Pulses Mission: Niti Aayog Outlines Roadmap for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses by 2030
Government think-tank Niti Aayog has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2030, with a goal to double output by 2047. The strategy anticipates an increase in production from 26.06 million tonnes (MT) in 2022 to 34.45 MT by 2030, and further to 51.57 MT by 2047. This initiative is crucial for enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India.
Production Projections and Supply Estimates
Niti Aayog’s report outlines detailed projections for pulse production, estimating that individual crop-level output will reach 32.1 MT by 2030 and 50.7 MT by 2047. The anticipated supply is expected to be 30.6 MT by 2030 and 45.8 MT by 2047, taking into account factors such as seed, feed, and wastage, which have averaged 11.2% of gross production over the past decade. By 2030, India is projected to have a surplus of 3.79 MT, which could increase to 16.48 MT by 2047. These figures underscore the potential for India to not only meet its domestic needs but also to contribute to global pulse markets.
Strategic Interventions for Sustainable Growth
To achieve these ambitious targets, the report recommends several targeted interventions. These include crop-wise clustering, the adoption of region-specific technologies, and the distribution of high-quality seeds. A notable initiative is the “one block one seed village” approach, which aims to enhance cultivation practices across 111 high-potential districts. The report emphasizes the importance of proactive climate adaptation and data-driven monitoring to ensure the success of these strategies. Additionally, it highlights the need to promote healthy consumption of pulses, aligning with recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).
Challenges in Pulse Production
Despite the outlined strategies, agriculture secretary Devesh Chaturvedi acknowledged significant challenges in increasing pulse and oilseed production. He pointed out that pulses are a vital component of the Indian diet, with limited elasticity and replaceability compared to edible oils. Chaturvedi stressed the necessity for breakthroughs in high-yield varieties and improved seed replacement rates. He noted that the absence of hybrid varieties in pulses presents a unique challenge, and achieving advancements in this area could substantially boost productivity.
Research and Development Initiatives
ICAR director general ML Jat emphasized the need to strengthen local seed systems and intensify research efforts focused on weed management and genomic breeding. He highlighted that weeds are responsible for losses of up to 30-40% in rabi pulses, indicating a critical area for improvement. Niti Aayog’s report advocates for a convergence of supply and demand-side approaches, alongside innovations and climate adaptation strategies, to bridge existing gaps in the pulse production sector. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure a sustainable future for pulse cultivation in India, ultimately contributing to the nation’s food security and agricultural resilience.
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