New Delhi . In view of the huge shortage of pulses and oilseeds in the country, a purchase guarantee scheme is being considered. The priority of the third consecutive NDA government under the leadership of Narendra Modi in the agriculture sector will be to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses. At present, efforts are being made to overcome the shortage of pulses in the country in two ways. The option of import will remain open to meet immediate needs, but for a permanent solution, the emphasis will be on increasing production and productivity by increasing the area of ​​pulse cultivation.

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world

India is the world's largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses. But to meet domestic needs, about 20 to 26 lakh tons of pulses have to be imported every year. After taking charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers, Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has taken the shortage of pulses and oilseeds as a challenge. He has been holding meetings with officials for three consecutive days. He is trying to understand the needs of the farmers. He realized that the highest demand in the country is for pigeon pea dal.

Focus on increasing the production of tur and urad dal

Sources in the Agriculture Ministry said that during the discussion at the top level, it was discussed that under the 100-day agenda, we have to move towards such a policy through which the production of tur and urad dal can be increased in the country. Farmers can be encouraged to grow pulses by separating them from the traditional farming of paddy and wheat. Also, after production, the purchase of the entire produce can be ensured at the minimum support price (MSP). By doing this, farmers will be motivated to grow pulses. Along with bringing an incentive scheme to reduce imports, options of contract farming in other countries can also be considered.

Agriculture sector has great expectations from Shivraj Singh Chauhan

The agriculture sector has great expectations from Shivraj Singh Chauhan. This is because he has done good work in this field during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. According to sources, the Pulses and Oilseeds Production Promotion Scheme is ready. Central agencies NCCF, NAFED and cooperative institutions will be made extremely vigilant in the purchase of pulses. Farmers will also be allowed to go to the open market. To increase productivity, the government will provide improved seeds to the farmers.

The production of pulses increased by 60 percent in a decade

Measures are already being taken to meet the current needs of pulses. There has been a 60 percent increase in the production of pulses in a decade. In the current year, the pulse production is estimated to be 245 lakh tons. In this, tur is 33.85 lakh tons. The production of gram and other pulses has increased rapidly. But a lot of work still needs to be done in tur and urad. Therefore, emphasis is being laid on increasing the acreage of both of these. For the purchase of tur, the registration of farmers is being done even before sowing the seeds. The purchase of other pulses is also being considered.

Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, has eased the rules for importing pulses from other countries and resolved currency related issues with Myanmar. Arrangements have been made at the domestic level. Orders have been given to deal strictly with traders found involved in futures trading. Importers, mill owners, stockists and retailers have been instructed to honestly disclose their stock. It has been made mandatory to provide information about the stock of imported yellow peas and other pulses on the ministry's portal by every Friday evening.