The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Pulses are a critical component of Indian agriculture, serving as a primary source of protein and playing a vital ecological role in sustainable farming systems through nitrogen fixation.
Statement 1 is Correct: India holds a dominant position in the global pulse sector. It is the largest producer (accounting for approximately 25% of global production), the largest consumer (consuming about 27% of the world's pulses), and the largest importer of pulses in the world.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Pulses are predominantly grown as rainfed crops. They require significantly less moisture compared to water-intensive crops like rice or sugarcane and are capable of surviving in dry conditions. Consequently, they are extensively cultivated in drylands and regions with limited irrigation coverage.
Statement 3 is Correct: Most pulses are leguminous crops. They possess root nodules containing symbiotic bacteria (Rhizobium) that fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This biological process helps in restoring soil fertility, making pulses an essential component of crop rotation and mixed cropping systems (with the exception of Arhar/Tur, which has different characteristics regarding nitrogen fixation).
Key Takeaway: India is the global leader in both the production and consumption of pulses. Agronomically, these crops are suited for dryland farming due to low water requirements and are ecologically beneficial for soil health restoration.