New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, expressed his satisfaction with the significant increase in the area of pulses cultivation during the ongoing Kharif sowing season. Reviewing the progress of Kharif crops at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today, the Union Minister noted a remarkable over fifty percent increase in the area under pulses cultivation, particularly for Tur or Arhar.
Chouhan emphasized the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production, stating it is a top priority for the country. He called for concerted efforts to boost pulse cultivation and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to ensuring 100 percent procurement for Urad, Arhar, and Masur in all states. He also stressed the need for generating awareness among farmers to encourage them to cultivate more pulses.
During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the onset of the monsoon, the groundwater situation, and the availability of seeds and fertilizers. Chouhan emphasized the importance of timely availability of fertilizers for both Kharif and Rabi crops and advised the Department of Fertilizers to ensure the availability of DAP fertilizers as per the demand of states.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, including Sanjeev Chopra, along with representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department, Central Water Commission, and Department of Fertilizers, were present during the review meeting.
The increase in pulses cultivation is seen as a positive step towards reducing the country’s dependency on imports and ensuring food security. The government’s focus on increasing awareness and providing adequate support to farmers is expected to further boost pulses production in the coming years.