Pulses Production: A Pathway to Balanced Diet and Soil Health

Pulses, the dry seeds of legumes, hold immense promise for improving human health and soil quality. India’s strides in pulses production have not only reduced dependency on imports but also contributed to enhancing food security. Despite progress, regions like Assam and other northeastern states face challenges in bridging the demand-supply gap of pulses, which has significant implications for the local economy and public health.

Progress in Pulses Production and Challenges

India's production of pulses has grown significantly from 19.3 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 27.7 million tonnes in 2021-22. This increase has reduced the country's import dependency from 19% in 2013-14 to 9% in 2021-22. However, the decline in the area sown by about 5.66 lakh hectares during the same period is a cause for concern. Official data reveals that the area sown decreased from 136.57 lakh hectares in 2020-21 to 130.91 lakh hectares, against the normal area of 140 lakh hectares.

Looking forward, India’s demand for pulses is projected to rise to 35.23 million tonnes by 2030-31. Although import dependency is expected to decline further to 3.6%, expanding the sown area and improving productivity will be crucial to meeting this demand sustainably.

Situation in Assam and the Northeast

While Assam has increased its production of pulses, the state remains heavily reliant on imports from other states, meeting only 15% of its demand locally. This dependency underscores the urgent need to boost productivity and expand the area under pulse cultivation. Currently, Assam's productivity stands at about 750 kg/ha, far below the target of 1200 kg/ha set for 2025-26.

Pulses have an added advantage of being suitable as intercrops, enhancing nitrogen fixation in the soil and improving fertility. This aligns with the government’s vision of promoting the northeast as an organic farming hub.

Health Benefits and Dietary Gaps

Pulses are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with no fat content or cholesterol. Their inclusion in daily diets is crucial for balanced nutrition. However, high prices limit access for low-income households, making it difficult for them to meet the recommended daily intake.

A report by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) titled "What India Eats" highlights significant dietary imbalances. Only 5% of the rural population and 18% of the urban population consume the recommended level of good-quality protein. The report also reveals that cereal consumption contributes to over 50% of energy intake, far exceeding the recommended 45%.

In the northeast, pulses, legumes, and flesh foods contribute 15.7% of total energy intake in rural areas and 22% of protein intake in urban areas, the highest among all regions. These figures reflect the region’s potential for promoting pulses consumption to achieve a balanced diet.

Strategies for Increasing Pulses Production and Consumption

1. Improved Inputs and Mechanization:

   • Providing quality seeds, biofertilizers, and affordable inputs to farmers.

   • Promoting farm mechanization to expand the sown area and enhance productivity.

2. Government Support:

   • Setting up procurement centers near farm gates and ensuring Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to incentivize farmers.

   • Facilitating post-harvest management to reduce losses and boost farmer confidence.

3. Awareness Campaigns:

   • Raising awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses and the recommended dietary proportions.

   • Educating farmers about the economic and ecological benefits of pulse cultivation.

4. Policy Interventions:

   • Ensuring affordable distribution of pulses in rural areas to increase consumption.

   • Integrating pulse promotion with millet campaigns under the International Year of Millets to create a synergistic approach to improving nutrition.

Pulses have the dual advantage of enhancing dietary balance and improving soil health, making them indispensable to sustainable agriculture and nutrition. Bridging the demand-supply gap in Assam and the northeast can strengthen the local economy and improve public health outcomes. Government support, combined with farmer empowerment and public awareness, will be pivotal in achieving these goals. By prioritizing pulses in agricultural and nutritional policies, India can pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future.