect on shifting conventional cereal-based cropping systems to more diversified crop rotations that utilize pulses or oilseeds and that result in less soil disturbance. Long-standing patterns of monoculture cereal cropping resulted in pest and disease outbreaks and erosion, and fallowing led to increased soil salinity and loss of soil nitrogen and water. The nitrogen fixation capability of pulses is the greatest environmental benefit into cereal-fallow rotations thereby reducing fertilizer nitrogen requirements in the current and succeeding crop along with improved soil capacity to supply nitrogen. Farmers in Saskatchewan changed the tillage requirements by

managing herbicide practices leading to reduced rates of applications.

**7. Environmental impacts**

**106**

residues [27].

Changes in tillage practices have been an important part of shifts from conventional cropping systems, based on grain production, to more diversified crop rotations utilizing pulses or oilseeds. Importantly, implementing conservation tillage practices has often involved introduction of pulses and oilseeds into grain-based crop rotations. Many studies have demonstrated the nitrogen fixation benefits of conservation- or no-tillage, with pulse and oilseed bean nodulation improving after multiple years of no-till and nitrogen fixation rates increasing (moderated by changes in rainfall patterns) [28].

Productivity vs. area expansions: Addition of pulses into different crop rotations increases the efficiency of any production system and hence increases the overall crop yields by reducing the need of expanded production area.

In Sub-Saharan Africa to improve the production rate for accomplishment of the food and feed demands is very crucial as maximum pulse production, although relatively low, occurs in rainfed areas with minimal inputs. It is estimated that the requirement of pulses (mainly cowpeas and beans) is expected to increase up to 155% till 2050. However, there are some examples which indicate enhanced production rates i.e., the yield of cowpea is increased at a greater proportion than the hectares planted in Ghana. This reflects the efficiency of production system due to supply of better quality seeds and improved varieties, cost-effectiveness for farmers, increased demands for better markets.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation: In crop rotation system, due to lower fertilizer requirement, pulses can aid in lowering GHG emissions. In Western Canadian cropping systems, about 70% of non-renewable energy used is due to nitrogen fertilizers specifically. SK, research at Swift Current, evaluated net GHG emission in four cropping systems (fallow-wheat-wheat, fallow-flax-wheat, lentilwheat and continuous wheat). They observed the lentil-wheat system as the most efficient in GHG emissions due to the lower requirement of nitrogen fertilizer by wheat. In addition, increased nitrogen availability results into enhanced biomass production.

## **8. Social impacts**

Nutrition and disease: the food consumption per capita may decline in developed countries by 2024, but in developing countries the demand will increase primarily based on increase in protein consumption. Globally, the contents of human diet shifted to more energy-dense foods containing highly saturated fats which are very risky for developing obesity, diet-related diseases like diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer, etc. Along with the fruits and vegetables, pulses and legumes are important diet rich in micronutrients for healthy choices. Pulses help to control cardiovascular disease, increasing gut health and healthy nutrition. The global consumption level of pulses is declining, specifically in developing countries e.g., in 1963 pulse consumption in China was 30 g per capita per day which declined significantly to only 3 g per capita by 2003 [29].

The total caloric consumption is expected to increase at global level. The rate of food consumption in developed countries is in stagnant growth whereas it is significantly increasing in developing countries, as indicted by OECD/FAO Agricultural Outlook to 2024, reflecting increase in protein consumption. The rate of consumption of cereals is expected to increase about 390 Mt by 2024, which suggest that cereals will remain most consumed agricultural product [30]. India provides a counterpoint to China, as pulses there provide an increasing source of protein, now accounting for almost 13% of overall protein intake [31]. India is the largest pulse producer and consumer, and the country grows the largest varieties of pulses in

the world, accounting for about 32% of the area and 26% of world production. The increased pulse crop yield from 0.63 t/ha in 2007–2008 to 0.79 t/ha in 2012–2013 is a measure of efficient production system. Along-with this, the annual yield growth is likely to overtake in production area. However, the production of pulses in India is still below the global average as the Indian needs for the pulses are increasing, causing more import, which is expected to grow about 5.1 Mt by 2023 [31].

