India's FY24 pulses imports hit 6-year high as red lentil purchases jump | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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India's FY24 pulses imports hit 6-year high as red lentil purchases jump

Posted 20 Apr 2024

2 min read

  • This happened due to lower production that prompted India to import red lentils and yellow peas.

 

  • Why does India import pulses?
    • To ensure stable supplies in domestic market and keep prices under check.
      • Pulses inflation was at 17% in March 2024.
    • Shortfall in domestic output following deficit rainfall in growing areas
      • Ministry of Agriculture estimates pulses production in 2023-24 will be at 234 lakh tonnes, lower than last year production (261 lakh tonnes).
    • Pulses sowing area has reduced by 16% from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

 

  • India’s Status with respect to Pulses
    • India is largest producer, consumer and importer of Pulses in world.
    • India imported 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in FY2023-24. 
    • Major producing states: Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, etc.
    • Major import countries: Canada, Australia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Brazil etc.

 

  • About Pulses
    • Type of leguminous crop that are harvested for dry seed. E.g. Chickpeas, pigeon peas etc.
    • Grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of total production.

 

  • Significance of Pulses
    • Major sources of protein.
    • Nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility, which increases productivity of farmland.

 

Initiatives taken to promote Pulses

  • National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses.
  • Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme to ensure Minimum Support Price to farmers.
    • Under it, procurement of Pulses and Copra shall be done under Price Support Scheme.
  • Tags :
  • Pulses
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