Pulses constitute an important source of protein, for the majority of the population of the country. Production and productivity of most of the pulse crops have either declined or at best stagnated over the last two decades resulting in a sharp reduction in the per capita availability of pulses. Serious concerns have been expressed over the depressing pulse scenario and several explanations have been offered. The need for generation of new varieties/technologies responsive to the modern inputs with more stability especially in the rainfed areas has been emphasized. Madhya Pradesh, being the major pulse growing state in India, has a lot to contribute towards increasing pulse production and productivity in the country. With a view to examining various dimensions of the problems this study was conducted by Institute of Development Studies, Bhopal with the financial support of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The original report submitted by the author has been abridged, updated and edited highlighting policy implications for the benefit of researchers, planners and the policy makers.