Nutrition and food security: food security may be best defined as: "a situation comprising of all people always having access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food fulfilling their all food preferences and dietary needs to run a normal, active and healthy life in all good physical, social and economic environment [32]. Pulses add minerals, vitamin B, proteins as well as essential amino acid like lysine to cereals making it protein-rich. A number of new methods, in manufacturing food products, are being used now days to increase production and use of pulse protein fractions.

Gender: gender aspect of pulse production relates primarily to women's involvement in pulse production commercially, to feed families, and to benefit from income derived from pulse sales.

#### **9. Economic impacts**

Reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lower fuel costs: Pulses and oilseeds are commonly used in crop rotations where conservation of tillage practices has been adopted. By adopting no-till practices, the farmers are expected to see the longstanding economic benefits in terms of lesser degradation of soil, air and water with reduced consumption of fossil fuels.

### **10. Economic challenges for pulses in India**

India is the largest consumer of pulses, but government subsidies and price controls in the agricultural sector created distortions that affected domestic production. In 1990s, government removed the import restrictions and lowered the tariffs on agricultural products which resulted into reversal of protectionist policies of 1970s and 1980s. The external trade in all major crops was regulated except basmati rice and durum wheat, and government agencies were authorized for all the imports. However, the import tariffs on pulses were considered differently which were gradually reduced and ultimately eliminated by 1996. The hope of augmented imports due to liberalization of domestic pulse market also could not be materialized rather; total pulse imports share in merchandise trade fell down after liberalization [33]. Minimum support prices are an important part of the policy decision to stabilize commodity prices, improve the economic viability of farming in India, this also enhance food security by diversification into oilseeds, pulses, livestock and fish. However, the MSP for pulses did not give the same trend as that of rice. During 2008–2009, prices for pulses were increased at a rate higher than for food grains, but the area covered under pulses not increased proportionally and this resulted into pulse cultivation risks. If we compare this case with paddy crop cultivation such risks are not associated, and the farmers are also assured for procurement by government agencies [31].

#### **11. Pulses and livestock feed diversification**

Pulses not only increase nitrogen supply [34] but also increase the meat production if used in livestock production systems. By 2050, demand for meat may

**109**

*Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India*

increase to 200 MT per annum, with corresponding demand for livestock feed [35]. Field pea is being promoted as enriched source of protein and energy in cattle feed in the northern Great Plains of the US and Canada since it is easily digestible by cattle, but the starch fermentation and ruminal protein degradation rates are slower than for other common feeds. Dry matter intake by cows is also increased using field pea in livestock feed ration acting as a binding agent for pelleting formula

Significant economic benefits have been recorded in investment policies in pulse crop research. Across four CGIAR centers, the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes, a global alliance coordinating efforts estimated that the net present value of gross benefits of its legume research and extension was US\$ 4.5 billion in 2012, nearly to US\$ 535 million per year. During 2014–2020, proposed activities by CGIAR program included legume research to address food security through increased availability of food (over 8 MT), nutrition security from more availability of protein, and environmental benefits through biological nitrogen fixation (a fertilizer cost saving of US\$ 418 million). In South and South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the world's poorest communities are located, the CGIAR estimated more than 50% of the projected economic benefits through

Drought prone areas having lowest rainfall 300–450 mm/year are best suited for cultivation of drought-tolerant pulses including lentils, Bambara beans and pigeon peas. Normal crops cannot survive and produce under such adverse conditions. The benefit of these drought-tolerant legumes is their adaptability towards such harsh environments by deep-root systems surviving in water scare regions and thus improves the crop productivity in marginal environments. Using locally adapted pulses, farmers in dry environments, can intensify their production systems in a sustainable manner where food security represents a huge challenge. Additionally appropriate policies and programs, marketing trade systems to support the marginal farmers need to be encouraged for pulses to increase the availability and

Malnutrition is a major issue in many countries and pulses can be grown in these regions to overcome the hunger threat. The food and nutritional security can be achieved to some extent with the production of pulses in these regions [39].

