India ranks in the world production of pulses as on 2017-18.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) first.

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world as of 2017-18. Pulses are a critical component of the Indian diet, serving as a primary source of protein for a large portion of the population. Major pulses produced in India include chickpeas (chana), pigeon peas (tur), moong, urd, and lentils (masoor).

Key Facts:
World Ranking:
India is ranked first in terms of production, accounting for over 25% of the global output of pulses.

Production (2017-18):
India produced approximately 25.23 million tonnes of pulses in 2017-18.

Major Pulse-Producing States:

• Madhya Pradesh: Known as the "Pulse Bowl of India."
• Other leading states: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Global Context:
Following India, Canada, Myanmar, and China are significant producers of pulses globally.

Domestic Demand:
Despite being the largest producer, India is also the largest consumer of pulses, often importing pulses to meet domestic demand.

Significance of Pulses in India:

Nutritional Importance:

• Rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Sustainable Agriculture:

• Pulses improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and require less water compared to other crops.

Government Initiatives:

• To boost pulse production, schemes like National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Price Support Scheme (PSS) have been implemented.

India’s leading position in global pulse production highlights its critical role in ensuring food security and nutritional needs for its vast population.

Additional Information:
According to the Press Information Bureau, the country's pulse production increased from 16.32 million tonnes in 2015-16 to 24.49 million tonnes in 2023-24, as per the third advance estimates.