Remunerative MSP for pulses is the way ahead: Swaminathan

In several states, farmers fear that a bumper crop combined with erratic monsoon would affect their livelihood. Observing that pricing and policy were central to these protests, Prof Swaminathan said India faces a pulses deficit of about six million tonnes.  

“There is low per capita consumption _ below 40 g per day as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research,” he said. “Timely announcement of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for pulses and prior to the sowing season is of great importance,” he said, adding, announcement on MSP for pulses ideally in June-July could have a significant impact on farmers’ choice of crops. 

Prof Swaminathan said an example from ongoing work by MSSRF in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district showed that the farmer producer company procures pulses at ten per cent premium for farmers above current local market price. 

“This ensures that farmers in that region cultivate pulses, since they are assured of procurement by their company in an ethical manner with no hidden costs,” he said. Since pulses need less than one-fifth of the water rice requires, they were also water-smart. 

‘’Getting farmers to grow pulses is important to increase income, reduce water for farming and improve nutritional status,” he added.