Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce India’s global position in pulse production and consumption.
- Mention the rise in domestic production and the persistent reliance on imports to meet demand.
Key Fact:
- India contributes 35% of the global area and 25% of global pulse production. Despite a 50% increase in production over the last decade, imports accounted for 9% of domestic demand in 2021-22 .
2. Body: Analyze the Key Factors
A. Inadequate Government Procurement
- Explain how low MSPs and inadequate procurement create uncertainties for farmers.
- Highlight the gap in assured returns, deterring farmers from cultivating pulses.
Fact:
- Farmers face low MSP for pulses compared to cereals, despite higher risk and production costs.
B. Hoarding and Cartelization
- Discuss how traders’ practices exacerbate shortages and inflate prices.
- Provide specific examples of past instances.
Fact:
- Arhar dal prices rose 15 times in one month due to hoarding and cartelization.
C. Lower Yields
- Highlight yield disparities between pulses and other staple crops, and how monsoon dependency affects production.
- Mention international yield comparisons.
Fact:
- Average pulse yield in India: 0.9 tonnes/ha vs wheat: 3.5 tonnes/ha. Tur yield is half that of Myanmar.
D. Production Disparities
- Explain the overemphasis on crops like channa over other pulses.
- Analyze how this skews the supply-demand balance.
Fact:
- Channa constitutes about 50% of India’s total pulse production.
E. Infrastructure Gaps
- Address how inadequate storage, cold chains, and transport facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses.
Fact:
- Up to 10% of oilseeds, pulses, and cereals are wasted annually due to poor infrastructure.
F. Rising Demand from Changing Dietary Patterns
- Explain how increasing incomes and shifts toward protein-rich diets are raising demand for pulses.
Fact:
- India’s pulse demand is projected to reach 32.64 million tonnes by 2029-30.
3. Conclusion
- Emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the imbalance.
- Suggest solutions like incentivizing pulse production, technological interventions, reducing wastage, and diversifying crops.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
- India produces 27.5 million tonnes of pulses but still imports annually to meet demand.
- India’s import dependency for pulses was 9% in 2021-22.
- The food processing sector in India reports significant post-harvest losses due to poor infrastructure, amounting to 10% wastage annually.
By following this roadmap, your answer will provide a structured analysis with a balanced approach, incorporating relevant facts and critical evaluation.
Model Answer
Introduction
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, contributing 35% of the global area and 25% of global production. Despite a 50% rise in domestic production over the last decade (from 18.3 million tonnes to 27.5 million tonnes), the country still relies on imports, accounting for 9% of pulse consumption in 2021-22.
Key Factors Contributing to the Imbalance
1. Inadequate Government Procurement
2. Hoarding and Cartelization
3. Lower Yields
4. Production Disparities
5. Infrastructure Gaps
6. Rising Demand from Dietary Changes
Conclusion
To reduce import dependency, India must focus on improving yields through better technology, incentivizing farmers with assured MSP, reducing wastage via robust infrastructure, and diversifying pulse production. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring food security and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses.