Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture
Context
- A report titled “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta” was released by the NITI Aayog.
- India is the largest producer and consumer, accounting for ~38% of global area and ~28% of production. India remains the second-largest importer of pulses, after China.
- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan account for over 55% of production.
Importance of Pulses in India
- Catering Nutritional Security: They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, benefiting both human and animal health, and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
- Sustainable Development: Pulses enhance soil health, conserve water, and help to mitigate climate change. Their low carbon footprint and nitrogen-fixing ability aid in reducing synthetic fertilizer use, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Challenges Highlighted by the Report
- India’s Low Yield: Despite this, India’s average yield (0.74 t/ha) is below the global average (0.97 t/ha) .
- India ranks lowest in yield among the top ten pulse producers.
- Technological Gaps: Limited progress in developing and adopting high-yielding varieties compared to cereals.
- Weak extension support and inadequate farmer access to quality seeds and modern production technologies.
- Poor management of pests and diseases in pulse crops.
- Environmental Constraints: Predominance of rainfed cultivation with inadequate irrigation infrastructure.
- High vulnerability to climatic vagaries such as droughts, erratic rainfall, and El Niño/La Niña shocks.
- Economic and Market Challenges: Volatile market prices and frequent supply-demand fluctuations discourage farmers.
- Lower profitability of pulses compared to cereals reduces farmer incentives.
- Weak and fragmented marketing channels restrict farmer access to stable markets.
Recommendations for Achieving Self-Sufficiency
- Area Retention and Diversification: Retain existing pulse area and diversify cultivation through targeted crop-wise clustering.
- Develop strategies tailored for specific agro-ecological sub-regions.
- Seed and Technology Interventions: Ensure high-quality seed distribution and seed treatment kits, with special focus on 111 high-potential districts contributing 75% of national output.
- Promote the concept of “One Block–One Seed Village” to build cluster-based hubs, supported by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
- Climate Adaptation: Mainstream proactive climate adaptation measures to reduce risks from El Niño, La Niña, and other climate-induced shocks.
- Data-Driven Transformation: Establish comprehensive monitoring systems and decision-support tools for planning, early warnings, and market intelligence.
- Use technology-driven platforms to strengthen transparency and traceability across the value chain.
| Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses – The Union Budget 2025–26 announced a six-year Mission, Mission Atmanirbharta in Pulses, focusing on tur, urad and masoor, was set up with the following five pillars: 1. Assurance of Procurement: NAFED and NCCF will assist with procurement for farmers, under four-year agreements to sell any quantity to NAFED at assured prices. 2. Seed Systems and Traceability: Quality seeds will be distributed in 111 high-potential districts for major pulses under the “One Block–One Seed Village” model. 3. Strengthening FPOs: to ensure improved bargaining capacity, access to seeds, and better market linkages. 4. Nutrition Factor: expanding the role of pulses in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and mid-day meals. 5. Value Chain Development: mechanisation, value addition, post-harvest loss management. |
Source: PIB
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