Dear All,
Thanks for initiaing the discussion on pulses at this crucial time!
The production and consumption of pulses are increasingly getting more attention across the world. What led to this critical situation and why the risk of inadequate consumption of pulses is more alarming for a majority of people across the world, especially the poor and marginalised? Was this because of our policies and programmes which often focus more on cereals like paddy and wheat or it is because of the limited research and technologies available for pulses as compared to the cereals or because of a neglected and mismanaged supply chain? Yes, we have to admit that we have neglected the production of pulses over the years by providing incentives and quality extension services for cereals and in doing so we have also motivated the farming communities towards increased adoption of cereals based farming systems. As a result of which the poor people has to pay a double price for the commonly consumed pulses. Where they can get money for increasing pulses consumption when rice is available at Rs 1-3 per kg in most states of India through the government subsidised schemes. So the solution for the small and marginal holders is the inclusion of pulses in their farming systems, which often enhances farm resilience and productivity of soil in the context of climate change. At this backdrop, actions should start in the form of suitable policies and programmes with adequate incentives and extension services to the farmers, especially the small and marginal ones and mass campaign to augment increased adoption of pulses based farming systems. More funds should be kept for research and extension on pulses based farming systems. Integrated farming systems like Agroforestry should be prioritised especially in the community-owned lands and government wastelands. Involvement of all key stakeholders including civil society, women's networks , farmers federations and community based organisations must be ensured in the policy designing and imlementation farmework. Besides, period monitoring and sharing of best practices can help in achieving the goals in the timeline.
Regards,
Manoj, India
Mr. Manoj Kumar Behera