(a) whether the production of pulses has declined in several parts of the country
during the last three years and the current year;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to encourage the
farmers to produce more pulses in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Depending upon the area coverage, monsoon rainfall, weather
situation etc, the production of pulses in the country has followed a fluctuating
trend. State-wise details of production of pulses during the last three years and the
current year, i.e., 2010-11 to 2012-13 and 2013-14 (kharif only) are given in the
Annexure.
(c): In order to encourage farmers to produce more pulses in the country,
Government of India has been implementing National Food Security Mission-
Pulses (NFSM-Pulses) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY). Under NFSM, an
Accelerated Pulses Production Programme (A3P) in the form of block
demonstrations has been started in 16 pulses growing States of the country to take
up active propagation of key technologies for improving productivity of pulses.
Further, to incentivise farmers for production of pulses, the Minimum Support Prices
(MSPs) of pulses have also been increased significantly.