India sees 90 percent increase in pulses import, Export drop by 22 percent in FY 2023-24
India's pulse imports surged by 89.82 percent in 2023-24, reaching 47.38 lakh tonnes, despite government efforts to boost self-sufficiency.
Despite the Indian government's efforts to make the country self-sufficient in pulses, the import of pulses has surged. In the financial year 2023-24, pulse imports rose by 89.82 percent (about 90 percent) compared to the previous year, according to data presented by Minister of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur in Parliament on Tuesday.
Import of Pulses Increased, Export Decreased
The data reveals that in 2021-22, the country imported 26.99 lakh tonnes of pulses and exported 3.87 lakh tonnes. However, in 2022-23, imports decreased to 24.96 lakh tonnes, while exports increased to 7.62 lakh tonnes. In 2023-24, imports nearly doubled to 47.38 lakh tonnes, with exports declining by 22 percent to 5.94 lakh tonnes.
Pulses and Oilseeds Production Increased
Ram Nath Thakur stated that from 2014-15 to 2023-24 (according to the 3rd Advance Estimates), the total production of pulses and oilseeds increased by 43 percent and 44percent, respectively. The total production of pulses rose from 163.23 lakh tonnes in FY 2015-16 to 244.93 lakh tonnes in FY 2023-24 (as per the 3rd Advance Estimates). He also mentioned that the government has significantly increased the budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, from Rs. 27,662.67 crore in the Budget Estimates for 2013-14 to Rs. 1,25,035.79 crore in the Budget Estimates for 2023-24.
No Proposal to Increase PM Kisan Nidhi
Additionally, Thakur discussed the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM Kisan), which provides Rs 6,000 annually to land-holding farmers, distributed in three installments of Rs 2,000 each through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT). He noted that more than Rs 3.24 lakh crore has been disbursed to over 11 crore farmers in 17 installments under the scheme. He mentioned that there are no current plans to raise the financial benefits provided under the PM-Kisan scheme.
