Gujarat Emerges As National Leader In Pulse Productivity And Export Growth

(MENAFN- KNN India) Gandhinagar, Feb 10 (KNN) Gujarat has reported a significant increase in pulse exports between April 2024 and January 2025, with volumes reaching 247,789 tonnes, doubling the previous year's figures.

This growth has been partly attributed to favourable dollar exchange rates, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The state has emerged as a national leader in pulse productivity, particularly in tur and gram cultivation, achieving yields of 1,163 kilograms and 1,699 kilograms per hectare respectively.

Gujarat also maintains a strong position as the fifth-ranked state for moong and urad productivity, with yields of 810 and 721 kilograms per hectare.

Under India's Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, Gujarat's pulse cultivation has expanded considerably over the past five years. The area under pulse cultivation has grown from 662,000 hectares in 2018-19 to 1.31 million hectares in 2022-23.

Production has nearly tripled during this period, rising from 679,000 metric tons to 1.811 million metric tons, with notable increases in gram, moong, moth, and urad cultivation.

Farmers have benefited from steady increases in Minimum Support Price (MSP) since 2020-21, with various pulses seeing rises ranging from 11 per cent to 31 per cent.

The government has implemented several support mechanisms, including the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), which provides farmers with certified seeds, subsidised demonstrations, and specialised training.

The Price Support Scheme (PSS) ensures procurement at MSP when market prices fall below the threshold.

The state's irrigation infrastructure has played a crucial role in this growth, with 2.41 million hectares brought under irrigation between 2005-06 and 2024-25 through advanced micro-irrigation techniques.

Farmers have increasingly adopted modern agricultural practices, including mechanisation, improved hybrid varieties, and advanced seed treatment techniques.

The integration of sustainable farming methods such as organic farming and natural farming has further contributed to increased production.

Beyond their economic importance, pulses continue to serve as a vital source of protein and amino acids for both human and animal consumption, while their nitrogen-fixing properties contribute to soil health and sustainable agriculture practices.

(KNN Bureau)

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