The six-year mission for pulses production in India is designed to achieve self-sufficiency in key pulse varieties, including pigeon pea, urad (black gram), and masoor (yellow lentils). This initiative aims to significantly reduce the country's dependence on imports by the year 2029-30.
Pulses are a crucial source of protein in the Indian diet. In 2024, the retail prices of pulses surged, peaking at 18% inflation. Currently, India imports approximately 5-6% of its total pulses, making this mission vital in addressing the rising global commodity prices and supply fluctuations.
The government will procure pulses from registered farmers over the next four years, ensuring a stable market for their produce. Additionally, farmers will be encouraged to adopt diversified farming practices to enhance productivity.
In the past, the government signed long-term import agreements with countries such as Mozambique. It also focused on domestic productivity improvements through seed distribution campaigns, which significantly boosted yields.
The mission aims to establish "pulses villages" that will promote the cultivation of pulses during the kharif and summer-sown seasons. Efforts will also be made to cultivate fallow lands and introduce advanced seeds and farming techniques.
During the 2023-24 period, pulses production reached 27.5 million tonnes, a slight increase from 27.3 million tonnes the previous year. However, erratic weather patterns and price volatility remain significant challenges for production growth.
As income levels rise, the demand for protein-rich pulses has increased. Shortages in specific varieties often lead to price hikes, highlighting the urgent need for production diversification to meet consumer needs.
Q1. What is the main goal of the six-year pulses mission?
Answer: The primary goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of key pulses, thereby reducing reliance on imports by 2029-30.
Q2. Why are pulses important to India?
Answer: Pulses are a vital source of protein for the Indian population, and high inflation rates have made domestic production increasingly crucial.
Q3. What initiatives are included in the pulses mission?
Answer: Key initiatives include developing climate-resilient seeds, providing fair prices to farmers, and improving post-harvest management strategies.
Q4. How does the government support farmers in this mission?
Answer: The government will procure pulses from registered farmers, ensuring a stable income and encouraging diversified farming practices.
Q5. What challenges affect pulses production in India?
Answer: Erratic weather and price volatility pose significant challenges to pulses production, affecting overall yield stability.
Question 1: What is the target year for achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production in India?
A) 2025
B) 2029-30
C) 2035
D) 2024
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which pulse is NOT specifically mentioned in the mission objectives?
A) Pigeon pea
B) Urad
C) Lentils
D) Chickpeas
Correct Answer: D
Question 3: What is a key initiative of the pulses mission?
A) Importing more pulses
B) Developing climate-resilient seeds
C) Reducing the number of farmers
D) Increasing imports from Mozambique
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How much of its pulses does India currently import?
A) 10-15%
B) 5-6%
C) 20-25%
D) 1-2%
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the production status of pulses in 2023-24?
A) 25 million tonnes
B) 27 million tonnes
C) 27.5 million tonnes
D) 30 million tonnes
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What economic factor is driving the demand for pulses?
A) Decreasing population
B) Rising income levels
C) Increased exports
D) Reduced consumption
Correct Answer: B
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