Bardhan directs measures to achieve self‑reliance in pulse production

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 18 Sep: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a review meeting on the Government of India’s project for self‑reliance in pulse production at the Secretariat here today. The meeting discussed in detail the roadmap for increasing pulse production in the state, improving productivity and quality, and measures to ensure better market access for the farmers. The Chief Secretary directed that a proposal for procurement of pulses produced in the state at minimum support price (MSP) through NAFED and NCDC be prepared and sent to the Centre for approval. He also stressed upon the need to develop an effective mechanism to provide the farmers with fair value and assured markets for their produce.
Bardhan directed the officials to prepare a proposal for setting up a special cell to encourage farmer producer organisations, noting that organised groups can strengthen production, processing, marketing and value addition. He also called for efforts to raise the quality and the productivity of pulses to 12 quintals per hectare by promoting improved seeds, advanced agricultural techniques, crop demonstrations and technical guidance for the farmers. He said that enhanced pulse production and quality will increase protein availability in the state, contributing to better health and the creation of a strong and capable human resource base. He directed the officials to ensure all the possible measures for effective implementation of this important central project.
The officials shared in the meeting that the project will run from 2025‑26 to 2030‑31. A state‑specific action plan has already been submitted to the Centre. Under the plan, pulse crops like Urad, Arhar and Masoor have been selected as major crops. The project will focus on improving the productivity as well as the quality, organising programmes from seed production to crop demonstrations, and connecting farmers with high‑quality seeds and modern techniques. In addition, work will also be undertaken to establish pulse processing units in the state, enabling local value addition and providing farmers with better income opportunities.
Among those present at the meeting were Additional Secretary Mehrban Singh Bisht, Director General, Agriculture and Horticulture, Anand Srivastava, Director, Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture, Lakshmikant, Vice‑Chancellor, Pantnagar University, Prof Dr SK Kashyap and other officials.