Central Government Ensures 100% Pulse Crop Procurement

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has announced that the central government is committed to procuring 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masoor pulses at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to meet the production targets for pulse crops. During a meeting with state agriculture ministers, Minister Chauhan highlighted the launch of the e-Samridhi portal for farmer registration through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd (NCCF). He noted that self-sufficiency has been achieved in Moong and Chana, reducing import dependence from 30% to 10% over the last decade.

Focus on Pulse Crop Sowing

Minister Chauhan discussed the new model Dalhan Gram Yojana, set to commence from the Kharif season. He urged state governments to utilize fallow lands available after the rice harvest for pulse cultivation and emphasized the active involvement of elected representatives, such as MPs and MLAs, in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Expected Increase in Kharif Pulses Sowing

The sowing of Kharif pulses, such as Arhar and Urad, is expected to increase this season due to higher prices and the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast of above-normal monsoon rains. This increase is anticipated to help reduce the prices of Kharif pulses.

Storage Limits for Pulses

• Wholesale traders:200 metric tons
• Retail traders:5 metric tons
• Large chain retailers: 5 metric tons per retail outlet and 200 metric tons per depot
• Millers: Production of the last 3 months or 25% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher
• Importers: Stock not exceeding 45 days from the date of customs clearance

Initiatives to Boost Pulses Production and Reduce Imports

The Indian government has established 150 pulse seed hubs to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds. Cluster frontline demonstrations by ICAR are being conducted in low-productivity districts. State governments have appreciated the efforts made by the center through the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). With predictions of an above-normal monsoon, this meeting was convened to discuss increasing pulses production and reducing import dependency.