India Strives for Self-Sufficiency in Oilseeds and Pulses with Technological Advancements and Government Support

New Delhi, India, June 20: India is on a determined path to becoming self-sufficient in several sectors, with the strong push of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Agriculture, a crucial part of India’s economy, is also receiving much-needed attention. Although India is one of the top producers of farm commodities, it still faces a shortfall in oilseeds and pulses. There is a significant push to improve both production and productivity so that India can reduce its dependence on expensive imports of edible oils and pulses. The focus is on improving human resources and technological solutions to increase secondary agriculture.

The Indian government has set ambitious targets for increasing the production of oilseeds and pulses to 54.1 million tonnes and 32.5 million tonnes, respectively, by 2025-26. This represents a 40% increase from current levels. This is vital as approximately 65% of the edible oil consumed in India is imported. Oilseeds yield in India stands at 10 quintals per hectare, whereas the global average is 16 quintals. Similarly, the average pulse yield in India is 660 kg per hectare, compared to the global average of 909 kg per hectare. Addressing these productivity gaps is crucial for India’s agricultural future.

In response to these challenges, the government has launched several initiatives to boost yields, including crop diversification, guaranteeing better prices, and providing farmers with high-quality seeds. India is both the largest producer and consumer of pulses, having produced 25-27 million tonnes of pulses in 2021-22 — a remarkable 48% increase over the last decade. The country has successfully reduced imports to 2.7 million tonnes, although India still depends on imports for about 9% of its pulse needs, a figure expected to decrease to 3.6% by the end of the decade.

Despite these gains, there are some challenges ahead. The acreage under pulses has decreased by 4.3% this year, though oilseed cultivation has increased by 9%. To combat these challenges, the government is promoting high-yielding seed varieties and implementing a special Kharif strategy focused on expanding the area and enhancing productivity for key pulses like arhar, moong, and urad. With limited arable land available, improving productivity is essential to achieving higher yields.

There is a need for measures to encourage farmers to focus on oilseeds and pulses, which can be achieved through education, better crop protection and insurance, guaranteed fair pricing, and improved market linkages.

Simultaneously, boosting productivity is key. Quality seeds play a critical role in ensuring better crop output and nutritional value. Higher quality oilseeds can improve oil recovery rates, which would help meet the demand for edible oil more efficiently. This will contribute to bridging the gap between demand and supply more rapidly.

With the global population steadily increasing, traditional plant breeding methods and seeds are struggling to meet the growing demand for food. India’s shortfall in pulses and oilseeds could worsen if the gap between domestic production and consumption continues to widen. To address this, biotechnological solutions offer a viable and faster approach to increasing productivity.

Genome engineering, including genetic modification and gene editing, holds immense potential for overcoming productivity challenges. These technologies enable the development of crops with improved traits, such as higher yields, enhanced nutritional content, better oil recovery in oilseeds, and disease resistance. Genetic engineering also helps reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. GM Mustard, which is awaiting regulatory approval from the government, could yield 25-30% more than conventional varieties.

The government is confident that GM mustard can significantly boost domestic oilseed production and help make India self-sufficient. With the adverse effects of climate change already impacting crops, genetic engineering can help develop climate-resilient varieties capable of tolerating pests, diseases, droughts, salinity, extreme temperatures, and flooding. Genetically modified crops are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and deliver faster results. By embracing science and biotechnology, India can swiftly achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses.

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