What's Happening?
The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has achieved a record procurement of 1 crore 92 lakh metric tonnes of pulses, as announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This marks a significant increase from the 6 lakh metric tonnes procured
during the previous UPA government. The initiative is part of the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, which aims to enhance productivity through improved seed varieties, higher seed replacement rates, and farmer training. The government has also invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in agricultural infrastructure, establishing facilities such as Custom Hiring Centres, Primary Processing Centres, and Cold Storages to reduce crop losses and improve storage capabilities.
Why It's Important?
This development is crucial for India's agricultural sector, as it addresses the country's historical reliance on pulse imports and aims to boost domestic production. By improving infrastructure and providing support to farmers, the government seeks to enhance food security and stabilize prices. The initiative also reflects a broader strategy to modernize agriculture, increase farmer incomes, and reduce post-harvest losses. The success of this program could serve as a model for other agricultural sectors, potentially leading to increased self-sufficiency and economic growth in rural areas.
