A NARC record shows pulses are produced in more than 300,000 hectares in the country with lentil, green bean, pea and pigeon bean being the main varieties of pulse that are very rich in proteins. [break]
Chairperson of Greenery Research Centre Dr. Renuka Shrestha said contribution of pulses in Gross Agriculture Production is 21 percent.
"If pulses are produced massively with proper protection, a lot of benefit can be reaped." Lentil is the main pulse variety as it is produced in 95 percent areas in Terai and it alone contributes 60 percent production of pulses, she said.
NARC has prioritized pulse production and is encouraging farmers to take up pulse farming.
Crop development centers in Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Bara and in some other districts have been exporting pulses to various countries.
In their effort to increase pulse production, South Asian countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Pakistan are rigorously involved in researches.
As part of this, a seminar of agriculture scientists of various countries has started in Kathmandu. The participants will dwell on increasing pulse production and its development, according to NARC.
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