Union Minister Piyush Goyal Commends Surge in Agriculture Production and Exports at NAFED: Pulse 2024 Convention

New Delhi:  Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, expressed satisfaction at the significant increase in the production and quality of agricultural products, leading India towards self-sufficiency and enabling the export of over $50 billion worth of agri-related products. Shri Goyal conveyed these sentiments during his address at the NAFED: Pulse 2024 Convention organized by the Global Pulse Confederation in collaboration with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Indian farmers, Shri Goyal thanked them for their contributions, making India a major producer of food grains, pulses, lentils, vegetables, and fruits. He highlighted the expansion in both production and quality of various food products, propelling India into becoming an exporter of over $50 billion in agri and related products. Shri Goyal specifically mentioned that due to the commitment and capabilities of farmers, pulses production has surged by 60% from 171 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 270 lakh tonnes in 2024.

“The partnership between NAFED and GPC will continue to grow to make pulses not only India’s wonder-diet but to make the wonder-diet of the world,” remarked Shri Piyush Goyal.

Discussing the Bharat Dal initiative, the Minister emphasized that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government launched the India pulse to support farmers and ensure reasonably-priced pulses for Indian citizens. He noted that the government-procured chana dal, retailed under the ‘Bharat’ brand, has swiftly captured 25% of the market share of lentil gram within four months of its launch. Shri Goyal highlighted the positive customer reviews on various e-commerce platforms, demonstrating the farmers’ ability to produce high-quality pulses. He affirmed that with government support, pulses can become an affordable staple for the common man. Shri Goyal also shared that government procurement of pulses has increased 18 times in the last decade.

Highlighting the government’s efforts in maintaining price stability, Shri Goyal mentioned the introduction of buffer stock in 2015 to ensure moderate prices and price stability, shielding consumers from food inflation. He praised India’s ability to maintain one of the lowest inflation rates globally, with a decade-long average ranging between 5-5.5%.

Speaking on Minimum Support Price (MSP), Shri Goyal highlighted that it currently assures farmers a price 50% over the actual cost of production, providing an attractive return on investment. He stated that the MSP is the highest today, with significant increases in Masoor, Moong, chana dal, Toor, and Urad compared to a decade ago. Shri Goyal also emphasized that NAFED and NCCF are encouraging farmers to diversify into pulses and lentils, offering assured prices for 5-year contracts for government procurement.

Concluding his address, Shri Goyal emphasized India’s position as the largest producer and the 5th largest exporter of millets globally. He urged industry leaders present at the convention to provide suggestions and guidance to enhance productivity and contribute to the growth of the pulse industry.