Farmers are forced to use saline water for crop irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions due to water shortage or by poor quality water. Every crop has a threshold level of salinity tolerance above which yields decrease with increasing salinity. Soluble salts accumulate in saline soils affecting plant growth at various stages and creating yield differences of crops at maturity. This requires immediate controlling measures for soil salinization and preponderance of saline water sources along with

In India, nearly 6.73 M ha area is affected with salinity and sodicity stresses covering various states of the country. Nearly 20% of the irrigated agricultural land is transforming into saline area with 1–3% per year either due to natural salinity or due to human interference. Global effects of increased salinity at agronomically important land will be visible by the middle of the twenty-first century [40–42]. Further, the arid and semiarid areas in different states are associated with saline underground water, which have to be used for irrigation purpose. The development and use of plant species that can tolerate high salt level is important for sustainable crop production on such soils and water conditions and is cost effective. This may

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91870*

legume research and extension [37, 38].

consumption of drought-resistant pulses.

cultivation of salt resistant crops.

**12. Suitability of some pulses for marginal areas**

feeds [36].

#### *Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91870*

*Legume Crops - Prospects, Production and Uses*

income derived from pulse sales.

reduced consumption of fossil fuels.

**10. Economic challenges for pulses in India**

**11. Pulses and livestock feed diversification**

**9. Economic impacts**

the world, accounting for about 32% of the area and 26% of world production. The increased pulse crop yield from 0.63 t/ha in 2007–2008 to 0.79 t/ha in 2012–2013 is a measure of efficient production system. Along-with this, the annual yield growth is likely to overtake in production area. However, the production of pulses in India is still below the global average as the Indian needs for the pulses are increasing, causing more import, which is expected to grow about 5.1 Mt by 2023 [31].

Nutrition and food security: food security may be best defined as: "a situation comprising of all people always having access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food fulfilling their all food preferences and dietary needs to run a normal, active and healthy life in all good physical, social and economic environment [32]. Pulses add minerals, vitamin B, proteins as well as essential amino acid like lysine to cereals making it protein-rich. A number of new methods, in manufacturing food products, are being used now days to increase production and use of pulse protein fractions. Gender: gender aspect of pulse production relates primarily to women's involve-

ment in pulse production commercially, to feed families, and to benefit from

Reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lower fuel costs: Pulses and oilseeds are commonly used in crop rotations where conservation of tillage practices has been adopted. By adopting no-till practices, the farmers are expected to see the longstanding economic benefits in terms of lesser degradation of soil, air and water with

India is the largest consumer of pulses, but government subsidies and price controls in the agricultural sector created distortions that affected domestic production. In 1990s, government removed the import restrictions and lowered the tariffs on agricultural products which resulted into reversal of protectionist policies of 1970s and 1980s. The external trade in all major crops was regulated except basmati rice and durum wheat, and government agencies were authorized for all the imports. However, the import tariffs on pulses were considered differently which were gradually reduced and ultimately eliminated by 1996. The hope of augmented imports due to liberalization of domestic pulse market also could not be materialized rather; total pulse imports share in merchandise trade fell down after liberalization [33]. Minimum support prices are an important part of the policy decision to stabilize commodity prices, improve the economic viability of farming in India, this also enhance food security by diversification into oilseeds, pulses, livestock and fish. However, the MSP for pulses did not give the same trend as that of rice. During 2008–2009, prices for pulses were increased at a rate higher than for food grains, but the area covered under pulses not increased proportionally and this resulted into pulse cultivation risks. If we compare this case with paddy crop cultivation such risks are not associated, and the farmers are also assured for procurement by government agencies [31].

Pulses not only increase nitrogen supply [34] but also increase the meat production if used in livestock production systems. By 2050, demand for meat may

**108**

increase to 200 MT per annum, with corresponding demand for livestock feed [35]. Field pea is being promoted as enriched source of protein and energy in cattle feed in the northern Great Plains of the US and Canada since it is easily digestible by cattle, but the starch fermentation and ruminal protein degradation rates are slower than for other common feeds. Dry matter intake by cows is also increased using field pea in livestock feed ration acting as a binding agent for pelleting formula feeds [36].

Significant economic benefits have been recorded in investment policies in pulse crop research. Across four CGIAR centers, the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes, a global alliance coordinating efforts estimated that the net present value of gross benefits of its legume research and extension was US\$ 4.5 billion in 2012, nearly to US\$ 535 million per year. During 2014–2020, proposed activities by CGIAR program included legume research to address food security through increased availability of food (over 8 MT), nutrition security from more availability of protein, and environmental benefits through biological nitrogen fixation (a fertilizer cost saving of US\$ 418 million). In South and South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the world's poorest communities are located, the CGIAR estimated more than 50% of the projected economic benefits through legume research and extension [37, 38].

