Chouhan flags challenges in pulses, oilseeds cultivation

India’s total edible oil production was recorded at 12.18 million tonnes during 2023-24. But despite being among the world’s largest producers of oilseeds, India remains substantially dependent on imports as it is able to meet only 44 percent of its domestic demand for edible oils through internal production. However, its import dependence for edible oils has declined from 63.2 percent in 2015-16 to 56.25 percent in 2023-24.

The 184 new seed varieties unveiled on Sunday included 122 cereal crops (60 rice, 50 maize, four sorghum, five pearl millet, and one each of ragi, small millet, and proso millet), six pulses (one pigeon pea, two green gram, and three black gram), 13 oilseeds (three mustard, four safflower, two sesame, and one each of til, groundnut, gobhi sarson, and castor), 11 fodder crops (two each of oats and fodder sorghum, one fodder maize, and six fodder pearl millet), six sugarcane, 24 cotton, including 22 BT cotton, and one variety each of jute and tobacco.

All these seeds are climate resilient and bio-fortified. In the past 11-12 years, the pace of varietal development has accelerated significantly. As many as 3,236 improved varieties have been notified in the last five years.

The Minister emphasised the need to maintain a balanced crop portfolio. “We need rice, wheat and maize, but pulses and oilseeds cannot be neglected,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to explore ways to increase productivity in these crucial crops while keeping farmers motivated. He also highlighted the importance of import and export policies in influencing farmers’ decisions.

“Farmers naturally grow crops that benefit them economically. If prices are not regulated and cheaper imports enter the market, they may question why they should grow certain crops. Maintaining balance is therefore essential,” the Minister noted.

To address these challenges, the government has launched the Pulses Mission and Oilseeds Mission, with a focus on promoting high-quality seeds, improved agricultural practices, and the formation of crop-specific clusters. Processing infrastructure is being developed, and farmers are being informed that setting up mills in pulse clusters will make them eligible for subsidies, the Minister said.

The Minister also stressed that effective communication and awareness campaigns are critical to ensure that farmers understand and benefit from these initiatives, thereby boosting production and sustaining motivation.

Chouhan also mentioned about the VB-G RAM G scheme, and how it can play a role in agriculture. He said projects under the scheme, such as water conservation, farm pond planning and rejuvenation of local water bodies are expected to raise groundwater levels and improve irrigation availability. Farmers can also benefit from initiatives like Amrit Sarovar, ensuring long-term sustainability and increased crop yields.