Government Procurement of Pulses to Boost Farmers

The Government of India has initiated procurement strategy aimed at supporting farmers and ensuring food security. The focus is on pulses, particularly Tur, Urad, and Masur. The government will purchase 100% of the production from farmers in nine states for the kharif 2024-25 season. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme, which aims to stabilise prices and enhance agricultural productivity.

Overview of the PM-AASHA Scheme

The PM-AASHA Scheme was established to protect farmers’ incomes and ensure the availability of essential commodities. It integrates various procurement operations to provide fair prices to farmers. The scheme also aims to mitigate price volatility in the market.

Procurement Strategy

Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), the government will procure pulses directly from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This strategy is designed to encourage domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. The government has committed to purchasing all Tur, Urad, and Masur produced in the states involved.

States Involved in Procurement

The procurement will take place in nine states – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. The total procurement target for Tur (Arhar) is approximately 13.22 lakh metric tonnes (LMT).

Current Progress

As of mid-February 2025, procurement activities have commenced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Approximately 0.15 LMT of Tur has been procured, benefiting over 12,000 farmers. The government aims to expand these efforts to other states shortly.

Long-term Commitment

The government has announced that this procurement initiative will continue for four more years under the PM-AASHA Scheme. This long-term commitment aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and boost the agricultural sector.

Impact on Farmers

The initiative is expected to provide financial stability to farmers by guaranteeing a market for their produce. It also aims to enhance the overall agricultural economy by ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.

Significance for Food Security

This procurement strategy is crucial for maintaining food security in India. By supporting local production of pulses, the government aims to ensure that essential food items remain affordable and accessible to consumers.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of government schemes in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
2. Explain the significance of the Minimum Support Price in the context of Indian agriculture.
3. What are the implications of India’s reliance on pulse imports? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. What is the impact of price volatility on farmers’ income? How can government interventions mitigate this issue?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of government schemes in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.

1. Government schemes like PM-AASHA provide financial support and stable prices for farmers’ produce.
2. These schemes encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technology.
3. They aim to reduce dependency on imports by promoting domestic production of essential crops.
4. Support for infrastructure development, such as storage and transportation, enhances productivity.
5. Government schemes also focus on education and training for farmers to improve yield and sustainability.

2. Explain the significance of the Minimum Support Price in the context of Indian agriculture.

1. MSP acts as a safety net for farmers, ensuring they receive a minimum income for their produce.
2. It encourages farmers to cultivate specific crops, influencing agricultural planning and production.
3. MSP helps stabilize market prices, reducing the impact of price fluctuations on farmers.
4. It supports food security by ensuring a steady supply of essential commodities.
5. MSP also plays important role in enhancing farmers’ confidence and investment in agriculture.

3. What are the implications of India’s reliance on pulse imports? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Reliance on pulse imports increases vulnerability to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
2. It impacts domestic farmers’ income, as they face competition from cheaper imported pulses.
3. High import dependency can lead to food security issues during global crises, such as pandemics or conflicts.
4. Examples include the increase in prices of pulses during the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruptions.
5. Encouraging local production through schemes like PM-AASHA can help reduce import dependency and enhance self-sufficiency.

4. What is the impact of price volatility on farmers’ income? How can government interventions mitigate this issue?

1. Price volatility leads to uncertainty in farmers’ income, making it difficult for them to plan financially.
2. Fluctuating prices can result in losses, especially for smallholder farmers with limited resources.
3. Government interventions, such as MSP and procurement schemes, provide a stable income and reduce risk.
4. Insurance schemes can protect farmers against losses due to price drops or crop failures.
5. Market information systems can help farmers make informed decisions, reducing the impact of volatility.