UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3- Agricultural
Introduction
India manages its high demand for pulses through imports, price stabilisation, and limited MSP procurement. Yet domestic production remains below demand. Pulses are vital for nutrition and rural livelihoods. Recent concerns over possible import commitments have increased political sensitivity. The issue reflects deeper structural weaknesses in procurement, pricing, and productivity that affect both farmers and food security.
Status of India’s Pulses Sector
- Persistent Demand–Supply Gap: India produces around 2.5 crore tonnes, while demand is nearly 3 crore tonnes. Imports are used to bridge this gap.
- Rainfed Production Base: Nearly 80% of pulse production depends on rainfed areas, which makes output uncertain and vulnerable to weather risks.
- Recovery After Decline: Production fell to 16.35 MT in 2015–16, requiring 6 MT of imports. By 2022–23, production rose to 26.06 MT, marking a 59.4% increase, along with a 38% rise in productivity.
- Reduced but Continued Import Dependence: Import dependence declined from 29% to 10.4%, but imports remain necessary to meet total demand.
- Regional Concentration: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan contribute about 55% of output. The top ten states account for over 91% of national production.
- Future Production Outlook: Domestic supply is projected at 30.59 MT by 2030 and 45.79 MT by 2047. With focused strategy, supply may reach 48.44 MT by 2030 and 63.64 MT by 2047.
Importance of India’s Pulses Sector
- Nutritional Security: Pulses provide nearly one-fourth of non-cereal protein intake, making them essential for balanced diets.
- Livelihood Support: The sector sustains more than 5 crore farmers and their families, forming a major part of rural income.
Food Security and Sustainability: Pulses are important for food security and support sustainable agriculture with environmental benefits.
- Crop Diversity Across Seasons: India grows 12 pulse crops across kharif, rabi, and summer seasons due to diverse agro-climatic conditions.
Structural Weaknesses and Market Risks in India’s Pulses Sector
- Import Sensitivity and Price Impact: A single import decision can reduce consumer prices quickly but may depress domestic prices when supply increases.
- Weak MSP Framework: Unlike rice and wheat, pulses lack a reliable procurement system. Under the Price Support Scheme, procurement ranged between 9% and 12.4% during 2019–24.
- Inadequate Procurement Infrastructure: Many States do not have sufficient procurement centres. Farmers often sell to private traders regardless of MSP.
- Low Investment Trap: Weak price assurance and rainfed risks discourage farmers from investing in pulses. This creates a cycle of low productivity and continued import dependence.
- Policy Contradictions and Political Sensitivity: Opening markets to foreign pulses may reduce domestic prices and contradict self-sufficiency goals, increasing political tension.
Government Initiatives for Self-Reliance
- Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses:
- Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 as a six-year focused initiative targeting pigeonpea, black gram, and lentil.
- The Mission has a ₹11,440 crore outlay, targeting 310 lakh hectares and 350 lakh tonnes production by 2030–31.
- Two-Pillar Strategy: Horizontal expansion aims to increase area using rice fallow lands and intercropping. Vertical expansion focuses on yield improvement through better practices and technology.
- Technology and Seed Improvement:
- Measures include improved varieties, hybrids, seed treatment, quality assurance, scientific sowing, and integrated nutrient, pest, weed, and water management.
- District-Focused Planning: A district-wise quadrant approach identifies clusters for action. Special focus is on 111 high-potential districts contributing 75% of output.
- Cluster-Based Seed Systems: “One Block–One Seed Village” hubs are promoted through FPOs to strengthen seed distribution.
- Evidence-Based Recommendations: The framework is based on a primary field survey of 885 farmers across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, ensuring that the recommendations reflect ground-level realities.
Conclusion
India has improved pulse production but still depends on imports to meet demand. Weak procurement systems and rainfed risks keep farmers insecure. Self-sufficiency requires strong MSP support, better infrastructure, and productivity gains. Without structural reforms, pulse farmers will remain vulnerable, and import dependence will continue, affecting food security and policy stability.
Question for practice:
Discuss the structural weaknesses in India’s pulses sector and examine how recent government initiatives aim to achieve self-sufficiency while addressing import dependence and farmer vulnerability.
Source: The Hindu
