Government Commits to Procuring Pulses from Farmers, Ensuring Stability and Self-Sufficiency
In a significant move towards promoting agricultural stability and achieving self-sufficiency, government agencies, namely the farmers’ cooperative Nafed and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF), are set to enter agreements with farmers for the procurement of pulses at prevailing market prices or the Minimum Support Price (MSP) over the next three to five years.
This commitment aims to provide assurance to farmers cultivating pulse varieties, particularly tur, urad, and masoor, which are often imported in substantial quantities. Ritesh Chauhan, Managing Director of Nafed, highlighted the discussion of providing assured buyback arrangements for farmers venturing into pulse cultivation. This strategic move not only instills confidence in farmers but also signals the market to offer competitive prices, ensuring fair compensation beyond government rates.
Speaking at a global pulses meet, Food Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized Nafed’s five-year contracts with farmers diversifying pulse production, providing them with guaranteed prices. The announcement comes as India witnessed a record 3.1 million tonnes of pulse imports in 2023 to meet domestic demand.
Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda underscored India’s relentless efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production and reduce imports by 2027. Noting progress in domestic pulse production, Munda cited an increase from 17 million tonnes in 2014 to a targeted 29.5 million tonnes for the current year (2023-24 crop year). The ongoing rabi season witnessed a marginal increase in the total area under lentils, with a focus on encouraging the cultivation of tur in irrigated areas.
Munda revealed the government’s initiatives, including the launch of a portal for the assured and complete procurement of tur, and a unique direct purchase initiative for tur dal at market prices, exceeding the MSP. The government is actively implementing a roadmap to boost pulse production, incorporating modern technologies like satellite imagery for seed development research and cultivation evaluation.
In preparation for the upcoming kharif season starting in July, large-scale cluster demonstrations are being planned to familiarize farmers with new varieties and techniques. The government’s multifaceted approach includes increasing the supply of new seed varieties, expanding tur and black gram cultivation, and utilizing technology for efficient farming practices.
The commitment to procuring pulses at market rates or MSP, coupled with strategic initiatives and technological integration, positions the government’s efforts as pivotal in ensuring agricultural stability, supporting farmers, and steering India towards self-sufficiency in pulse production.
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