Cowpea and green gram as pulse, fodder and green manure — UPSC...

Consider the following crops of India:

1. Cowpea
2. Green gram
3. Pigeon pea

Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and green manure?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Cowpea is correct and Green gram is correct

• Cowpea and Green gram are multi-purpose leguminous crops in India that are used as pulse for human consumption, fodder for livestock, and green manure because they fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility.

Pigeon pea is incorrect

• Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is mainly cultivated as a pulse crop. While its residues may sometimes be used as fodder, it is not commonly used as a green manure crop.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Hard