New Delhi, In a significant move towards agricultural self-sufficiency, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared India’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in pulses by 2027. Shah emphasized that not even a kilo of pulses would be imported starting January 2028. The announcement took place during the launch of the tur dal procurement portal, allowing farmers to register and sell their produce to the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF).
Shah, also the Minister for Cooperation, unveiled the tur dal procurement portal and mentioned plans for similar facilities for urad, masoor, and maize farmers in the future. As part of the inaugural event, Shah transferred approximately ₹68 lakh via direct benefit transfer (DBT) to 25 farmers registered with NAFED and NCCF for the sale of tur dal through the newly launched portal.
NAFED and NCCF, as central agencies, play a crucial role in pulse procurement on behalf of the central government, ensuring buffer stocks and implementing the Price Support Scheme when rates fall below the minimum support price (MSP).
Shah explained that tur farmers can register on the portal before sowing, providing them the option to sell to NAFED/NCCF or in the open market at MSP. If the open market price remains higher than the MSP during harvesting, an average rate will be determined through a formula, ensuring fair compensation through DBT.
