Pulses Production In India

Current News:-

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provided valuable insights in a written reply in Rajya Sabha regarding the comprehensive strategies being employed to enhance pulses production in India.  

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses, aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring sustainable practices in the agriculture sector was highlighted. 

India’s Initiatives to Boost Pulses Production

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses

The NFSM-Pulses initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, operates in 28 States and 2 Union Territories including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.  

Key Interventions Under NFSM-Pulses

Assistance to farmers through States/UTs for various interventions. 

Cluster demonstrations on improved package of practices. 

Cropping system demonstrations. 

Seed production and distribution of HYVs/hybrids. 

Improved farm machinery/tools. 

Efficient water application tools. 

Plant protection measures. 

Nutrient management/soil ameliorants. 

Processing & post-harvest equipment. 

Cropping system-based trainings. 

ICAR's Role in Research and Variety Development

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity potential of pulse crops through research and development efforts. 

The ICAR focuses on:-

Basic and strategic research on pulses. Collaborative applied research with State Agricultural Universities.

Development of location-specific high-yielding varieties and production packages. 

During the period from 2014 to 2023, an impressive 343 high-yielding varieties and hybrids of pulses have been officially recognized for commercial cultivation across the country. 

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme

This Comprehensive Umbrella Scheme (Launched In 2018) Comprises Three Components: 

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Procurement from pre-registered farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). 

2021-22: Around 30.31 lakh tonnes of pulses procured, benefiting over 13 lakh farmers. 

2022-23 (as of July 2023): Approximately 28.33 lakh tonnes of pulses procured, benefitting over  12 lakh farmers. 

2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Compensates farmers for price differences. 

3. Private Procurement Stockist Scheme (PPSS): Encourages private sector participation in procurement. 

India’s Pulses Production

India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.  

Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country.  

Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of the total production.  

Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses-producing states.