Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources
Reorienting India’s food basket
Context: Covid-19 – a zoonotic disease– has brought into sharp focus the need to reorient our food basket.
Advantages of Pulses Cultivation
Protein Source: Pulses are a great source of protein for Indians, especially vegetarians
Helps achieve Sustainable Development Goals: Pulses fits well with SDG-12 (responsible consumption and production) rather than meat based food
Water efficiency of the crop: One-hectare millimetre of water can produce 12.5 kg of Bengal gram while it can produce only 7 kg of wheat and 2.5 kg of paddy.
Improves Soil Health by fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Suitable for Post-COVID world: Plant-based nutrition(pulses) will be seen as a more sustainable system of production and consumption from the environment and nutrition(protein) viewpoint especially in post-COVID world
Future Demand Potential: Increasing population, improved incomes and enhanced awareness about nutrition has boosted demand for pulses in the last two decades
Pulse Cultivation in India
Red gram and Bengal gram (chana) account for most of India’s pulse production, followed by black gram and green gram.
In 2010, pulse cultivation accounted for 26 million ha (mha) with an annual production of 16 million tons (mt) and annual import of 4 mt.
In 2016, pulse cultivation accounted for 30 mha and imports increased to 6.3 mt
The MSP for pulses has increased every year. Similarly, tur dal support price increased from Rs 46.25/kg in 2015 to Rs 58/kg this year
Although these support prices provided relief for the farmers, on many occasions, the market price was less than the support price, especially when large-scale imports took place
By 2030, when our population crosses 150 crore, the estimated demand for pulses will be 33 mt
Way Ahead
Increased Acreage: There is a need to convert some of the acreages under cereals to grow pulses. This will help bring greater balance to the crop portfolio, especially considering the changing food basket.
Improve Productivity: If we have to meet the demand requirements of 2030 and avoid imports, our current yields of 835kg/ha have to go up by at least 30% in this decade.
Increase R&D: There is a need to take up projects that increase yields, protein content and make our red gram varieties more tolerant to the dreaded pod borer, which causes 50% yield losses
Use of Bt Technology: Farmers use heavy doses of pesticides to control the pod borer in red gram and the diseases in black gram and green gram. There is a strong case to use Bt technology, used in cotton to control the same insect
Smooth regulatory progress to fast track projects that are in various stages of development of new seeds
Micro-irrigation tool like Hose Reel technology-based irrigation system could be perfectly suited for these crops
Private investments could be encouraged in genomics area through strong PPP projects to find useful genes that can help these crops to resist pests, diseases and water stress conditions.
Encouraging farmers to grow pulses as mixed crops with sugar cane and to bring 1.2 mha of additional cultivation of pulses in rice fallow lands.
Market Reforms: While the new e-NAM is expected to help, there is a need to make more efforts in setting up village-level primary processing and grading centres.
Long-term and predictable policy environment for import and export of pulses is required as sudden decisions to import can land the farmers in distress.
Inclusion in Welfare schemes: Pulses need to be included in PDS and in the mid-day meals to improve nutrition standards
Connecting the dots:
Green Revolution 2.0
Tur Dal price hike in 2015 and measures taken by government
