Source: TH
Why in News?
Reports that a proposed India–U.S. trade arrangement could involve India purchasing pulses from American suppliers triggered concern among Indian farmers, as it may increase imports and depress domestic prices.
Key Highlights
- India manages pulse demand through:
- Import policy
- Price stabilisation measures
- Conditional Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement
- Domestic production: ~2.5 crore tonnes annually
- Estimated demand: ~3 crore tonnes
- Imports fill the supply gap
- Pulses:
- Provide about 25% of non-cereal protein intake
- Support nearly 5 crore farmers and their families
Farmer Concerns
- Imports can reduce prices for domestic farmers.
- MSP procurement for pulses is weak compared to rice and wheat.
- Government procurement under the Price Support Scheme (2019–24):
- Only 2.9% to 12.4% of production
- Many states lack sufficient procurement centres.
- Pulses are largely rain-fed crops with lower yields than global competitors.
Result: Farmers underinvest in pulses, leading to continued import dependence.
Government Initiative
Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses (October 2025)
- Outlay: ₹11,440 crore
- Target cultivation: 310 lakh hectares
- Production target: 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31
- Aim: Reduce import dependence and boost domestic output
However, farmers remain sceptical due to poor implementation of past commitments.
Structural Issues Identified
- Weak procurement infrastructure
- Lack of assured MSP support
- Low productivity in rain-fed areas
- Market incentives favour other crops
- Continued reliance on imports → food security vulnerability
