Centre Plans MSP Review to Boost Pulses Output

Centre Plans MSP Review to Boost Pulses Output

Why in the News ?

To reduce pulse imports and achieve self-sufficiency, the Centre is planning a review of the MSP formula for key pulses like tur and urad. The move is part of a larger Aatmanirbharta Mission targeting pulse production in ten years.

Centre Plans MSP Review to Boost Pulses Output

Need for MSP Reform in Pulses Sector:

  • The government is considering a review of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) formula for key pulses—tur, urad, chana, and masur.
  • Current cost-based pricing fails to incentivize farmers amid rising imports and low production.
  • The floor prices are often close to or lower than input costs, discouraging cultivation.
  • Tur MSP is ₹8,000/quintal for 2025-26, while moong fetches ₹8,868, despite lower demand and shorter crop cycles.

Mission Aatmanirbharta and Domestic Shortfalls

  • Under the Aatmanirbharta Mission, the goal is to make India self-sufficient in pulses within a decade.
  • Pulse imports surged from 6 mt in FY23 to 6.7 mt in FY25, a nine-year high.
  • Tur production fell from 4.3 mt (FY21) to 3.5 mt (FY25); yields also dropped to 823 kg/ha.
  • Moong, grown in three seasons, saw better trends: production rose to 8 mt and yield to 685 kg/ha.

Policy Plans and Strategic Interventions

  • The Centre may introduce region-specific procurement and improved seed distribution to boost productivity.
  • A stakeholder meeting is scheduled this month to finalize strategies.
  • States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and MP consume more tur; Rajasthan and southern states consume more moong.
  • Enhancing crop diversification, aligning MSPs with demand, and reducing supply chain inefficiencies are key goals.

Measures Taken by Government to Increase Pulse Production :

●      National Food Security Mission (NFSM-Pulses): Aims to boost pulse production via area expansion and productivity enhancement across all districts.

●      ICAR Research: Conducts basic and applied research with State Agricultural Universities to develop location-specific high-yielding pulse varieties.

●      PM-AASHA Scheme: Includes Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Private Procurement Stockist Scheme (PPSS) to ensure MSP for pulses.

●      ISOPOM: Launched in 14 major pulse-producing states for integrated pulse development.

●      Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY): Supports states in implementing pulse development programmes under a flexible funding model.