The government of India has launched a new portal to provide assistance to farmers and to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of pulses. The portal was inaugurated by the Home Minister Amit Shah on January 5, 2024, in New Delhi.
Portal Features
The portal, named as “Pulse India”, aims to provide a one-stop solution for farmers who grow pulses such as tur, moong and urad. The portal will offer information on various schemes and programmes related to pulses, such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the Special Kharif Strategy, the Targeting Rice Fallow Area (TRFA) programme, the Oil Palm Development Programme and the Pulses Program.
The portal will also enable farmers to access quality seeds of high yielding varieties, farm inputs, plant protection chemicals, soil health cards, crop insurance, market linkages, extension services and training. The portal will also have a grievance redressal mechanism and a feedback system for farmers.
Government Initiatives
The government of India has been taking various initiatives to boost the production and productivity of pulses in the country. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the production of pulses increased by 65% in 2020-21 in comparison to 2007-08. The government has also formulated a special Kharif strategy for implementation in the ensuing Kharif 2021 season, under which more than 20 lakh mini-kits of seeds will be distributed free of cost to farmers for intercropping and sole cropping of pulses. The government has also created 150 seed hubs for certified seed production at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The government has also announced the implementation of a Pulses Program, with an outlay of Rs. 4.05 billion (US$ 60.44 million), over the next four years to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.
Pulse Scenario in India
India is the largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses in the world. Pulses are an important source of protein and nutrition for the predominantly vegetarian population of India. Pulses also play a vital role in enhancing soil fertility and improving cropping systems. However, India faces a huge demand-supply gap in pulses due to various factors such as low productivity, erratic rainfall, pest and disease outbreaks, lack of quality seeds and inputs, inadequate market infrastructure and price volatility. According to the Economic Survey 2020-21, India’s demand for pulses is projected to increase from 24 million tonnes in 2016-17 to 29 million tonnes in 2020-21, while the domestic production is estimated to be around 23 million tonnes. This implies that India has to import around 6 million tonnes of pulses every year to meet its domestic requirement.
Conclusion
The launch of the new portal by the government is expected to benefit the farmers who grow pulses and to enhance the pulse scenario in India. The portal will provide timely and accurate information and guidance to farmers on various aspects of pulse cultivation and marketing. The portal will also help in achieving the government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and attaining self-sufficiency in pulses by 2024.