Why is it in the News?

The Global Pulses Conference, an annual meeting of pulses producers, processors and traders, suggested that India augment the production of pulses to meet the nutritional requirements.

About the Global Pulses Confederation (GPC):

• The Global Pulses Confederation (GPC) serves as a global representative body for the pulse industry.
• Stakeholders: It encompasses various stakeholders within the pulse industry, such as growers, researchers, traders, government entities, processors, and consumers.
• Headquarters: The GPC is based in Dubai and operates under the licensing of the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC).
• The Global Pulses Conference, held annually, took place in New Delhi this year.

Key Observations from the Conference:

• Self-Sufficiency Target: India aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production by 2027, having already attained this status in chickpeas and various other pulse crops, with minor gaps remaining in pigeon peas and black gram.
• Decadal Growth: Pulse production has witnessed a significant 60% growth, increasing from 171 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 270 lakh tonnes in 2024.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government has guaranteed farmers a minimum support price set at 50% above the actual cost of production, ensuring lucrative returns on investment.
  • Current MSP rates reflect remarkable increases, such as 117% in masoor, 90% in moong, and substantial hikes in chana dal, toor, and urad compared to a decade ago.
• Government Initiatives: Efforts include the introduction of new seed varieties and the expansion of tur and black gram cultivation to bolster production.
• Importance of Pulse Crops: Pulse cultivation not only enriches soil health but also provides nutritional benefits, particularly for smallholding farmers.
  • Improved cultivation practices promise widespread benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Status of Pulse Production in India:

• Production Trends: Over the past decade, pulse production in India has surged by 60%, escalating from 171 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 270 lakh tonnes in 2024.
• Global Standing: India boasts the distinction of being the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses. It contributes 25% to global production, consumes 27% of the world's total, and imports 14%.
• Agricultural Landscape: Pulses occupy approximately 20% of the foodgrain area in India and contribute 7-10% to the nation's total foodgrain production.
• Cultivation Seasons: While pulses are cultivated in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses account for over 60% of the total production.
• Variety Distribution: Among pulse varieties, Gram leads the production, comprising roughly 40% of the total output, followed by Tur/Arhar at 15-20%, and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong each contributing approximately 8-10%.
• Self-Sufficiency: India has achieved self-sufficiency in chickpeas (chana) and various other pulse crops, with minor shortfalls, observed only in pigeon peas (tur) and black gram.