23 Apr 2024 Navigating Pulse Import Dynamics
This article covers ‘Daily Current Affairs’ and the topic details of ”Navigating Pulse Import Dynamics”. This topic is relevant in the “Economy” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
Why in the News?
India experienced a substantial 84% increase in pulses imports during the fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching the highest level in six years. This surge was triggered by a decline in domestic production, leading India to authorise duty-free imports of red lentils and yellow peas.
The reason behind high imports
- Falling Production, Rising Demand: India’s pulse production hasn’t grown as fast as the increasing demand for these protein-rich legumes. This has led to a widening gap between what’s produced domestically and what’s needed to feed the population.
- Stagnant Technology: Pulse farming practices haven’t seen significant advancements since the Green Revolution. Additionally, the area dedicated to pulse cultivation hasn’t expanded much, leading to limited production growth.
- Low Yields: Pulse production is susceptible to weather fluctuations, causing yields to swing wildly from year to year. This inconsistency makes it difficult to consistently meet the country’s pulse needs.
- Rising demands: India’s population is on the rise, and so is its taste for pulses. As a vegetarian source of protein, pulses are increasingly valued in Indian diets.
- Focus Beyond Production: More research is needed to understand how factors like market access influence household pulse consumption patterns. However, the focus is more on increasing the yield of Rice and wheat.
- Import Strategies: While the government restricts pulse imports, some traders and companies find ways to bypass these restrictions. To ensure stable supply and manage prices, India is exploring long-term import contracts with new sources like Brazil and Argentina.
Status of pulses in India
Status of production and consumption in India
- India stands as a significant player in the global pulse market, producing 26% of the world’s pulses while consuming 30% of the global supply, making it both the leading producer and consumer of pulses. However, despite its substantial production, India also holds the title of the largest importer of pulses, underscoring the necessity for enhanced domestic production to meet the rising demand.
- India’s dominance in pulse production is evident, ranking first in both area under cultivation and total production, covering 35% of the global acreage and contributing to 25% of world production. The positive trajectory reflects in the country’s pulse production, which was 26.05 million tonnes during the period of 2022-23.
- However, despite these achievements, challenges persist in pulse production. For instance, the average yield of pigeon peas, a commonly grown pulse in India, stagnated at 860 kg per hectare in 2022, a figure comparable to the average recorded back in 1961. This stagnant yield emphasises the urgent need for advancements in production technology and farming practices to boost productivity.
Status of pulses import in India
- In the fiscal year 2023-24, India witnessed a notable increase in pulse imports, totalling 4.65 million metric tons, marking the highest import volume since 2018-19. This surge in imports is attributed to the inadequate growth in domestic pulse production, which has failed to keep pace with the escalating demand within the country.
- The imbalance between demand and supply is further compounded by the diminishing contribution of India to the global food grain market, dropping from 16% in 1950 to 8% in 2022-23.
- During the financial year 2023, Myanmar emerged as the primary source of pulse imports for India, supplying a quantity of 757 thousand metric tons. Additionally, significant import origins include Canada, Australia, and the United States, particularly for lentils and peas.
Importance of pulse
- Diversification of Crop: Pulses serve as an essential component of crop diversification strategies for farmers. Cultivating pulses alongside other crops helps improve soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thus reducing the dependency on synthetic fertilisers.
- Income Generation: Pulses cultivation provides an additional source of income for farmers. Since pulses have a relatively shorter duration compared to many other crops, they offer an opportunity for multiple cropping cycles within a single agricultural season, thereby increasing the income potential for farmers.
- Risk Mitigation: Pulses cultivation acts as a risk mitigation strategy for farmers against crop failures and price fluctuations. Due to their ability to adapt to diverse agro-climatic conditions, pulses offer a more resilient option for farmers, especially in regions prone to erratic weather patterns.
- Nutritional Value: Pulses are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating pulses into the diet promotes overall health and well-being, particularly for vegetarian and vegan populations who rely on plant-based protein sources.
- Affordability: Pulses are an affordable source of nutrition, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers, including low-income households. Their long shelf life and versatility in culinary applications further enhance their affordability and value for money.
- Health Benefits: Consumption of pulses is associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Pulses are low in fat, cholesterol-free, and rich in soluble fibre, which helps in managing cholesterol levels and promoting digestive health.
Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 23rd April 2024
Prelims practise questions
Q1. How does pulse cultivation contribute to improving soil health?
(a) By depleting soil nutrients
(b) By fixing atmospheric nitrogen
(c) By decreasing soil erosion
(d) By reducing soil fertility
Answer: B
Q2. Which bacteria are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation in soil associated with pulses?
(a) Escherichia coli
(b) Azotobacter
(c) Lactobacillus
(d) Streptococcus
Answer: B
Mains practise question
Q1. Evaluate the socioeconomic implications of promoting pulse cultivation in drought-prone regions. How can the cultivation of pulses empower smallholder farmers, enhance rural livelihoods, and contribute to poverty alleviation in water-stressed areas?
Q2. Explain how pulses serve as a crucial source of nutrition for cereal-eating populations in India, particularly those lacking sufficient protein intake. What nutritional benefits do pulses offer, and how do they complement the dietary requirements of individuals dependent on staple cereals?
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