Context:
The Supreme Court directed the government to promote pulse cultivation through MSP incentives and diversification, addressing declining production and import dependence.
Key Highlights:
Judicial Intervention:
• SC urged shift from wheat-paddy monoculture to pulses
• Called for remunerative MSP for pulses
• Highlighted need to regulate yellow peas imports
Agricultural Trends & Data:
• Pulse production declined from 273 lakh tonnes (2021-22) to 242 lakh tonnes (2023-24)
• Increased imports impacting domestic farmers’ profitability
Policy Directions:
• Collaboration among Ministries of Agriculture, Commerce, Consumer Affairs
• Ensure timely procurement and assured markets
• Address farmers’ decision-making constraints
Economic & Environmental Significance:
• Pulses improve soil fertility via nitrogen fixation
• Reduce water usage compared to paddy
• Enhance nutritional security (protein-rich crops)
Relevant Prelims Points:
• MSP (Minimum Support Price): Government-guaranteed price for crops
• Pulse Crops: Lentils, chickpeas, beans (leguminous crops)
• Agricultural Diversification: Shifting cropping patterns for sustainability
• Yellow Peas Import Issue: Linked to domestic production decline and price stability
Relevant Mains Points:
• Need for Diversification:
- Reduces over-dependence on water-intensive crops
- Enhances climate resilience and soil health
- Challenges in Pulse Cultivation:
- Lack of assured MSP procurement
- Market volatility and import competition
- Lower productivity due to disease and climatic factors
- Policy Concerns:
- Overemphasis on rice-wheat system due to MSP bias
- Weak value chain and storage infrastructure
- Way Forward:
- Ensure effective MSP implementation and procurement
- Promote research in high-yield pulse varieties
- Regulate imports to protect domestic farmers
- Encourage crop diversification through incentives and awareness
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Agriculture, Food Security, Economy
• GS 2: Governance, Policy Intervention