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: Concept Overview:
Some crops are called "poor man's pulse" or "poor man's crop" because they are affordable, nutritious, and can thrive in difficult environments where other crops cannot. This makes them crucial for subsistence farming.
Step 3: In-Depth Explanation:
Horse gram ({Macrotyloma uniflorum}) is commonly known as the "poor man's pulse" or "poor man's superfood" because it is very drought-tolerant and can be grown in poor soil with little rainfall. It is high in protein, iron, and calcium, offering vital nutrition at a low price, especially in India's rural and dry areas.
Although other legumes, such as field bean, green gram, and lentil, are also important protein sources, horse gram's unique robustness and significance in marginal farming have given it this specific designation.
Step 4: Conclusion:
Horse gram is widely considered the "poor man's pulse" because of its hardiness, nutritional content, and inexpensive cultivation. Consequently, option (B) is the correct choice.