Strategies For Achieving Self-sufficiency in Pulses And Oilseeds

India is a proud nation enjoying self-sufficiency in food grain production and sustainable food security despite burgeoning population and various climatic stresses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged and motivated farmers to work hard in a mission mode for achieving self-sufficiency in pulses by 2022, when India will be celebrating its platinum jubilee of Independence. Prime Minister expressed his concern over widespread protein malnutrition in the country which can be eradicated by regular and adequate supply of pulses to poor families.

Pulses: Production, Demand and Supply

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world (approximately) 25 per cent of the total 80 million tonnes) and also enjoys distinction of being largest consumer (nearly 28 per cent) as well. Recently, India fetched the unappreciable position of number one importer due to frequent and large imports. According to ‘VISION2050' of ICAR Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IDPR), Kanpur the present production of pulses hovers around 19 million tonnes, which falls short (approximately two million tonnes) of the current domestic demand of 21 million tonnes.

In order’ to narrow down the demand supply gap and control process in domestic market, the country resorts to import pulses to the tune of 23 million tonnes per year entailing significant expenditure in terms of valuable foreign exchange. The country is growing pulses in an area of about 24 to 25 million hectares of land with productivity of about 780 kg a hectare which is less than the global average and a major cause of concern.

Government of India is operating a comprehensive National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to maintain sustainable food security in the country which provides support to pulses, cereals, millets and selected commercial crops. Cultivation of pulses is being promoted as an inter crop with cereals, oilseeds and cash crops with introduction of suitable varieties and package of practices. Scientists have demonstrated successful cultivation of pigeon pea on bunds of rice fields.

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Oils and Oil Seeds

Edible oils occupy a unique place in Indian society, culture, dietary patterns and economy of the country. According to ‘VISION 2015' document of ICAR Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, India is one of the largest vegetable oil economies in the world next to USA, China, Brazil and Argentina. Due to diverse agro climatic conditions and geographical locations, farmers are able to grow all the nine annual oilseeds viz. groundnut, rapeseed mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesame, safflower, niger, castor and linseed. Among these, castor and linseed oils are chiefly used for industrial and other applications

Mission on Oilseeds

Government has strengthened National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil palm by allocating ‘3507 crore during the ongoing 12th Plan period) Previously, the Mission was operative only in 14 States, but now activities have been extended to 24 States. The Mission aims to increase seed replacement ratio with focus on varietal replacement by including high yielding and high quality varieties. Irrigation coverage under oilseeds is to be raised from 26 per cent to 36 per cent for increasing productivity.

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