Nationwide pulses revolution launched from Amlaha in Sehore of Madhya Pradesh; what key announcements Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made?
A new chapter in India’s pulses policy and farmer-centric agricultural discourse began on Saturday from the Food Legumes Research Centre (FLRP) in Amlaha, Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. The nationwide pulses revolution was launched under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Minister inaugurated state-of-the-art FLRP campus linking research to farmers.
The National Pulses Consultation and Strategy Meeting held here brought together on one platform Union Minister Shivraj, Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, Odisha Deputy CM, agriculture ministers from several states, top scientists, representatives from ICAR-ICARDA, progressive farmers, FPOs, seed and pulse mill representatives – and the message was clear: the roadmap for a self-reliant India in pulses will now be charted from the fields, not from the files in Delhi’s air-conditioned rooms.
Two major announcements
On one hand, the roadmap for the ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’ was finalised, while on the other, Shivraj dismissed opposition apprehensions and gave a clear message that importing pulses is a matter of shame for us; now India will become an exporter of pulses, and despite recent international agreements, not even the slightest impact will be allowed on the interests of Indian farmers.
Shivraj said that the opposition’s narrative that "the country has been sold, farmers have been sold, farmers will be ruined” cannot hold up after today’s facts come to light. He said that this is a historic and remarkable agreement that will open new doors for India’s progress and development, increase exports, create employment opportunities, and boost farmers’ incomes, as our spices will be exported, rice exports to these countries will increase, our dairy products are safe, and thus Indian farmers will greatly benefit.
Roar for National Self-Reliance in Pulses mission from Amlaha
In the national meeting of the ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’, Shivraj Singh said you can understand that the whole of India has gathered in Amlaha today. He said that PM Narendra Modi ji’s resolve is that for a developed India (Viksit Bharat), a self-reliant India is essential, and in that direction, self-reliance in pulses is a major goal. Prime Minister ji’s resolve is that India should become self-reliant in pulses too; we will not import pulses from outside, but tomorrow we will reach a stage where we export pulses. For this, he has launched the ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’. The national meeting of that mission is being held here today.
New export opportunities: Boost for basmati, spices, and textiles
Shivraj said trade deal with USA will benefit other sectors of the country as well, especially our exporters, MSMEs, and youth.
In the agricultural context, he said basmati rice and spices will gain special benefits; new opportunities will open in 18% tariff markets for basmati growers in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. He mentioned that previously exports were around Rs 63,000 crore, which is expected to increase further, and rising textile exports will also benefit cotton-producing farmers.