Pulses Production in India

• India’s pulse imports are set to reach a nine-year peak of 6.7 million tonnes in FY25, driven by favourable duty structures and stable domestic prices. Import duties on most pulses remain nil, ensuring a steady supply and preventing price hikes.
• The import surge is primarily attributed to a significant rise in yellow pea imports, with 2.04 million tons imported in FY25, accounting for nearly 31% of total imports— the highest since FY18.

Key Reasons for Rising Pulse Imports

• Domestic Production Shortfalls: Unseasonal rains and deficient monsoons reduced pulse yields like Tur and Urad, both highly vulnerable to climate shifts due to being 87% rain-fed crops.
• Growing Consumption Demand: India’s annual pulse consumption is approximately 28 million tons, while domestic production was below 25.7 million tons in 2022-23.
• Favourable Import Policies: To manage inflation, the government has removed import duties on pulses like Tur, Urad, & Masoor and lifted quantitative restrictions, making them affordable & accessible.
• Strategic Import Diversification: India has formed long-term trade agreements with countries like Brazil and Argentina.
  • In FY25, India imported 2.04 million tons of yellow peas, which accounts for 31% of its total imports. This is the highest level of imports since FY18.
• Inadequate Domestic Incentives: Farmers prefer crops like rice and wheat due to MSP assurance and better irrigation, leaving pulses with comparatively less support, even though MSPs have been raised.
• Limited R&D and Seed Availability: Slow uptake of climate-resilient, high-yielding pulse varieties has hindered productivity, with regions still experiencing low seed replacement rates and limited access to improved inputs.

Pulse Imports and Their Impact on Agriculture

Government Initiatives for Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Pulse Production

1. National Food Security Mission (NFSM-Pulses): Boosts area, production, and productivity through HYV seeds, improved agronomy, and demonstrations.
2. Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Pulses: Regularly revised MSPs (E.g., Tur ₹7000/qtl in 2023-24) ensure price security and encourage pulse cultivation.
3. Creation of Pulses Buffer Stock (2016): Maintains 2–3 million tonnes of buffer stock to stabilise domestic supply and prices.
4. Seed Hub Program by ICAR-IIPR: Expands availability of certified, short-duration, and high-yielding pulse seeds at the grassroots level.
5. Promotion of Pulses in Rice Fallow Areas: Utilises ~6 million ha of underused land in eastern India to expand pulse cultivation post-kharif.
6. PM-AASHA Scheme: Ensures MSP realisation via Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) and targeted procurement by private and public agencies.
7. Climate-Resilient Varieties Development (ICAR): Develops varieties resistant to drought, pests, and diseases suited to changing climates.
8. Technology Transfer through KVKs: Krishi Vigyan Kendras conduct frontline demonstrations and train farmers on best practices in pulse farming.
9. e-NAM Integration for Pulses: Enhances market access, reduces middlemen, and enables transparent price discovery through online pulse trading.

Way Forward

• Enhancing Domestic Production: Offer competitive MSPs, input subsidies, and crop insurance to make pulse cultivation more viable for farmers.
• Promoting Crop Diversification: Promote pulse-based crop rotations to enhance soil health & sustain farming. E.g., in Andhra Pradesh, chickpea cultivation in rice fallows rose by 80%, benefiting small farmers.
• Investing in Research and Innovation: Develop and promote high-yield, climate-resilient pulse varieties through targeted R&D and farmer training.
• Strengthening Irrigation Infrastructure: Expand irrigation and adopt water-efficient techniques in pulse-growing regions to enhance productivity. E.g., Micro-irrigation increases yield by 31% and water productivity by 43%.
• Stabilizing Prices and Reducing Post-Harvest Losses: Enhance storage & optimise supply chains for reduced losses & stable prices. Connect 1,000 APMC mandis online for transparent & fair payments.

India must shift from a reactive import-dependent model to a stable, forward-looking pulse policy. As agri-exports demand predictability, pulse production needs consistent support, not stop-gap fixes. A long-term strategy anchored in resilience, innovation, and market assurance is vital to make India self-reliant in pulses.

Reference: Business Standard

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 152

Q. India has emerged as the world’s largest consumer and importer of pulses. Examine the reasons behind India’s growing dependence on pulse imports and suggest a multi-pronged strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Provide a contextual introduction by citing facts about the demand and supply of pulses.
• Body: Examine the reasons for India’s increasing reliance on pulse imports and propose a multi-faceted strategy to attain self-sufficiency.
• Conclusion: Compose a comprehensive conclusion addressing future impacts, including price stability and nutritional security.