10 February 2021, New Delhi, IN: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh virtually celebrated the “3rd World Pulses Day – 2021” today.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare outlined the initiating of World Pulses Day celebrations by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2018. He stated that apart from being nutritious, the pulses are also a good source of proteins which have positive effects on health. The Union Minister stressed that the fixing of urea and minerals by pulses helps in changing the crop pattern and nutrients of soils. Mr. Tomar stressed that the joint efforts of agricultural scientists, farmers and also the Central Government’s various schemes have made it possible to achieve 240 Lakh Tonnes production of pulses in the country. The savings of around Rs. 15,000 Crores due to reduction in pulses’ imports was also underlined by the Union Minister.
Apprising about the nutritional value and benefits of pulses for human beings, the Union Minister emphasized on the efforts for making the new varieties available in the country. He briefed about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana that protects the farmers’ rights and support them during harsh times.
The Union Minister stressed that the Pulses Revolution is a step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Highlighting the various Central Government’s Schemes, he said the Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations will help the farmers to learn about the various technologies, high quality seeds, use of fertilizers, pesticides and marketing of goods, etc. Mr. Tomar highlighted the development of various new varieties of pulses that is benefitting the country. Emphasizing on diversification of crops as important in the wake of climate change, he stressed that the adoption of high-value crops, use of technologies and market availability will help to enhance farmers’ income.
Mr. Tomar outlined the Central Government’s initiative of the Kisan Rail and Kisan Udaan Schemes which aims to help the farmers and farming communities in easy and safe transportation of various crops in minimum time. The Union Minister also highlighted about 50% subsidies to be given to the farmers in transportation costs for providing the various essential food crops and other items to the different parts of the country. The starting of 10,000 new Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations, initiation of more than Rs. 2,000 Crores Projects, etc., were among some of the other highlights of the Union Minister’s address.
Emphasizing on the nutritional value of pulses, Mr. Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare stressed that the enhancement in pulses’ production will prove helpful in efficiently achieving the targets of doubling the farmers’ income by 2022. The Minister highlighted the active working of the Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations for enhancing the pulses production in the country. This will help to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the country effectively.
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) underlined the importance of pulses for the country. He emphasized on the effective role of ICAR in making the Pulses Revolution successful. He regarded the World Pulses Day as an occasion to create mass awareness about the various nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses. The DG added that the KVKs are disseminating the information about new varieties and technologies of pulses through various demonstrations. He also discussed about the seed transplantation ratio.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR outlined the main objective of celebrating the World Pulses Day globally. The DDG highlighted about the participation of more than 700 participants in the 3-day Sangoshthi to be organized to mark the celebrations of 3rd World Pulses Day – 2021.
The Directors General of ICRISAT & ICARDA also virtually participated in the event.
The Regional Centres of ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and Bikaner, Rajasthan were also inaugurated during the occasion.
Dr. N.P. Singh, Director, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh proposed the vote of thanks.
Mr. Sanjay Singh, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); Deputy Directors General, Assistant Directors General along with other senior officials of ICAR also participated in the event.
