Correct Option
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), also known as Lobia, is a versatile leguminous crop. It is widely cultivated in India for its edible seeds (pulse), as a nutritious fodder for livestock, and as an effective green manure crop. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen significantly enhances soil fertility.
Green gram (Vigna radiata), commonly known as Moong, is another important legume. It is extensively used as a pulse crop and is highly valued as a green manure due to its rapid growth, high biomass production, and efficient nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It is also used as fodder.
Incorrect Options
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), or Arhar/Tur, is primarily grown as a major pulse crop in India. While it is a legume and contributes to soil nitrogen enrichment, it is generally not preferred as a green manure due to its longer growth duration and woody stem. Similarly, it is not a primary fodder crop compared to cowpea or green gram.
Option (B) is incorrect because it excludes Cowpea, which also serves all three purposes.
Option (C) is incorrect because Pigeon pea is not commonly used as fodder or green manure.
Option (D) is incorrect due to the inclusion of Pigeon pea, which does not fulfill all three criteria.