Pulse Mission Initiative

The Finance Minister announced a Rs 1,000 crore allocation for the "Pulse Mission" aimed at boosting pulse production to achieve self-sufficiency.

Key Objectives

• Focus on three pulse types: tur (arhar), urad (mash), and masoor.
• Involve central agencies such as NAFED and NCCF for procurement over the next four years.

Implications for Punjab

The mission is pivotal for Punjab due to its reliance on wheat and paddy cultivation, which has led to issues like groundwater depletion, soil health deterioration, and environmental degradation.

Push for Diversification

• Pulses require less water than paddy and can be grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
• Assured procurement encourages farmers to diversify away from wheat and paddy.

Addressing MSP Demand

• The mission aligns with the demand for a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops.
• Fear of market fluctuations is reduced for farmers growing pulses.

Current Pulse Production Scenario in Punjab

• Significant decline in pulse cultivation over the years.
• Current area under pulses is just 23,000 hectares, compared to 9.17 lakh hectares in the 1960s.
• Punjab's pulse yield of 1,100 kg per hectare is higher than the national average of 907 kg.
• The state requires approximately 6 lakh tonnes of pulses annually but produces only between 30,000 and 60,000 tonnes.

Potential Benefits of Pulse Mission

• Helps meet the state's pulse demand and reduce reliance on wheat and rice.
• Encourages sustainable crop rotation systems.