Which country signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India in July 2016 to promote the production of pigeon peas (tur) and other pulses?

Introduction / Context:
India is one of the largest consumers of pulses in the world and often faces shortages of important pulses such as pigeon peas, also known as tur or arhar. To improve availability and price stability, India has signed agreements with other countries to encourage the cultivation of pulses abroad. One such agreement in July 2016 involved pigeon peas and became a frequently asked topic in current affairs and general knowledge examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers specifically to an MoU signed in July 2016.
- The agreement relates to promoting production of pigeon peas and other pulses for India needs.
- The options list South Africa, Syria, Egypt, Mozambique and Kenya as possible partner countries.

Concept / Approach:
India engages with several African countries for agricultural cooperation because these nations often have suitable land and climate for pulse cultivation. The key concept is to remember that Mozambique, located in southeastern Africa, was highlighted in news reports as a partner in a long term agreement to increase production and export of pigeon peas to India. This makes Mozambique the correct choice among the given options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the 2016 news related to India signing an MoU to promote pulse production abroad, especially pigeon peas. Step 2: Identify that this agreement was signed with an African nation rather than countries in West Asia or North Africa. Step 3: Among the options, Syria and Egypt are in West Asia and North Africa respectively, while South Africa, Mozambique and Kenya are in the African continent. Step 4: Remember that Mozambique was specifically mentioned as the country with which India signed a long term agreement on pigeon pea production in July 2016. Step 5: Conclude that Mozambique is the correct partner country for this MoU.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you cross check with governmental press releases and economic news from mid 2016, you will find mention of India and Mozambique signing an MoU that focused on pulses, especially pigeon peas. The agreement was often cited as part of India strategy to secure food supplies and stabilise pulse prices. This repetition in news and exam oriented study material confirms Mozambique as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
South Africa: Though India has trade relations with South Africa, it was not the country associated with the pigeon pea MoU in July 2016.
Syria: Owing to conflict and instability, Syria was not a partner in this agricultural cooperation for pulses.
Egypt: Better known for cooperation in other sectors, Egypt was not highlighted as a key partner in pigeon pea production for India during that period.
Kenya: While Kenya grows various crops and has trade links with India, it was not the country involved in the specific 2016 MoU on pigeon peas mentioned in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to assume that any African country listed must be correct without recalling which specific state signed the MoU. Another mistake is confusing this agreement with other trade or agricultural arrangements that India has with African nations. To avoid such confusion, it helps to associate pigeon peas with Mozambique and to link this memory to the July 2016 timeline.

Final Answer:
The country that signed an MoU with India in July 2016 to promote the production of pigeon peas and other pulses is Mozambique.