Policies and Incentives for Promotion of Pulses Production and Consumption: a Review

Abstract

The paper delves into the current state of pulses in India, examining technological advancements, production trends, costs and returns, extent of subsidies and other policies related to pulses, competitiveness, and input utilization. It also assesses non-market benefits, such as nitrogen fixation, and suggests incorporating them into incentives for pulses production and consumption. Additionally, the paper explores the nutritional contributions of pulses and their potential distribution through government schemes to aid the impoverished. Policy scenarios, including the role of Minimum Support Price and procurement, are scrutinized for their historical impact on pulse production. The paper evaluates the demand-supply gap and advocates for improved trade policies. Ultimately, it recommends incentive policies based on the ecological contributions of pulses, use of advanced statistical methods for advanced production estimations to guide informed decisions by traders and importers, and long-term government contracts for pulses import/export to stabilize domestic prices. The goal is to ensure affordability for consumers and encourage farmers’ participation in export markets, especially for crops like chickpea.

Keywords: Competing crops, Cost-benefit analysis, Economic prices, Greenhouse gas emissions, Market prices, Pulses, Subsidies

JEL Classification: Q13, Q12, D16, D40, Q54, Q18, H23