Sky rocketing prices of pulses have recently stirred the
policy makers. It has been decided to
import tonnes & tonnes of pulses from Mozambique, Malayasia and other
countries. Although India has highest Pulse-acreage as well as production,
yet represents the world’s most pulse-deficient
country . India would be in need of
around 2 million tonnes from other countries . Its import would be about one fourth of global
export business.
Government both in
centre and the state has emphasized pulse production & promotion and launched a series of initiatives. Lentil. Moong,chickpea, etc. have been given priority. MSPs of these have been scaled up. However, the scenario of West Bengal is not so
bright
as pulses compete with many crops. Under this situation we have to focus
areas where opportunity cost is minimum . Again, we have to select right types
of pulses in rain fed areas. Moreover, we have to relook the regional /local
pulse cultivars which can withstand the agro-ecological conditions.
In the most
disadvantaged areas Kulthi (horsegram) is well suited. Kulthi has been a proven
crop in hilly, sloppy, undulating and
un-irrigated areas of western part of West Bengal. However, over the years it
lost its charisma. During nineties Kulthi occupied about 8-9 thousand
hectares. The figure has come down to 2
thousand hec in the state. There has been a drastic diminution of Kulthi
acrage. Simultaneously , total
production reduced to 1 thousand tonnes
in 2013-14 from 4.2 thousand tonnes during 1990-91. Its spread has been
limited to the tar (very high land) of Baghmundi, Arsa and Ajodhya Hills. A
lesson of hope, prospects and potential is aired
from stress condition.
Kulthi- is
practised with minimum inputs. A single
plow is given during the off-set of rainy and sowing seed is the traditional
way of farming. The month of sowing
coincides with the Bengali month of Bhadra. It is heard in the hilly areas ‘
Bhadare Kulthi chas”. The period is a
lean period. Kulthi is grown at this time for food, fodder & feed. Its
luxuriant growth and uses placed it to an esteem social order. This is the most
favoured pulse of tribal. Karam-festival
tribal is void without Kulthi. Apart, it is extensively used in many rituals.
About one md
of pulse is harvested from a bigha of tar land. Its productivity could be
increased if high yielding varieties are introduced. Madhu, Birsa Kulthi-1 & BR10 are HYVs.
Kulthi is a
leguminous crop. It has soil enriching capacity. It can act as a cover crop.
Its residues could be used as fodder or fuel.
Tribal would easily accept it if promoted with some logistic support as
given to other pulses.
