Why in the News
The Supreme Court of India asked the Union Government to reconsider agricultural policies and encourage farmers to shift from wheat and paddy cultivation to pulses.
Key Observations by the Court
- A Bench headed by Surya Kant stressed the need for agricultural diversification, particularly in North India where paddy cultivation dominates.
- The Court noted that excessive cultivation of paddy may not be necessary except for export needs, and land could instead be used for pulses.
Directions to the Government
- Review the policy framework to promote pulse cultivation.
- Convene a meeting of stakeholders, including experts and farmer representatives.
- Address issues affecting pulse farmers such as:
- Lack of adequate Minimum Support Price (MSP) incentives.
- Ensuring guaranteed and timely procurement of pulses.
- Fixing the cost price of imported yellow peas so imports do not harm domestic producers.
Relevant ministries expected to participate include:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution
Context
- The case was filed by the farmers’ organisation Kisan Mahapanchayat, which sought restrictions on yellow pea imports to protect domestic pulse farmers.
Significance
- Promoting pulses could:
- Improve soil health through nitrogen fixation.
- Reduce water-intensive paddy cultivation.
- Enhance India’s nutritional security, as pulses are a major protein source.
- Reduce dependence on pulse imports.
| [2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
