Gandhinagar, Jan 5 – Gujarat is stepping up as a top player in India’s pulse production. Over the last six years, its output has soared, bolstering efforts for agricultural self-reliance.
Thanks to better irrigation, higher support prices, and improved seed varieties, Gujarat now produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of pulses annually. This is nearly double what it achieved in 2019–20.
According to the agriculture department, the land used for growing pulses increased from 9 lakh hectares in 2019–20 to 14.39 lakh hectares by 2024–25. Productivity also rose, jumping from 1,173 kg per hectare to 1,495 kg per hectare. This reflects better farming techniques and crop management.
Chickpeas dominate the state’s pulse output, making up over 70% of total production. From 2019–20 to 2024–25, chickpea production surged from 6.36 lakh metric tonnes to 15.63 lakh metric tonnes.
Gujarat has also seen a significant boost in pigeon pea (tur/arhar) cultivation, with production rising by about 45%, from 2.10 lakh metric tonnes to 3.08 lakh metric tonnes. Other pulses, like urad and moong, are also gaining popularity in various regions.
In 2024–25, urad was planted on 1.14 lakh hectares, yielding 90,000 metric tonnes. Moong covered 1.38 lakh hectares, producing nearly 1.26 lakh metric tonnes. Moth bean, suited to drier areas like Kutch, was grown on about 72,000 hectares, yielding over 64,000 metric tonnes.
Experts believe this growth is due to a mix of smart policies and improved infrastructure. New irrigation initiatives have made water more accessible for farmers. This encouragement has led many to switch to pulse cultivation. Additionally, the minimum support prices have risen by 11 to 31 percent recently, making it more financially appealing for farmers to grow pulses.
The introduction of better seed varieties by state agricultural universities has also played a vital role in increasing yields.
Moreover, the export prospects for Gujarat’s pulses are rising, providing even more motivation for farmers. These combined factors are turning pulses into a powerful growth area for Gujarat’s agriculture, enhancing India’s food security and contributing to the country’s goal of becoming ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
In 2022, a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization noted that global pulse production increased by 14% from the previous year, demonstrating a growing interest in sustainable crops worldwide. This trend aligns with Gujarat’s progress and reflects a larger shift in agricultural practices.
Overall, Gujarat’s advancements in pulse production not only benefit local farmers but also contribute significantly to national food security and economic stability.
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