New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed happiness over the increase in the area of pulses cultivation during ongoing Kharif sowing this year. Reviewing the progress of Kharif crops at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday, the agriculture minister noted that the area under pulses have increased by over 50 per cent, particularly for tur/arhar. The minister said that achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production is a priority for the country and called for concerted efforts in that direction.
Chauhan also reiterated that Centre is committed to have 100 per cent procurement for urad, arhar and masoor in all the states and called for generating awareness on the issue so that more and more farmers come forward for pulse cultivation.
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The agriculture minister was briefed about the onset of monsoon, the groundwater situation and the availability of seeds and fertilisers. Chauhan stressed the timely availability of fertilisers for Kharif and Rabi crops. Department of Fertilisers, Government of India was advised to ensure the availability of DAP fertilisers as per states’ demand for Kharif sowing. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sanjeev Chopra along with senior officials of the ministry, officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission and the Department of Fertilisers were also present during the meeting.
