Union Minister Lauds 50% Surge in Pulse Cultivation During Kharif Season

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed satisfaction over the 50% increase in pulse cultivation during the 2024-25 kharif sowing season. He emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in pulse production and called for awareness to encourage more farmers to cultivate pulses. The government aims to reduce import dependency and support farmer incomes.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday expressed his satisfaction regarding the significant rise in pulse cultivation during the ongoing 2024-25 kharif sowing season. The area dedicated to pulses has increased by over 50%, with a notable emphasis on Tur production.

In a review meeting at Krishi Bhawan, Chouhan underscored the national priority of attaining self-sufficiency in pulse production and called for collaborative efforts to achieve this goal. The minister reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to procuring 100% of Urad, Arhar, and Masur across all states.

The agriculture ministry's data indicates that the area under pulses has surged to 36.81 lakh hectares from last year's 23.78 lakh hectares. As the kharif season moves forward, focus remains on whether the increased sowing translates to higher production, decreasing import dependency, and enhancing agricultural output. Chouhan also stressed the importance of timely availability of DAP fertilizers to meet state demands.