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. 🌾
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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