Current State of Pulses Production

The Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production in the Union Budget 2024. The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening the production, storage, and marketing of pulses and oilseeds in the budget speech. This initiative aims to reduce India's dependence on imports and ensure a stable supply of this vital protein source for the population.

Largest Producer and Consumer

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world. However, it is also the largest importer and consumer. Pulses are a major protein source for a significant portion of the Indian population. Due to erratic climate conditions affecting key producing regions. India's pulses imports nearly doubled in the 2023-24 fiscal year compared to the previous year.

The Chairman of the India Pulses Grains Association welcomed the budget announcements. He emphasised the need to focus on improving productivity and production to achieve self-reliance. "We need more research on improving the quality of seeds to increase production. Our yields are currently low, and there is a need for better and high-yielding seeds. Higher yields will also increase farmers' incomes. To address the challenges of small farms, we need a long-term policy to develop clusters with mechanized farming," the chairman stated.

Government Initiatives

The government recently announced an increase in the minimum support price for Kharif crops, including pulses. The Agriculture Minister has affirmed the Centre's commitment to procuring tur, urad, and Masur at MSP to promote crop diversification and achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production.

The Economic Survey released a day before the budget, emphasised the need to boost pulse production through area expansion. It highlighted that India faces a persistent deficit in pulses, leading to price pressures. Pulses production is concentrated in a few states and districts, making it vulnerable to various stresses. The survey recommended expanding the area under pulses cultivation, particularly lentils, turn, and urad, in more districts and rice-fallow areas. Additionally, it suggested promoting the summer cultivation of urad and moong in areas with assured irrigation facilities.

Crop-Neutral Incentive Structures

The Economic Survey also called for promoting 'crop-neutral incentive structures.' This approach would reward pulses, oilseeds, and millets, which save on power, water, and fertilisers, with subsidies equivalent to those embedded in rice production. This policy shift aims to move from basic food security to nutritional security, aligning farm sector policies with a demand-driven food system that is more nutritious and resource-efficient.

Future Directions

The Economic Survey stressed the need to transition from basic food security to nutritional security. It highlighted the growing demand for pulses, millet, fruits and vegetables, milk, and meat, which is outpacing the demand for basic staples. To meet this demand, farm sector policies should align more with a nutritious and sustainable 'demand-driven food system.'

The Union Budget 2024 emphasises the government's commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production. Through increased research, improved seed quality, and strategic policy implementation, India aims to boost its pulses production, reduce imports, and ensure nutritional security for its population. This comprehensive approach promises to enhance the agricultural sector's resilience and sustainability, paving the way for a self-reliant and nutritionally secure India.