New Delhi: The union government in a statement has mentioned that several measures have been taken to control the price rise of pulses. On one hand Government is trying to give relief to citizens by importing pulses from foreign countries or taking action against hoarders, on the other hand it has taken several steps to increase pulses production and to incentivise pulses growing farmers. Recently, Govt has given a step hike in MSP for pulse crops to encourage farmers Central govt has decided to form a committee under the Chief economic advisor, Govt of India to make a long term plan to encourage pulse growing among farmers and to review MSP and bonus for farmers.
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Ministry has taken several steps to increase pulse production. In the year 2013-14 under the National Food security mission only 482 districts of 16 states were included. Now all 638 districts of 29 states have been included in this plan. Goa, Kerala and 8 north eastern states and 3 hilly states have now been included in this mission.
Total 17 hundred crores is being allocated under National food security mission. For pulses, total allocation is Rs. 1630 crores. Central govt has allocated Rs. 1100 crores and 430 crores have been allocated by state govt.
Of this amount allocated for NFSM, 15% goes for production of new varieties of pulses. During UPA tenure, grant being given through state governments for distribution of new seeds varieties was Rs.12/- per kg till 2013-14, which has now been increased to Rs.25/- per kg. from the year 2014-15. For expansion of cultivation of new kinds of seeds, Rs.7.85 lakhs mini-kits are being distributed to farmers free of cost in the year 2016-17, through State Governments
In the year 2016-17, demonstration of new techniques for pulse production is being carried out in 31,000 hectares by 534 KVKs through Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agriculture Universities and Rs 25.29 crores have been allocated for this purpose.
Seed Hubs are being created through different organisations like ICAR, State Agriculture Universities and KVKs for ensuring the availability of new kinds of seeds. In 3 years 150 seed centers will be established and availability of 1.50 lakh quintal improved seeds will be ensured by Central Government. For this purpose, Rs.139.50 crore have been approved for establishment of 93 seed centers during 2016-17 to 2017-18, out of which Rs.80.44 crore is proposed for 2016-17.
Government is working for new variety of pulses crops. To increase the availability of new types of breeder seeds of pulses, ICAR Institute and State Agriculture Universities have been provided Rs. 20.39 crore during 2016-17. Govt is also concentrating towards the procurement of pulse crops. Inter Cropping of pulses with oil seeds, cotton and other crops, summer moong and cultivation of tur dal on paddy fields is being encouraged.
Government is encouraging Farmer producer organisations (FPO) to grow seeds, to buy, and to use efficient technology and to ensure adequate prices to small and marginal farmers for their produce.
Recently, the extent of buffer stocks of pulses has been increased from 8 to 20 MTs. The Central Government agencies like Central procurement agencies (NAFED, FCI, S.F.A.C.) Against the target of 1.00 lakh tones for the year 2016-17, the procurement of Chana and Masur. Central procurement agencies (NAFED, FCI, S.F.A.C.) has been to the tune of 69000 till 10th July. Chana and Masoor were procured at the rate of Rs.4900-7000 and Rs.5400-8500 per quintal respectively. The purchase of pulses is still in progress.
Central Government has made a committee under the supervision of chief economic advisor to make long term plan to review MSP and bonus as well as to encourage pulse production in the country.