Decision to set up cotton and pulses mission in Gujarat
18-Feb-2025 06:48 PM
The Gujarat government’s decision to set up a state-level mission to double the production of cotton and pulses is a significant step toward strengthening the agricultural sector in the state.
This initiative comes after the central government's budget announcement to establish separate missions for cotton and pulses, aligning with the broader vision of increasing productivity and promoting agricultural sustainability.
Cotton, a major crop in Gujarat, has been facing production challenges in recent years, which could potentially lead to the state losing its leading position in cotton production to states like Maharashtra and Telangana.
To address this, the state government intends to bolster cotton production by aligning with the central grant under the Cotton Mission while raising additional funds if needed.
The goal is to increase cotton production to a level that meets both domestic and international demands, ensuring Gujarat maintains its position as a leader in cotton production.
On the other hand, pulses, particularly pigeon pea and green gram, will also receive special attention.
Although Gujarat has a strong history of pulses production, recent years have seen a gap in meeting demand.
The new mission will focus on increasing the cultivation of these pulses, with specific focus on pigeon pea. Identifying special districts for targeted support under the Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will allow for strategic investments in crop diversification,
irrigation, storage, and credit access, which will help improve overall pulses production and reduce the gap between supply and demand.
This initiative aims to benefit farmers by offering tailored support and improving infrastructure for both cotton and pulses cultivation, potentially leading to increased economic stability and enhanced agricultural growth in the state.
The mission aligns with the central government’s 5F vision (Farm to Fiber to Factory to Fashion to Foreign), creating a comprehensive approach to the agricultural supply chain from production to global markets.