Govt planning to replicate sugar output success in pulses and oilseeds

Plans to use rice fallow to increase acreage, reduce import

The government is planning to replicate success of the sugar story in pulses and edible oils to achieve self reliance in these two sensitive agricultural commodities in which India remains heavily dependent on imports.

Speaking with Business Standard, Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on his recent visit to Mumbai that a substantial quantity of sugar was imported until recently to meet the country’s consumption. But, commercialisation of high yielding sugarcane, especially in Uttar Pradesh, has brought India into a massive surplus.

“The government is working aggressively to reduce India’s agriculture imports. We have identified pulses and oilseeds to