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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