Bihar Calls for Central Government Support to Boost Pulse Production at National Conference
At the national pulse conference held in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, Bihar's agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav made a strong appeal for special cooperation and robust policy support from the central government. The event, which took place at the Food Legumes Research Centre in Amalha, Sehore district, was part of the National Pulses Self-Reliance Mission's consultation program.
State-Specific Pulse Package and Crop Recognition
Minister Yadav emphasized that Bihar requires a dedicated pulse package tailored to its unique geography, climate, and rain-fed farming conditions. He specifically urged the central government to recognize arhar, chana, masoor, urad, and moong as Bihar's state-specific pulse crops, highlighting their importance in the region's agricultural landscape.
Infrastructure and Financial Demands
Yadav put forward several key demands to enhance pulse production in Bihar:
- National-Level Seed Hub: Establishment of a seed hub in Bihar with 100% central assistance to provide farmers with high-yielding, short-duration, and disease-resistant seeds.
- Cluster-Based Farming Model: Implementation of an integrated per-cluster package covering irrigation, seeds, machinery, and training to optimize farming practices.
- Subsidies for Irrigation: Up to 90% central subsidy for drip and sprinkler systems in pulse-growing areas, along with support for farm ponds and water harvesting in rain-fed regions.
- Specialized Machinery: Additional central assistance for machinery used in sowing, harvesting, and threshing, with custom hiring centers linked to the mission.
Procurement and Value Addition Initiatives
The minister stressed the importance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement and requested permanent procurement centers through NAFED and FCI. For value addition, he sought capital subsidies for pulse mills, processing and packaging units, and promotion of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)-led processing to enhance marketability and farmer income.
Research and Support Mechanisms
Yadav also called for research grants to Krishi Vigyan Kendras, field demonstrations, model plots, and digital advisories to disseminate best practices. He advocated for low-premium crop insurance with quick compensation mechanisms to protect farmers from losses. Additionally, he proposed a Centre-state joint pulses task force to coordinate efforts and monitor progress.
Mission Focus and Future Goals
The national conference highlighted the mission's focus on research-backed expansion of pulse production and stronger institutional support for farmers. Yadav's demands aim to position Bihar for self-reliance in pulses within five years, leveraging central assistance to overcome regional challenges and boost agricultural productivity.