## **12. Suitability of some pulses for marginal areas**

Drought prone areas having lowest rainfall 300–450 mm/year are best suited for cultivation of drought-tolerant pulses including lentils, Bambara beans and pigeon peas. Normal crops cannot survive and produce under such adverse conditions. The benefit of these drought-tolerant legumes is their adaptability towards such harsh environments by deep-root systems surviving in water scare regions and thus improves the crop productivity in marginal environments. Using locally adapted pulses, farmers in dry environments, can intensify their production systems in a sustainable manner where food security represents a huge challenge. Additionally appropriate policies and programs, marketing trade systems to support the marginal farmers need to be encouraged for pulses to increase the availability and consumption of drought-resistant pulses.

Malnutrition is a major issue in many countries and pulses can be grown in these regions to overcome the hunger threat. The food and nutritional security can be achieved to some extent with the production of pulses in these regions [39].

Farmers are forced to use saline water for crop irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions due to water shortage or by poor quality water. Every crop has a threshold level of salinity tolerance above which yields decrease with increasing salinity. Soluble salts accumulate in saline soils affecting plant growth at various stages and creating yield differences of crops at maturity. This requires immediate controlling measures for soil salinization and preponderance of saline water sources along with cultivation of salt resistant crops.

In India, nearly 6.73 M ha area is affected with salinity and sodicity stresses covering various states of the country. Nearly 20% of the irrigated agricultural land is transforming into saline area with 1–3% per year either due to natural salinity or due to human interference. Global effects of increased salinity at agronomically important land will be visible by the middle of the twenty-first century [40–42]. Further, the arid and semiarid areas in different states are associated with saline underground water, which have to be used for irrigation purpose. The development and use of plant species that can tolerate high salt level is important for sustainable crop production on such soils and water conditions and is cost effective. This may

be achieved by making use of variations in tolerance both, between and within cultivars. Low yield potential coupled with biotic and abiotic stresses has further reduced cultivation of grain legumes (chickpea and mung bean) by the farmers. Recently, realizing the significance of grain legumes in improving nutrition and the livelihood of poor farmers, more research is now being carried out for their genetic amelioration by various institutes. Though CSSRI have released a salinity tolerant desi chickpea variety (CSG 8962) in 1997, yet further improvements are required to recombine salt tolerance and high yield, which is the need of hour.

Omic approaches for crop improvement: the networks of genetic and environmental factors controlling various abiotic stresses are complex and hamper breeding strategies. There is a limit for traditional approaches for crop improvement; novel approaches in agriculture need to be adopted to meet the demands of an ever-growing world population. Various technological advances have led to the emergence of high throughput tools to explore and exploit plant genomes for crop improvement to counteract the aforementioned agricultural challenges. These approaches aim to explore the entire genomics to gain insights into plant molecular responses ultimately to provide specific strategies for crop improvement. Functional genomics techniques have long been adopted to unravel gene functions and the interactions between genes in regulatory networks, which can be exploited to generate improved varieties.

In these contexts, exploring management strategies to use low inorganic N with suitable grain legumes would help to sustain crop productivity.

Future strategies for increasing pulses productivity and production: to increase area and production of pulse crops we need crop specific and region specific approaches, which should be adopted in the overall framework of systems approach. The major thrust areas to be addressed are as follows.


#### **13. Next steps in the pulse contribution**

While the global pulse industry, and the pulse industry in India, successfully celebrated International Year of Pulses in 2016, let us also think about what will be done to ensure that pulses lead by example to help end hunger. The Zero Hunger Challenge and 2016 International Year of Pulses are opportunities to make

**111**

**Author details**

Anita Mann\*, Ashwani Kumar, Satish Kumar Sanwal and Parbodh Chander Sharma

© 2020 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana

\*Address all correspondence to: anitadgr13@gmail.com

provided the original work is properly cited.

*Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India*

a significant difference in the global fight against hunger, and to demonstrate to the world how pulses support healthy people and a healthy planet [38]. The aim of National Food Security Mission of India is to improve production of pulses and for this approximately Rs 1100 crore were distributed for during 2016–2017. The positivity of this program was executed by organizing quality seed productioncum-awareness field days highlighting the importance of quality seeds through allocation of Rs. 20.39 crore to ICAR/Agriculture Universities for increasing the availability of new pulse-variety breeder seeds. Inter cropping of pulses with other crops is being encouraged. A number of schemes have been launched for the development of agriculture and farmers' welfare. In view of good monsoon in India, in spite of two consecutive drought years, pulse production reached 25.23 MT (2017–2018) which is still lower than the domestic demand (27.91 MT) (Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Department of Commerce, Govt of India). Therefore, the BRICS nations have been approached and it was commented that India would like to seek cooperation from member countries (BRICS) in helping to meet our production shortfall in

Let us show the same creativity and leadership that has built a strong global community within the pulse industry and also become the leaders of a basic human right—the Right to Adequate Food. It is time to get to work. It is time for the global

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91870*

crops like pulses and oilseeds.

pulse industry to step up to the challenge!

#### *Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91870*

*Legume Crops - Prospects, Production and Uses*

to generate improved varieties.

be achieved by making use of variations in tolerance both, between and within cultivars. Low yield potential coupled with biotic and abiotic stresses has further reduced cultivation of grain legumes (chickpea and mung bean) by the farmers. Recently, realizing the significance of grain legumes in improving nutrition and the livelihood of poor farmers, more research is now being carried out for their genetic amelioration by various institutes. Though CSSRI have released a salinity tolerant desi chickpea variety (CSG 8962) in 1997, yet further improvements are required to

Omic approaches for crop improvement: the networks of genetic and environmental factors controlling various abiotic stresses are complex and hamper breeding strategies. There is a limit for traditional approaches for crop improvement; novel approaches in agriculture need to be adopted to meet the demands of an ever-growing world population. Various technological advances have led to the emergence of high throughput tools to explore and exploit plant genomes for crop improvement to counteract the aforementioned agricultural challenges. These approaches aim to explore the entire genomics to gain insights into plant molecular responses ultimately to provide specific strategies for crop improvement. Functional genomics techniques have long been adopted to unravel gene functions and the interactions between genes in regulatory networks, which can be exploited

In these contexts, exploring management strategies to use low inorganic N with

• Public-private partnership for sustaining chain and to minimizing post-harvest

• Linking MSP to market prices can bridge the gap between demand and supply

While the global pulse industry, and the pulse industry in India, successfully celebrated International Year of Pulses in 2016, let us also think about what will be done to ensure that pulses lead by example to help end hunger. The Zero Hunger Challenge and 2016 International Year of Pulses are opportunities to make

Future strategies for increasing pulses productivity and production: to increase area and production of pulse crops we need crop specific and region specific approaches, which should be adopted in the overall framework of systems

recombine salt tolerance and high yield, which is the need of hour.

suitable grain legumes would help to sustain crop productivity.

approach. The major thrust areas to be addressed are as follows.

• Machine harvestable and herbicide tolerant varieties

• Input responsive and non-lodging varieties

• Biotic and abiotic stress tolerance

• Nutritionally enhanced varieties

• Climate smart varieties

• Super-early varieties for green grains

• Integrated pest and disease management

**13. Next steps in the pulse contribution**

**110**

losses

a significant difference in the global fight against hunger, and to demonstrate to the world how pulses support healthy people and a healthy planet [38]. The aim of National Food Security Mission of India is to improve production of pulses and for this approximately Rs 1100 crore were distributed for during 2016–2017. The positivity of this program was executed by organizing quality seed productioncum-awareness field days highlighting the importance of quality seeds through allocation of Rs. 20.39 crore to ICAR/Agriculture Universities for increasing the availability of new pulse-variety breeder seeds. Inter cropping of pulses with other crops is being encouraged. A number of schemes have been launched for the development of agriculture and farmers' welfare. In view of good monsoon in India, in spite of two consecutive drought years, pulse production reached 25.23 MT (2017–2018) which is still lower than the domestic demand (27.91 MT) (Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Department of Commerce, Govt of India). Therefore, the BRICS nations have been approached and it was commented that India would like to seek cooperation from member countries (BRICS) in helping to meet our production shortfall in crops like pulses and oilseeds.

Let us show the same creativity and leadership that has built a strong global community within the pulse industry and also become the leaders of a basic human right—the Right to Adequate Food. It is time to get to work. It is time for the global pulse industry to step up to the challenge!
