Discover the diverse costs of pulses cultivation across India. This blog delves into state-wise average production expenses per acre, offering a clear, concise overview of the financial landscape for one of India’s staple crops.

Pulses Cultivation Cost
Overview of Pulses Cultivation in India
In India, growing pulses like lentils, chickpeas, and beans is a big deal. It’s really important for feeding the country and keeping people healthy. India is one of the top places in the world where pulses are grown and eaten. Most of these crops are grown in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
Pulses are great for the soil because they help it stay fertile without needing lots of chemicals. Farmers usually grow them in between other crops, like wheat or rice. They do face some tough times with changing weather, pests, and prices that go up and down. But, pulses are a key part of what people in India eat, giving them important stuff like protein and making sure they stay healthy.
Land Preparation Costs for Pulses Cultivation
One of the key factors that affect the cost of cultivation of pulses is land preparation. Land preparation involves plowing, harrowing, leveling, and applying organic manure to the soil before sowing the seeds. Land preparation is important to create a suitable seedbed for germination and growth of pulses and also to control weeds and pests.
The average cost of land preparation for pulses cultivation in India was Rs. 1200 per acre for both irrigated and rainfed conditions. This includes the cost of labor, machinery, fuel, and organic manure. However, the cost may vary depending on the type of pulse, the region, the soil type, and the availability of resources.
Cost of Seed and Planting Material
Seed is the basic input for any crop production system. The quality of the seed determines the yield, quality, and profitability of the crop. According to the National Seeds Policy 2002, the seed replacement rate (SRR) for pulses should be 25%, which means that 25% of the total area under pulses should be sown with certified or quality seeds every year.
pulses | Cost per Acre (Rs.) |
Chickpea | 1,047.91 |
Pigeonpea | 936.87 |
Mungbean | 797.71 |
Urdbean | 756.34 |
Lentil | 738.38 |
Fieldpea | 685.24 |
Fertilizer and Nutrient Management Costs
The recommended fertilizer application for pulses crops is 20–30 kg nitrogen, 50–60 kg phosphorus, and 40–60 kg potassium per hectare. However, some pulses, such as rajma (kidney beans), may require more nitrogen, up to 100–120 kg per hectare. Sulfur application of 20–25 kg per hectare may also increase the yield of pulses.
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Fertilizer and nutrient management costs for pulses cultivation in India may vary depending on these factors, as well as on the market prices of fertilizers and biofertilizers. The average fertilizer cost ranged from Rs. 540 to Rs. 2450 per acre, depending on the type of pulse and the fertilizer dose applied. The cost of biofertilizer ranges from Rs 50 to Rs. 150 per acre.
Irrigation Costs for Pulses Cultivation
The cost of irrigation for pulses cultivation varies depending on the type of pulse, the region, the season, and the method of irrigation. The average cost of irrigation for irrigated pulses was Rs. 1000 per acre, while for rainfed pulses it was Rs. 500 per acre. However, these costs may have changed over time due to inflation, changes in water tariffs, and adoption of new technologies.
Some of the common methods of irrigation for pulses cultivation are surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and micro-irrigation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of water use efficiency and labor requirements.
Costs Associated with Pest and Disease Management
Pulses are an important crop in India, both for food security and soil health. However, pulse cultivation faces many challenges, such as pests and diseases, low yields, lack of irrigation, market fluctuations, and climate change. The average cost of pest and disease management in pulses was Rs. 600 per acre, which accounted for 7.5% of the total cost of cultivation.
The major pests and diseases affecting pulses are pod borers, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, wilt, blight, root rot, and mosaic virus. The cost of pest and disease management varied depending on the type of pulse crop, the region, the season, and the method of control. For example, the cost was higher for chickpeas than for pigeon peas, for rabi than for Kharif, for northern than for southern states, and chemical than for biological or integrated control.
Labor Costs in Pulses Cultivation
Pulses are an important source of protein and income for millions of farmers in India. However, pulse production is often constrained by high labor costs, which account for a significant share of the total cost of cultivation. Labor costs vary depending on the type of pulse, the region, the season, and the availability of labor.
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The average labor cost per hectare for pulses in India was Rs. 6450, which was about 40% of the total cost of cultivation. The labor cost was highest for gram (chickpea), followed by arhar (pigeon pea), moong (green gram), and urad (black gram). The labor cost was also higher in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where labor scarcity and wage rates were higher.
Machinery and Equipment Costs
Machinery/Equipment | Purpose | Cost Range (Rs.) |
Seed Drill | Sowing seeds at uniform depth | 15,000 – 25,000 |
Thresher | Separating grains from straw and chaff | 40,000 – 60,000 |
Sprayer | Applying pesticides or fertilizers | 2,000 – 10,000 |
Harrow | Breaking up and smoothing soil surface | 5,000 – 10,000 |
Cultivator | Loosening and aerating soil | 10,000 – 20,000 |
Post-Harvest Handling and Transportation Costs
Process | Description | Cost (INR per kg) |
Drying | Sun-drying | 0.50 |
Mechanical drying | 1.50 | |
Threshing | Manual threshing | 1.00 |
Mechanical threshing | 0.75 | |
Winnowing/Cleaning | Manual winnowing/cleaning | 0.50 |
Mechanical winnowing/cleaning | 0.25 | |
Packaging | Manual packaging (jute/gunny bags) | 0.50 – 2.00 |
Transportation | Transporting Pulses | 1000-15000 |
State-Wise Pulses Cultivation Cost per Acre
State | Crop | Total Cost (Rs) |
Andhra Pradesh | Bengal Gram | 13,763 |
Andhra Pradesh | Red Gram | 16,067 |
Bihar | Bengal Gram | 12,132 |
Bihar | Lentil | 12,132 |
Bihar | Pea | 12,132 |
Gujarat | Bengal Gram | 13,763 |
Gujarat | Green Gram | 13,763 |
Gujarat | Red Gram | 13,763 |
Haryana | Bengal Gram | 15,394 |
Haryana | Black Gram | 15,394 |
Haryana | Green Gram | 15,394 |
Karnataka | Bengal Gram | 13,763 |
Karnataka | Black Gram | 13,763 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) om Pulses Cultivation
What are the Optimal Soil Conditions for Pulses Cultivation?
For successful pulses growth, aim for loamy, well-draining soils with a balanced pH. Avoid overly wet conditions and enrich the soil with organic materials.
What are Common Pests and Diseases in Pulses Cultivation?
Aphids, weevils, pod borers, root rot, and blight are frequent challenges in pulses farming. Combating these requires a comprehensive pest management approach.
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Conclusion
The cost of cultivating pulses per acre in India varies by state, reflecting differences in labor, inputs, and techniques. Understanding these costs is crucial for farmers to optimize production and maximize profits.
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