Ensure stability in prices of pulses
Recently, the government has been trying to ensure stability in the prices of pulses. The government has taken some measures by showing proactiveness on the prices of pulses. This has resulted in a sharp fall in the prices of pulses.
These measures are as follows:
- Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, stock limits have been imposed on all pulses except moong.
- By declaring a commodity as essential, the government can control the production, supply and distribution of that commodity. With this, the government can also set the stock limit of that commodity.
- The open import policy window for pulses has been extended till December 31.
Objectives of the measures taken by the government:
- To prevent reduction in domestic production in case of interruption of monsoon (between June and July) and excessive rainfall.
- To give enough time to the importers to procure pulses and bring them to India.
About Pulses:
- Pulses are the edible seeds of legume plants.
- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has recognized 11 types of pulses. These include dry beans, dried peas, chickpeas, etc. India is the largest producer of pulses in the world (25% of the global production).
- At the same time, it is the largest consumer of pulses (27% of world consumption) and also the largest importer (4%).
Challenges in Pulses Production
- About 84% of the area under pulses is dependent on rainfall for production.
- Quality certified seeds of location specific/recommended High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) are not available.
- The necessary post-harvest infrastructure is inadequate.
Measures taken to improve pulse production
- Integrated Schemes for Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM): These schemes are being operated to strengthen market interventions and effective pricing policies.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses: This is a centrally sponsored scheme.
- Price support scheme in the form of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses, oilseeds and copra is being operated under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).
- According to news related to this, Godrej Agrovet Limited has announced the launch of ‘Gracia’, a pesticide useful for various types of pulses and vegetable crops.
Source: The Hindu
