Key Points

The report noted that India's pulses production is set to witness steady growth in the coming years, with output projected to rise to 34.45 million tonnes (MT) by 2030 and 51.57 MT by 2047, up from 26.06 MT in 2022. The projections are based on both aggregate and crop-wise forecasts, and the individual crop-level estimates place production at 32.1 MT by 2030 and 50.7 MT by 2047, which are closely aligned with the aggregate projections.

The report gave several recommendations to achieve self-sufficiency in the pulse sector. These include area retention and diversification through targeted crop-wise clustering, adoption of customised technologies for varied agro-ecological sub-regions, emphasis on high-quality seed distribution and treatment kits focusing on 111 high-potential districts, and a 'one block one seed village' cluster-based cultivation approach.

It also emphasises proactive climate adaptation measures and driving data-led transformation through a comprehensive monitoring and decision-support system as crucial for Aatmanirbharta. The convergence of these approaches, the report added, strengthens the validity of the forecasts.

NITI Aayog further stated that the steady increase in production—reaching an estimated 34.45 MT by 2030 and 51.57 MT by 2047, up from 26.06 MT in 2022—was examined alongside the demand-supply gap of pulses at the national level. The projections were prepared after accounting for factors such as gross production, imports, exports, stock changes, and use for seed, feed and wastage.

Over the past decade, the report shared, the average share of seed, feed and wastage was 11.2% of gross production, which was used to estimate supply. Based on this, the supply of pulses is projected at 30.6 MT by 2030 and 45.8 MT by 2047. Under the household/static approach scenario, the report projected a surplus situation in the coming years: by 2030 India is expected to see a surplus of 3.79 MT, which may further rise to 16.48 MT by 2047.

On the demand side, the report highlighted the importance of promoting healthy consumption in line with ICMR–NIN recommendations. This requires creating awareness about the nutritional value of pulses, encouraging their inclusion in diets, and addressing consumer preferences. The report concluded that by adopting a comprehensive approach to both supply and demand, India can bridge the gaps in the pulses sector and work towards Aatmanirbharta while ensuring a sustainable future for this key commodity.

- ANI