Pulses Self-Reliance Mission: A New Push for India's Nutritional and Agricultural Security
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Economy (Agriculture - Cropping patterns, Pulses production; Government Schemes); Social Development (Nutrition, Food Security).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Social Justice): Issues relating to poverty and hunger; Issues relating to Health.
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy/Agriculture): Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country; Food processing and related industries in India—scope and significance; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations; Issues of buffer stocks and food security.
Key Highlights from the News
The Prime Minister announced two new schemes to strengthen the agricultural sector: Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission.
Main objectives of the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission:
Achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production.
Reduce India's pulse imports.
Address nutritional security in the country, especially protein deficiency.
This project, worth over ₹11,000 crore, aims to increase pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares. ๐พ
The Prime Minister stated that recent GST reforms have benefited farmers by reducing the price of agricultural equipment like tractors.
He also urged farmers to cultivate export-oriented crops in addition to meeting domestic needs.
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