Concerned over the drastic fall in pulses and oilseeds production across the globe which has affected the domestic market, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken an initiative to launch a dedicated programme to promote the sowing of key agri commodities.
Two schemes to be assisted by the Centre may be launched at a joint conference of Agriculture Ministers of all states scheduled for November 24—25 in New Delhi, Maharashtra Minister for Agriculture Eknath Khadse said.
According to Khadse, only 30 per cent countries in the world produce pulses and oilseeds, while the rest are just consumers.
“In last five to six years, due to natural calamities and other reasons, production of pulses has reduced drastically.
According to the demand and supply rule, shortage in production has affected prices, which suddenly shot up during the festive season”, he said.
The Minister claimed that in the coming decade, the production of tur, oilseeds and other pulses will only go down.
“Thus, there is a need to be prepared for a long—term solution, for which the Prime Minister has taken the initiative”, Khadse said.
He further said Modi has permitted Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan to hold a meeting with state Agriculture ministers despite the Winter session of Parliament in progress that time.