Question

Which of the following legume is considered as the poor man's pulse?

• A. Field bean
• B. Horse gram
• C. Green gram
• D. Lentil

Hint:

For questions about colloquial crop names, think about the crop's economic and agricultural role. "Poor man's crop" usually refers to something very hardy and inexpensive. For example, potato is the "poor man's friend," and pearl millet is the "poor man's food."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Certain crops are given colloquial names like "poor man's pulse" or "poor man's crop" based on their affordability, nutritional value, and ability to grow in harsh conditions where other crops might fail, making them vital for subsistence farmers.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Horse gram ({Macrotyloma uniflorum}) is widely known as the "poor man's pulse" or "poor man's superfood". This is because it is a highly drought-resistant crop that can be cultivated in poor soils and low rainfall areas. It is rich in protein, iron, and calcium, providing essential nutrition at a low cost, particularly in rural and arid regions of India.
While other legumes like field bean, green gram, and lentil are also important sources of protein, horse gram's exceptional hardiness and importance in marginal agriculture have specifically earned it this title.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Horse gram is widely recognized as the "poor man's pulse" due to its resilience, nutritional value, and low cost of cultivation. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.