Uttar Pradesh Sets Ambitious Target to Boost Pulses Production by 20%
In a strategic move to reduce dependency on imports, the Uttar Pradesh government has set a target to increase pulses production by nearly 20% in the upcoming Zayed, Kharif, and Rabi agricultural seasons. This decision was made during a recent review meeting chaired by State Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi.
Seasonal Focus and Production Plans
The state has outlined specific pulses to target in each season. During the Zayed season, which spans February and March, the focus will be on enhancing the production of urad (black gram) and moong (green gram). In the Kharif season, running from June to September, efforts will concentrate on arhar (pigeon pea), urad, and moong. For the Rabi season, covering October to March, steps will be taken to increase the output of matar (pea) and moong.
A. K. Pathak, Joint Director of Agriculture, emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state's agricultural output.
Expanding Cultivation Area and Productivity
To achieve this goal, Uttar Pradesh plans to expand the area under pulses cultivation from 2.7 million hectares to 3 million hectares. Currently, the state produces approximately 30 lakh tonnes of pulses annually, with an average productivity of over 12 quintals per hectare. This figure is notably higher than the national average of 9.26 quintals per hectare.
In the 2024-25 period, Uttar Pradesh ranked fourth in pulse production nationwide, contributing 12% of India's total pulses output.
Key Initiatives and Support Mechanisms
The state's strategy includes several key initiatives:
- Implementation of the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission to promote domestic production.
- Distribution of quality seeds, including free seed mini kits, to farmers.
- Robust procurement mechanisms, with over 75,000 tonnes procured in 2024-25.
- Promotion of intercropping with sugarcane to optimize land use.
- Expansion of lentil cultivation during the Rabi season.
- Specific plans to boost urad and moong acreage in the Zayed season.
Additionally, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has released Rs 125 crore to support pulses production in Uttar Pradesh, underscoring the central government's commitment to this initiative.
Importance of Boosting Pulses Production
India currently imports 15–20% of its annual pulses requirement to address production shortfalls. Enhancing domestic pulses production is critical for several reasons:
- It contributes to nutrition security by ensuring a steady supply of protein-rich foods.
- It boosts rural incomes and supports the livelihoods of farmers.
- It helps reduce trade deficits by cutting down on import expenditures.
This comprehensive approach aims to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in pulses production, aligning with national goals for agricultural self-sufficiency and economic stability.
