In recent developments aimed at bolstering India’s agricultural sector, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to support farmers cultivating Tur, Urad, and Masoor pulses. This initiative underscores a pivotal strategy to enhance crop diversification and achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production nationwide.
Government’s Procurement Assurance
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in a virtual meeting with agriculture ministers from across India, highlighted the launch of the e-Samridhi portal. Developed under the auspices of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF), this portal facilitates registration of farmers for the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). The minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to procure these essential pulses at MSP rates, ensuring financial security for registered farmers.
Path to Self-Sufficiency by 2027
Acknowledging the current deficit in pulses production, Shivraj Singh Chouhan articulated the nation’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in Tur, Urad, and Masoor by 2027. He commended states for their efforts in increasing pulses production by 50% since 2015-16 but stressed the need for further enhancement in yield per hectare. The minister underscored the critical role of states in collaborating with the central government to transform India into not only a self-sufficient foodgrains producer but also a global food basket.
Encouraging Agricultural Innovations
Highlighting the new Model Pulses Village scheme, set to commence during the current Kharif season, Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged state governments to utilize fallow lands post-rice harvest for pulses cultivation. He advocated vigorous inter-cropping initiatives for Tur and emphasized knowledge-sharing among states to propagate best practices. The minister proposed active involvement of elected representatives, including MPs and MLAs, in Agricultural Science Centers (KVKs) to foster agricultural innovation at the grassroots level.
Focus on Soil Fertility and Crop Diversification
Addressing the imperative of crop diversification towards cash crops, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed soil fertility restoration and timely provisioning of quality inputs such as superior seeds. The government’s initiative of establishing 150 Pulse Seed Hubs aims to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds across low productivity districts. Additionally, Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are pivotal in promoting climate-resilient and short-duration seed varieties to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Collaborative Efforts for Agricultural Growth
The meeting of state agriculture ministers highlighted the urgent need to augment pulses production to reduce import dependency. States including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar, and Telangana acknowledged the role of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in this endeavor and pledged full cooperation. With favorable monsoon predictions, states are poised to achieve the production targets set by the central government, facilitated by increased distribution of high-yielding seed varieties and expansion of pulses cultivation areas.
Commitment to Farmer Welfare
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured comprehensive support to states, inviting agriculture ministers to Delhi for detailed discussions on state-specific agricultural challenges. The presence of key officials including Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Agriculture Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, and ICAR Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak underscored the government’s concerted efforts towards holistic agricultural development.
Conclusion
Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s proactive initiatives and the government’s strategic interventions mark a significant step towards achieving agricultural sustainability and self-sufficiency in pulses production. With robust policies, collaborative frameworks, and technological innovations, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in agricultural resilience and productivity.
