New Delhi – A parliamentary panel has called for a significant overhaul of India’s procurement policies for oilseeds and pulses, recommending the government purchase 100% of these crops at the minimum support price (MSP). Currently, the government procures only around 25% of oilseed and pulse production. The move, if implemented, aims to reduce India’s substantial reliance on imports and stabilize prices for farmers, who often face market volatility. This recommendation is part of a broader set of proposals designed to bolster domestic agricultural production and farmer welfare.
The standing committee on Agriculture, in its 33rd report presented to the Lok Sabha on Friday, highlighted the vulnerability of Indian farmers to global price fluctuations. India currently imports approximately 56% of its edible oil needs and 2.13 million tonnes of pulses annually, putting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Addressing this dependence is critical, the committee argued, and a more robust procurement system is a key step. The committee’s recommendations come at a time when global food security is increasingly uncertain, and domestic production is paramount.
Boosting Procurement and Protecting Farmers
The core of the panel’s recommendations centers on expanding the existing PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Awas Yojana) scheme to encompass all oilseed production. For pulses, the committee specifically called for full procurement of key varieties like pigeon pea (tur), urad, and lentil across all producing states. To facilitate this, the report suggests establishing more procurement centers, particularly in remote areas, and creating a dedicated digital portal with 24/7 farmer helplines. This digital infrastructure would aim to streamline the procurement process and ensure farmers have easy access to information and support.
Beyond expanding the scope of procurement, the committee also proposed a dynamic import duty mechanism to shield domestic farmers from price shocks. Specifically, they recommended a 20% safeguard duty on palm oil when global prices fall below $800 per tonne. This measure is intended to level the playing field and prevent cheaper imports from undercutting local producers. The Economic Times reported on similar calls for import duty adjustments to protect domestic oilseed farmers earlier this year.
Investing in Cutting-Edge Agricultural Technologies
Recognizing that increased procurement alone isn’t enough, the committee emphasized the need for significant investment in agricultural research and development. A key focus is on adopting advanced seed technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding, and pest-resistant crop varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was urged to release region-specific varieties by 2028, and the establishment of seed hubs in every district by 2030 was proposed to improve seed replacement rates.
The report also addressed the regulatory landscape surrounding genetically modified (GM) foods, calling for a more robust mechanism to manage their proliferation. Currently, the regulation of GM foods in India is a complex and often contentious issue. The committee underscored the need for clear guidelines and oversight to ensure both innovation and safety. The panel proposed transforming the existing SATHI portal into a “National Seed Grid” to digitally integrate the seed supply chain, enhance traceability through QR codes, and reduce subsidy leakages.
Addressing Seed Quality and Farmer Support
Protecting farmers from spurious seeds was another key concern raised by the committee. They recommended establishing a national regulatory body to cap seed prices and provide compensation to farmers who are affected by substandard seeds. Crucially, the report highlighted the urgent need to replace the outdated Seeds Act of 1966 with a modern law that mandates compulsory registration, certification, and stricter penalties for violations.
To further empower farmers, the committee advocated for strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), setting up processing units, and scaling up branding initiatives like ‘Bharat Dal’. A new ‘Bharat Oil’ brand was also proposed to provide affordable edible oils to consumers. The panel also suggested reserving 40% of scheme benefits for women farmers and launching programs to train rural youth in agri-entrepreneurship, recognizing the vital role of both groups in the agricultural sector.
Regional Imbalances and Sustainable Practices
The committee acknowledged the regional disparities in oilseed and pulse production and proposed developing clusters in eastern and north-eastern states by 2028. Expanding irrigation coverage under the Per Drop More Crop scheme, alongside the adoption of micro-irrigation, farm ponds, and IoT-based water management systems, was also recommended to mitigate risks in rainfed areas.
Sustainable agricultural practices, including intercropping and organic farming, were also encouraged, alongside increased funding for research in these areas. The committee also called for mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods, providing consumers with greater transparency and choice.
The recommendations from the parliamentary panel represent a comprehensive approach to strengthening India’s oilseed and pulse sector. The next key step will be the government’s response to the report and the timeline for implementing these proposed changes. The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is expected to review the recommendations and formulate a plan of action in the coming months.
This report underscores the critical need for coordinated policy action across procurement, technology, markets, and regulation to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses while ensuring the welfare of Indian farmers. Share your thoughts on these proposed changes in the comments below.
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