Govt Plans to Curb Pulses & Edible Oil Imports In Its 100-Day Agenda

New Delhi, Jun 11 (KNN) The Central government is planning a special focus on reducing imports of pulses and edible oils as part of its 100-day agenda.

A senior official said stringent policy measures similar to those taken over the past 1.5 years will be introduced.

The agriculture ministry is drafting a new scheme aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulses by 2027 to cut huge import expenses.

Despite improvements since 2011, the demand-supply gap for pulses like tur, urad, and masur is widening, necessitating annual imports of 2.5-3 million tonnes.

India's agriculture exports touched USD 48.9 billion in 2023-24, down 8 per cent from the previous year.

While edible oil imports dipped, pulse imports hit a six-year high of USD 3.75 billion against USD 1.94 billion in 2022-23.

The official stated, "Our agenda will focus on oilseeds, pulses, biofuel, and farmer welfare. Reducing the import bill and price stabilisation of agri commodities are major priorities."

India is a net importer of edible oils, with 57 per cent of demand met through imports worth USD 20.56 billion, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia. The government launched a mission in 2021 to boost oil palm cultivation.

The cooperation minister had said pulse production rose from 19 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 26 million tonnes in 2022-23, but more efforts are needed to stop imports by 2027.

(KNN Bureau)