Article 1: Farmers’ pulse
Why in news: Pulses are in news after U.S. trade documents suggested India may import American pulses, raising farmer concerns about price depression, MSP protection, and contradictions with India’s self-sufficiency mission.
Key Details
- Demand–Supply Gap: India produces ~2.5 crore tonnes of pulses but demand is ~3 crore tonnes; imports fill the deficit.
- Farmer Vulnerability: Weak MSP procurement (2.9%–12.4%) and poor infrastructure force farmers to sell below MSP.
- Political Sensitivity: Proposed U.S. pulse imports triggered concerns of hurting domestic farmers post farm law protests.
- Economic Importance: Pulses provide ~25% of non-cereal protein and support nearly 5 crore farmers.
India’s Pulse Demand and Policy Framework
- India meets its high domestic demand for pulses through:
- Import policy
- Price stabilisation measures
- Conditional MSP (Minimum Support Price) procurement
- Imports are the most sensitive tool because:
- A single central decision can quickly reduce household food expenses when supply is tight.
- However, this may hurt domestic farmers.
- Markets often struggle to absorb excess supply, leading to price crashes.
Trade Concerns and Political Sensitivity
- The U.S. claimed that its trade agreement required India to purchase pulses from American suppliers.
- This created concerns that:
- India may have agreed to imports against farmers’ interests.
- It revives political tensions, especially after the 2020–21 farm law protests.
- Any move favouring imports over domestic farmers is considered politically risky.
Production–Demand Gap
- India’s pulse production: ~2.5 crore tonnes annually
- Estimated demand: ~3 crore tonnes
- The shortfall is met through imports.
- Pulses:
- Provide nearly 25% of non-cereal protein intake
- Support around 5 crore farmers and their families
Weak MSP and Procurement Mechanisms
- Unlike rice and wheat, pulses lack a strong, assured MSP regime.
- Farmers face:
- Weak procurement systems
- Dependence on rain-fed agriculture
- Lower yields compared to global competitors
- Government procurement (2019–24) under the Price Support Scheme ranged between:
- 2.9% and 12.4% of total production
- Many States lack:
- Adequate procurement centres
- Proper infrastructure
- Result:
- Farmers are forced to sell to private traders
- MSP becomes largely ineffective
- Leads to underinvestment in pulse cultivation
- Creates a vicious cycle of low production and dependence on imports
Recent Government Initiatives
- October 2025: Launch of a Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses
- Budget allocation: ₹11,440 crore
- Target cultivation area: 310 lakh hectares
- Production goal: 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31
- However:
- Farmers remain skeptical
- Previous commitments have not been fully implemented
Why U.S. Pulse Imports Triggered Backlash
- Inclusion of pulses in U.S. trade documents:
- Suggested India would open markets to American agri-imports
- Raised fears of price depression
- Contradicts India’s new self-sufficiency Mission
What Structural Reforms Are Needed
Breaking the cycle requires more than modifying trade language. Necessary reforms include:
- Strengthening procurement infrastructure
- Providing genuine MSP guarantees
- Investing in productivity improvements, especially in rain-fed regions
- Creating market incentives that reward pulse cultivation
Conclusion
- Without deep structural reforms, pulse farmers will remain in a precarious economic position.
- India will continue to:
- Depend on imports
- Face food security vulnerabilities
- Experience political sensitivity around trade agreements that appear to favour foreign producers.
Descriptive question:
Q. Examine challenges in India’s pulse sector and need for structural reforms. (10 marks, 150 words)