Recent news reveals the valuable insights that the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provided in a written reply in Rajya Sabha regarding strategies to improve pulses production in India. A key spotlight was the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses, aimed at boosting productivity and promoting sustainable practices in the agriculture sector.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses: An Overview
The NFSM-Pulses initiative, managed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, operates across 28 States and two Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The mission provides assistance through various interventions to farmers via the respective States/Union Territories.
NFSM-Pulses Key Interventions
Several crucial interventions are underway under NFSM-Pulses. These range from cluster demonstrations showcasing improved package of practices, cropping system demonstrations to seed production and distribution of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)/hybrids. Other interventions include promoting the use of improved farm machinery/tools, efficient water application tools and plant protection measures. Additionally, the management of nutrients/soil ameliorants, processing & post-harvest equipment and cropping system-based trainings are featured amongst the initiatives. Furthermore, the distribution of seed mini-kits of newer pulse varieties and technological demonstrations by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been undertaken.
Establishment of Seed Hubs for Pulses
The establishment of 150 Seed Hubs has significantly contributed to increasing the availability of quality pulse seeds. Since their inception in 2016-17, these hubs have collectively produced over 1 lakh quintals of quality pulse seeds.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Pulses
ICAR plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity of pulse crops through immense research and development efforts. The Council is heavily invested in basic and strategic research on pulses, collaborative applied research with State Agricultural Universities, and developing location-specific high-yielding varieties and production packages.
High-Yielding Varieties of Pulses
From 2014 to 2023, an impressive 343 high-yielding varieties and hybrids of pulses have been officially recognised for commercial cultivation across the country.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme
This comprehensive umbrella scheme comprises three components: Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Private Procurement Stockist Scheme (PPSS). The PSS aims at procurement from pre-registered farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) whereas PDPS compensates farmers for price differences. The PPSS encourages private sector participation in procurement.
Pulses Production in India
India ranks as the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world. Pulses contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country and account for approximately 20% of the area under foodgrains. Although pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, the latter contributes more than 60% of the total production. The top five pulses-producing states in India include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
Pulse Production Inspection in UPSC Civil Services Examination
A general examination of pulse production in India reveals that important pulse crops such as chickpea, lentil, lathyrus, field pea, kidney bean are grown in winter (rabi), while green gram, black gram and cowpea are grown in both spring and rainy season. As per the Directorate of Economics and Statistics’ (DES) report, Tur (15.34%), Gram (43.29%), Moong (green gram,10.04%), Urad (black gram, 13.93%), Lentil (6.67%) significantly contribute to India’s pulse production. Notably, the Confederation of Indian Industry’s 2010 report states that the production of pulses grew by 45%, and in the past decade by 65% from 2009-10 to 2020-21.
