Strategies for pulses production for achieving nutritional security in North-East Indian Himalayan Region

Legumes are a significant source of protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and dietary minerals. 100 g legumes provide 321–570 Kcal energy, 21–28 g protein, 0.8 to 48.0 g fat, 21–63.4 g Carbohydrate and 9.0–22.7 g total dietary fiber. In spite of the several environmental, physical, economical and social constraints of the NEH Region, the average productivity of pulses (848 kg/ha) is higher than the National average (764 kg/ha), indicating the potential of pulses production in this region. North East India soils are acidic in nature, and this region can contribute considerably to pulses production. The present paper presents an overview of the livelihood and nutritional security of food legumes and their prospects and constrains in north east hill regions. An effort has been made to put together all relevant information on new cropping systems (horizontal/vertical) developed for North Eastern Hill Region (Hill and Valley), effect of pulses in improving system productivity and soil properties and their role in crop diversification and intensification at one place.