India open to long-term relations with pulses producing countries, says govt
This story was originally published at 16:17 IST on 14 February 2025
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NEW DELHI – India wants to have a long-term relationship with major producers of pulses to exchange market information and ensure supply around the year, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said. "I think we can understand from each other's market demands and help each other. Since India is the largest consumer, we are keeping our doors and windows open," Khare said on the second day of the 7th Pulses Conclave organised by the India Pulses and Grains Association here on Friday.
Production of pulses in the country was impacted in the last two years due to delayed monsoon, incessant rains, and depleted soil moisture, Khare said. India had to rely on imports to keep prices under control, she said. India needs 26-27 million tonnes of pulses annually and produces only about 24 million tonnes. To meet the domestic demand, India imports pulses from Australia, Myanmar, Canada, Brazil, and several African countries.
"Therefore, to incentivise pulses production and reduce import dependence, the government decided to procure tur, urad, and masur," she said. The Budget for 2025-26 (Apr-Mar) announced a six-year mission to attain self-sufficiency in pulses and allocated INR 10 billion in 2025-26 (Apr-Mar) for the mission. "The pulses mission has been established and the prime objective of this mission will be to produce climate resilient seeds, to focus on farmers, to increase the acreage, to also increase acreage in non-traditional areas and so on," Khare said.
To increase productivity, the government is developing short-duration, high-yielding seed varieties of pulses. "We are also encouraging farmers to cultivate pulses in non-traditional regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions," Khare said. The government is also working on post-harvest facilities like improved storage and processing facilities, she added. End
Reported by Afra Abubacker
Edited by Saji George Titus
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