Plan to reduce paddy area and increase production of pulses and oilseeds

05-May-2025 08:41 PM

New Delhi. The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister has stated that the government aims to reduce the area under paddy cultivation by 50 lakh hectares and instead promote the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds on this land.

A production target of 100 lakh tonnes of pulses and oilseeds has been set for this reallocated area. This initiative is intended to increase the supply of pulses and edible oilseeds from domestic sources and reduce the country’s reliance on costly imports.

India currently imports a significant amount of pulses and edible oils each year, which results in a substantial outflow of foreign currency.

Under the government's "(-) 5 and (+) 10" strategy, the paddy cultivation area will be reduced by 50 lakh hectares, and an additional 100 lakh tonnes of pulses and oilseeds will be produced, based on an average productivity of 2000 kg per hectare. The target is considered achievable.

The rationale behind shifting focus from paddy to pulses and oilseeds is that the domestic production of these commodities is currently insufficient to meet demand, making imports necessary.

Achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and edible oils is a serious challenge, and integrated, collaborative efforts are urgently required.

The government has already launched various missions toward this goal, and success will depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders.

Agricultural scientists are expected to play a crucial role, and full support from the government will continue.