New Delhi: The central government is planning a special focus on reducing imports of pulses and edible oil, increasing ethanol supply, and stabilizing food prices as part of its 100-day agenda, according to a senior official.
This effort will involve introducing stringent policy measures similar to those implemented over the past year and a half.
The agriculture ministry is drafting a new scheme to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2027. This initiative aims to cut the government’s significant expenditure on importing pulses and edible oil to boost domestic supply. In the 2023-24 financial year, India’s import bill was $854.8 billion, compared to $898 billion in FY23. Agricultural exports in FY24 reached $48.9 billion, marking an 8% decline from $53.2 billion in FY23.
Although agricultural imports fell due to a decrease in edible oil imports, pulse imports reached a six-year high. The country spent $3.75 billion on importing pulses and $14.8 billion on vegetable oils, compared to the previous year’s $1.94 billion and $20.84 billion, respectively, according to the commerce ministry.
“Our 100-day agenda will surely focus on oilseeds, pulses, and biofuel, alongside the welfare of 140 million farmers. However, a major focus will be on reducing the import bill. Another crucial aspect is the price stabilization of agricultural commodities,” a senior official said.
“We aim to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses within the next 3-4 years. We are open to all kinds of support, similar to what we have for oilseeds. A new programme focusing on development is being prepared to promote pulses production significantly, and it is expected to be unveiled in the coming days.”
