Low production of pulses; India depends on import

By admin - March 01, 2015 0

NEW DELHI: Though production of pulses has increased over the years, yet the country highly depends on imported pulses.

The production, export and import scenario of pulses in India during last five years is as under:-

(Quantity in lakh tonnes)

Year

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

Production

147.00

182.40

172.10

183.40

197.80

Export

1.29

2.06

1.75

2.01

3.43

Import

37.64

27.80

34.96

38.39

36.54

Total availability

183.35

208.14

205.31

219.78

230.91

In order to reduce dependence on imported pulses, Government of India is implementing pulses component of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 622 districts of 27 states including all north-eastern states and hill states in the country to enhance production and productivity of pulses.

Under the programme, various activities like demonstrations on improved production technologies, distribution of certified seeds, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), resource conservation technologies/tools, efficient water application tools, cropping system based training etc. are being undertaken. Around 50 percent of fund under NFSM is being allocated for pulses component.

Efforts are being made for area expansion of pulses through adoption of cropping system approach, utilization of rice fallows, paddy field bunds and inter-crop will oilseeds/commercial crops/coarse cereals etc.

Adaptive research projects are being undertaken by national and international research organizations to address various research issues and gaps of potential yield and yield realized at farmers’ field.