Pulses are a critical component of India’s diet, providing 20 to 25 percent protein.
Production Trends
- Increased from about 163 lakh tonnes (2015–16) to 245 lakh tonnes (2023–24)
Import Dependence
- Imports surged significantly to around 47 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, indicating vulnerability
- Major import sources include Canada, Australia, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Tanzania
Exports
- Export destinations include Bangladesh, China, UAE, USA, and Sri Lanka
Policy Support Framework
Several schemes support pulse cultivation:
PM-AASHA
Ensures procurement of pulses at MSP under the Price Support Scheme
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
Promotes production enhancement across multiple states
Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
Encourages shift from water-intensive crops like paddy to pulses in northern states
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
Provides flexibility to states for region-specific agricultural interventions
Significance
- Enhances nutritional security by promoting protein-rich crops
- Reduces import dependence and forex outflow
- Supports income stability for farmers through MSP assurance
- Promotes climate-resilient agriculture, especially in rainfed areas
- Strengthens cooperative-based implementation models
Challenges
- Continued dependence on imports despite rising production
- Yield gaps compared to global standards
- Vulnerability to climate variability in rainfed regions
- Need for better storage, processing, and value chains
Conclusion
The government’s targeted push for pulses cultivation represents a strategic effort to align agricultural policy with nutritional needs and economic stability. Sustained focus on productivity, procurement, and climate resilience will be essential to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and long-term food security.
