NEWS – India is set to become the world’s largest producer of lentil (masoor) during the 2023-24 crop years on account of higher acreage

LENTILS

• Locally known as “dal,”
• Crucial component of the Indian diet, providing a significant source of protein for a large vegetarian population
• Typically grown during the Rabi season (winter season)
• Climatic condition for growth: Cold climate + optimum temperature for growth – 18-30C  + extends to an altitude of 3,500 m in north-west hills + Well drained, loam soils with neutral reaction
• Cultivated throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa
• Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are among the leading states in terms of lentil cultivation
• Different varieties of lentils are cultivated in India, including masoor dal (red lentils), moong dal (green gram lentils), toor dal (pigeon pea lentils), chana dal (split chickpeas), and urad dal (black gram lentils)
• According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world top lentil growers in 2022 were Canada, India, Australia, Turkey and Russia