Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted the ongoing issue of low pulse production in India. He emphasized the need for urgent attention from states, authorities, and farmers to address this concern. Chouhan mentioned that due to the persistently low pulse output, India has resorted to importing pulses from foreign nations, which he described as a matter of shame.
Chouhan, speaking at a national seminar on pulses in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore, noted that farmers have been focusing more on cultivating soybeans, rice, and wheat in recent years, leading to a decline in pulse cultivation. Despite this trend, he commended Madhya Pradesh for maintaining its top position in pulse production, although expressing worry over the shrinking cultivation area.
The Union Minister announced plans to develop a national roadmap for boosting pulse production post the seminar. He revealed a 1,800 crore package for states, with Madhya Pradesh set to receive 354 crore. Chouhan also engaged with farmers during the event, stressing the importance of field consultations for formulating agricultural policies, rather than relying solely on indoor discussions.
