(a) whether the soaring price of pulses during the last three years resulted in the increase in acreage of pulses on the back of incentivisation by a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) with technical intervention to ensure higher domestic production of pulses; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) & (b): The sowing choices of farmers depend on weather conditions, rainfall situation, irrigation facilities, inter-crop profitability, soil conditions, expectation of better remuneration from other competing crops etc. However, Government has taken several measures to increase the area coverage and productivity of pulses. Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of pulses has been substantially increased to encourage pulses production. Government is implementing National Food Security Mission-Pulses (NFSM-Pulses) in 638 districts of 28 States and 2 Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) of the country to encourage production of pulses.
Resultantly, the acreage of pulses in the country increased to 29.45 million hectares during 2016-17 as compared to 24.91 million hectares during 2015-16 and further achieved a record of 29.81 million hectares during 2017-18. During 2018-19 (as per Fourth Advance Estimates), total acreage of pulses in the country is estimated at 29.03 million hectares which is higher by 2.44 million hectares than the previous five years’ (2013-14 to 2017-18) average acreage of pulses.
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