Emphasis on the need for 100% government procurement of pulses

24-Oct-2025 06:03 PM

New Delhi. Although the Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the Pulse Self-Reliance Mission with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore, under which serious efforts will be made to increase the total sowing,

yield, and production of pulse crops, analysts say that the expected increase in pulse production will not be possible unless farmers receive attractive and profitable prices for their produce.

The arrival of new Kharif pulse crops, especially black gram and green gram, has already begun, while wholesale market prices are below the minimum support price.

The price of pigeon pea is also low. The government increases the minimum support price (MSP) for pulses every year but does not procure sufficient quantities from farmers at this price. It is noteworthy that the government has announced 100% procurement of black gram, black gram, and red lentils at the MSP, but this process faces numerous complexities.

The Rabi season has begun for sowing pulses, primarily chickpea and lentils. Peas are also cultivated during this season, but neither are they subject to MSP nor are they procured by the government.

The government procures five pulses—tuvar, urad, mung, desi gram, and lentil—at MSP. Analysts believe that farmers' interest in pulse cultivation during the Rabi season will increase only if the government guarantees 100% procurement of chickpea and lentils and ensures no delays in procurement, as most small farmers have already sold their pulses by the time government procurement begins.