UPSC Prelims 2012 Q44: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
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?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Crops used as pulse, fodder and green manure
The crop must serve all three uses.
| Crop | Pulse | Fodder | Green manure | All three? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cowpea (lobia) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2. Green gram (moong) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3. Pigeon pea (arhar, tur) | Yes | Stalks used at times | Not commonly | No |
Why pigeon pea fails: it is a long-duration, woody plant grown mainly for its grain.
It is not ploughed back into the soil as green manure.
Common green manure crops:
| Crop | Note |
|---|---|
| Dhaincha (Sesbania) | Most widely used |
| Sunhemp | Quick growth |
| Cowpea and green gram | Short-duration legumes that fix nitrogen |
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Cowpea and green gram are used as pulse, fodder and green manure.
- (b) Incorrect. Cowpea also serves all three uses, not green gram alone.
- (c) Incorrect. Pigeon pea is not commonly used as green manure, and green gram is left out.
- (d) Incorrect. Pigeon pea is mainly a pulse crop and is not a usual green manure.
Key point
Cowpea and green gram: pulse, fodder and green manure. Pigeon pea: mainly a pulse. Chief green manures: dhaincha and sunhemp.
Remember
Cowpea and moong: pulse, fodder, green manure.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every legume is used as green manure.
- Forgetting that the crop must meet all three uses.
- Not knowing that pigeon pea is a long-duration woody crop.
Exam tip
Green manure crops are quick and soft. A woody, long-duration crop like pigeon pea does not fit.
Sources
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research — Handbook of Agriculture (pulses; green manuring)
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University — Crop Production Guide (green manures)