Five-year map to raise pulses output

Centre wants to raise pulses output to 24 million tonnes by 2020-2021

The central government has prepared a five-year schedule to push annual pulses production to over 24 million tonnes by 2020-21. This could make the country self-sufficient.

Production in 2016-17, also the first year of this plan, is expected to be a record at over 22 mt, around 0.9 mt more than targeted. 

According to a senior official, the five-year map has been framed in consultation with top agricultural scientists and others. A number of states are being encouraged to bring more rainfed areas under cultivation. Also, improving the yield in eastern India by bringing inter-cropping with cereals, oilseeds and commercial crops.

The Centre