India's pulses production has achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a record high of 26.96 million metric tonnes (MMT) in the year 2021-22. This represents a significant growth from the 19.26 MMT produced in 2013-14. This increase in production is crucial for food security and agricultural sustainability in the country.
In recent years, India has successfully reduced its import dependency on pulses, which has dropped from 19% in 2013-14 to approximately 9% in 2021-22. Projections indicate that this figure could further decrease to around 3% by 2030-31, reflecting improved domestic production.
The area dedicated to pulses cultivation has expanded from 24.91 million hectares (Mha) in 2015-16 to 30.37 Mha by 2021-22. This expansion has been accompanied by an increase in average yield, which rose from 656 kg/ha to 888 kg/ha, showcasing the effectiveness of agricultural practices.
The Indian government has implemented several measures to enhance pulses production. This includes significant increases in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and bolstered procurement efforts. These initiatives have played a vital role in the steady growth of production levels.
Timely increases in the MSP have significantly contributed to boosting pulses production. Additionally, the government’s procurement of pulses at MSP has seen considerable growth, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation and encouraging them to cultivate more pulses.
The import of pulses has seen a consistent decline. For instance, imports dropped from 6.66 MMT in 2016-17 to around 2.46 MMT in 2020-21, marking the lowest levels in the past decade. This trend continued with imports remaining below 2.7 MMT in 2021-22.
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that the import dependency on pulses will further decrease to about 3.6% by 2030-31. This reduction can be achieved with only a modest increase in domestic production, highlighting the ongoing improvements in agricultural productivity.
Key regions in India known for high pulses productivity include Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, the delta region of West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, eastern Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra.
The Indian government has introduced various strategies to boost pulses production with the aim of minimizing import dependence. The production, which fluctuated between 16-19 MMT from 2010 to 2016, has surged to between 25-27 MMT in recent years, culminating in an impressive 26.96 MMT in 2021-22.
From 2010 to 2015, pulse imports ranged from 2-5 MMT, valued between ₹7,500 to ₹17,000 crore annually. A peak was observed in 2016-17 with imports hitting 6.66 MMT, valued at ₹28,750 crores. However, the trend has significantly declined, with imports dropping to 2.46 MMT in 2020-21.
The government’s initiatives have resulted in an exponential increase in the area under pulses cultivation, production levels, and average yield, showcasing the success of systematic agricultural policies.
Consistent increases in the MSP and a significant rise in procurement have played a crucial role in enhancing pulses production. This commitment by the government supports farmers and encourages the cultivation of pulses.
Q1. What is the current status of India's pulses production?
Answer: India's pulses production reached an impressive 26.96 million metric tonnes in 2021-22, reflecting a notable increase from past years and enhancing food security.
Q2. How has import dependency on pulses changed recently?
Answer: Import dependency on pulses decreased from 19% in 2013-14 to around 9% in 2021-22, with projections suggesting a further reduction to 3% by 2030-31.
Q3. What government measures have supported pulses production?
Answer: The government has raised Minimum Support Prices and improved procurement systems to support pulses production, leading to steady growth in output.
Q4. What regions in India are known for high pulses productivity?
Answer: High productivity regions include Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Maharashtra, among others, due to favorable agricultural practices and conditions.
Q5. How has pulses import changed over the years?
Answer: Pulses imports peaked at 6.66 MMT in 2016-17 but have since declined, reaching 2.46 MMT in 2020-21, the lowest in the last decade.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
