The increased pulse cultivation this year has helped the Indian government meet it’s procurement targets.
The area cultivated under pulses has increased by a third this season. Further, the excellent monsoon helped farmers who incurred losses back on their feet. Additionally, the target set by the government in the production of pulses is 25.6 million tonnes. This target is 11.2% more than last year’s estimated output. However, it looks like we are in good stead to meet the procurement targets because of the excellent weather conditions that are prevailing.
Fallow land Converted to Agricultural Land to Increase Production
In the Tiruchy district of Tamil Nadu, the area of cultivation is said to have increased by 2000 hectares. In the previous year, due to many issues, only 8000 of the 10,000 acres was under cultivation. As a result, in the Annual meeting of the agricultural department, the emphasis was made that fallow land must be converted into agricultural land to increase production. Therefore this year, a total of 10, 260 hectares have been brought under cultivation.
The National Food Safety Mission (NFSM) mentions that with new technologies such as seed treatment with pseudomonas, sprinklers and bio-fertilizers, they are looking to bring the area under cultivation of pulses to 12,500 hectares.
Paddy and Pulses Cultivation Jumps to 882 Lakh Hectare
According to the statistics released by the agricultural ministry, the area sown under Kharif crops increased by 14%. There was also a 37% increase in the planting of moong and urad dal, majorly in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Because of that, the area under pulses went up by 19% to reach 112 lakh hectares this week. It is more than what it was last year at the same time.
On the other hand, rice cultivation also saw an upswing in rice-producing states in the country. Accordingly, farmers have increased rice production from 224 LH covered from the same time last year to 266.6 LH. This is a 19% increase in rice production when compared to the previous year.
Pulses Production Targeted at 25.6 Million Metric Tonnes in India this Season
An official from the agriculture department said the Economic Times that good rains had helped increase pulses production. Further, he told the annual requirement of pulses in the country is 25-26 million tonnes. He also states the country will be able to produce the required amount. This is unlike last year when imports ranged from 10-15% to satisfy demand. The estimated output of pulses targeted by the government is 25.6 MMT which is 11.9% more than last year.
In conclusion, India looks to be self-sufficient in the production of pulses so far. Additionally, farmers have greatly benefited from favourable weather conditions and increased productivity due to better use of technology.