The Central Government has called on the Northeastern states to prioritise increasing the production of pulses and horticultural crops. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, made this appeal during a recent round table consultation in Guwahati, Assam.
In a statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Khare emphasised the significant potential of the Northeastern states to enhance pulse production, which could reduce India's reliance on imports and bolster national food security. She noted that increased production would help lower essential commodity prices, positively impacting food inflation and contributing to economic stability. Khare also underscored the region’s pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027.
This first-of-its-kind consultation gathered representatives from state departments, research institutions, and stakeholders to devise strategies for boosting pulse and horticultural production in the Northeast while addressing food price management.
The Department of Consumer Affairs, in partnership with the NCCF, organised the workshop to tackle challenges related to pulse and horticulture production and regional food price management.
Biswaranjan Samal, Additional Chief Secretary of Assam’s Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs Department, highlighted Assam's success in becoming self-sufficient in paddy production and encouraged the development of a robust implementation strategy.
ICAR representatives shared insights on research and pulse varieties suitable for the region, and the Department of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare presented a seed mini-kit initiative to provide farmers with high-quality seeds.
Anice Joseph Chandra, Managing Director of NCCF, explained the organization’s initiatives to promote pulse production and support farmers through MSP buyback schemes.
State representatives actively participated in the discussions, sharing challenges and reaffirming their commitment to collaborate on stabilizing prices and enhancing the production of pulses and horticultural crops.