While India repeatedly claims self-sufficiency, the country is breaking records in pulse imports every year. Pulse imports have reached around 7.7 million metric tons. Despite this rising import bill, instead of expansion, the area under pulses cultivation has shrunk. Over the past four years, the area under pulses has declined by nearly 3.1 million hectares.
Why is this happening? Even though many officials and ruling parties speak of “self-reliant India” and craft numerous plans and presentations, still the area under pulses is shrinking. The plain truth is that until farmers are assured prices at or above MSP (Minimum Support Price), no mission will succeed.
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