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Uttar Pradesh has achieved a 36% increase in pulse production from 2.394 million metric tonnes in 2016-17 to 3.255 million metric tonnes in 2023-24. The state government, with central support, is implementing a comprehensive action plan focusing on tur, urd, and moong to further enhance yield and expand cultivation. Initiatives include crop demonstrations, seed distribution, and establishing seed hubs. Additionally, the government aims to purchase pulses at MSP and develop model pulse villages in key districts.

Highlights

Pulses Production Increase: Uttar Pradesh witnessed a 36% increase in pulses production from 2.394 million metric tonnes in 2016-17 to 3.255 million metric tonnes in 2023-24, as per state government data.

Government Support: To further increase pulse cultivation, the state government, with central support, provides comprehensive assistance to farmers, aiming to enhance yield per hectare and expand the cultivation area.

Action Plan for Key Pulses: The state government has prepared an action plan focusing on tur, urd, and moong, aiming to boost pulses production through various initiatives and schemes.

Crop Demonstrations: As part of the National Food Security Mission Scheme, 27,200 hectares of crop demonstrations will be conducted to showcase effective cultivation practices and boost pulses production.

Seed Distribution Targets: The government plans to distribute 31,553 quintals of seeds and produce 27,356 quintals of certified seeds under the Pulses National Food Security Mission Scheme to support farmers.

Establishment of Seed Hubs: Fourteen seed hubs have been established to produce 21,000 quintals of seeds, enhancing the seed distribution system and ensuring availability of quality seeds for farmers.

Distribution of Mini Kits: Mini kits of other pulse crops, such as moong and urd, will also be distributed to farmers to promote the cultivation of these crops and improve overall production.

MSP Commitment: The government has committed to purchasing pulses from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and setting the MSP for these crops higher than other crops to ensure better returns for farmers.

Model Pulse Villages: Developing model pulse villages in Bundelkhand districts, renowned for pulse production, aims to increase yield per hectare from 14 to 16 quintals, targeting a total yield of 3 million tonnes.

Strategic Focus on Bundelkhand: The Bundelkhand districts, including Banda, Mahoba, Jalaun, Chitrakoot, and Lalitpur, are strategically significant for pulse production, and the government aims to boost yields and cultivation in these areas.

Planned Pulse Crops Area: Approximately 175,000 hectares of pulse crops are planned, with the aim of increasing the overall production to meet the state's consumption needs.

Focus on High-Yield Varieties: The government plans to provide seeds of improved and high-yielding varieties of traditional pulse crops, with demonstrations by progressive farmers to promote better farming practices and yields.

UP's Pulses Production Status: Uttar Pradesh, as India's largest producer and consumer of pulses, currently produces only half of its consumption needs, necessitating these initiatives to bridge the gap and enhance self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

Uttar Pradesh's strategic approach to increasing pulse production reflects a significant commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers. The state's focus on comprehensive assistance, seed distribution, and crop demonstrations, coupled with the development of model pulse villages, is poised to bridge the gap between production and consumption. By ensuring a higher MSP and distributing high-yield seed varieties, the government aims to make pulses cultivation more profitable and sustainable. These initiatives not only boost local production but also contribute to the broader goal of food security and agricultural advancement in India.

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