(a) the requirement and production of pulses in the country during 2009-10;
(b) the steps taken by the Government to encourage farmers to cultivate pulses;
(c) whether the Government has increased the allocation by nearly eight fold as compared to 2007-08;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the extent to which the production of pulses is likely to increase as a result thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): The demand for pulses during 2009-10 was projected as 17.94 million tons (based on the
Behaviouristic Approach) as per the working group report of Planning Commission. The production of
pulses during 2009-10 was 14.59 million tons (as per the 4th advance estimate 2009-10 of DES).
Government of India has been implementing National Food Security Mission-pulses component in 16
states, wherein, farmers are provided assistance for procurement of certified seeds; integrated
nutrient management; integrated pest management; weedicides; farm machinery etc. Dissemination
of new technologies and capacity building of the farmers are ensured through demonstrations and
farmers field schools respectively.
From 2010-11, NFSM is strengthened by merger of ISOPOM pulses components and areas with NFSM Pulses for
ensuring uniformity in implementation; Accelerated Pulses Production Programme (A3P) has been launched
under NFSM-Pulses from Kharif,2010 for demonstration of Production and Protection Technologies on Village
Level Compact Blocks for enhanced production of pulses as well as motivating Farmers. Pulses farmers are
also provided assistance under Macro management mode of Agriculture (MMA) scheme and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana ( RKVY) also.
New initiative of “ Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India†in Six eastern states is also focused towards
enhancing agriculture production including pulses. Besides, new initiative of “organizing 60,000 pulses and
Oilseed villages†is being implemented in major pulses growing states to supplement the efforts of other
schemes in enhancing the pulses production in the dry land areas.
(c) to (e): During 2007-08, an amount of Rs. 105.59 crores was released under NFSM Pulses and Rs.343.35
Crores under ISOPOM scheme for the development of pulses, Maize, Oilpalm, Oilseeds. Whereas, during the
current year, an amount of Rs. 477.03 Crores under NFSM pulses and Rs. 366 Crores under Accelerated Pulses
Production Programme (A3P) are allocated. In addition, an amount of Rs. 300 Crores has been allocated under
the new scheme of organising 60,000 pulses and oilseed villages. Besides, Rs. 400 Crores is allocated under
bringing green revolution in eastern India wherein, pulses promotion is one of the strategies for enhanced
agriculture production.
It is targeted to achieve 16.5 million tons of pulses production at the end of 2010-11.