Package likely to ramp up pulses & oilseeds output

Govt keen to rein in imports of these items by boosting domestic production

- SANDIP DAS

THE UNION BUDGET for FY26 is likely to announce measures for boosting the production of oilseeds and pulses, with a view to reducing the country's import dependence for these items.

Assured procurement of these commodities at minimum support price (MSP) from farmers, and higher allocation for R&D for developing high-yielding seed varieties, and incentives for crop diversification are likely to be part of a policy package to be unveiled.

These measures, suggested by agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, according to sources, will encourage farmers to grow these commodities and earn higher incomes from their cultivation.

Currently, pulses and oilseeds are grown only in certain pockets of the country, with the area under cultivation being largely restricted to around 55 districts.

In recent years, import of oilseeds has grown at a scorching pace. Edible oil imports in oil year 2023-24 (November-October) stood at ₹1.31 lakh crore, marginally lower than in the previous year. Around 58% of the country's annual consumption of edible oils is met through imports.