1. Introduction

Pulses are an essential part of Indian diet as they are a dominant source of protein. Pulses are ‘the poor man’s meat’ because the consumption of dairy and animal products is very low among the poorest segment of both rural and urban India. Pulse crops are used as green manure and contribute in improving soil health. Therefore, pulses contribute in improving human health as well as conserving soil through their nitrogen fixing properties. The vital role played by pulses in the agriculture system and in the diets of people makes it an ideal crop for achieving food and nutritional security, reducing poverty and hunger.