“Achieving self-reliance in pulse production requires a multi-pronged approach”

AgroSpectrum spoke to Rajavelu N K, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd about how to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ and other issues. Edited excerpts:

The United Nations General Assembly has designated February 10 as World Pulses Day to recognise the importance of pulse crops like chickpeas, dry beans and lentils as a global food. The day is crucial to raising awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production to enhance food security and nutrition. In 2025, the theme for World Pulses Day is “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems” while the slogan is “Love pulses for a healthy diet and planet”. This year’s theme will underscore the vital role of pulses in promoting diversity – both above and below the ground. With low yields, India being the largest producer of pulses imports large quantities of pulses to fulfil its local needs. In this regard, AgroSpectrum spoke to Rajavelu N K, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd about how to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ and other issues. Edited excerpts:

What are the key factors contributing to India’s low pulse yields despite having the largest cultivation area globally?

Despite being the world’s largest producer of pulses with extensive cultivation area, India’s yield per hectare remains significantly lower than global standards. This paradox stems from multiple interconnected challenges in our agricultural ecosystem. Traditional farming practices, predominantly reliant on rainfed agriculture, continue to dominate pulse cultivation, limiting the potential for higher yields. The situation is further complicated by the fact that pulses are typically grown in marginal lands with poor soil fertility and erratic rainfall patterns, making them vulnerable to climate variations.

The slow adoption of high-yielding, drought-resistant varieties, coupled with significant crop losses due to pests like pod borer and diseases such as Fusarium wilt, poses persistent challenges. Limited access to quality inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, and micronutrients, further constrains productivity. Market uncertainties, characterised by price volatility and inadequate Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement mechanisms, often discourage farmers from making necessary investments in better farming practices. Additionally, post-harvest losses due to insufficient storage and processing infrastructure continue to impact the overall productivity of pulse cultivation in India.

How is the private sector contributing to improving pulse yields in India through various initiatives?

As a key player in India’s agricultural sector, we at Godrej Agrovet, along with other private sector companies, have been actively working to transform pulse cultivation through innovative solutions and strategic interventions. In the crop protection segment, which is our core strength, we have made significant strides in developing both bio-based and chemical crop protection solutions specifically tailored for pulse cultivation. These solutions directly address the critical challenges faced by pulse farmers in managing pests and diseases effectively. The sector’s transformation has been multifaceted, with companies like Bayer and Syngenta introducing improved seed varieties that offer enhanced resistance to diseases and pests.

The industry has also embraced precision agriculture techniques, leveraging advanced technologies such as satellite imaging, soil testing, and AI-driven advisory services. These technological interventions have been crucial in optimising input utilisation and improving yield outcomes for farmers. What’s particularly encouraging is how different private sector players are contributing through their unique strengths. For instance, companies like ITC and Tata Agrico have established robust contract farming models and market linkages, ensuring better price realisation for farmers. Additionally, we’re seeing innovative approaches from agritech startups that are revolutionising access to financial services through microfinance, insurance products, and digital advisory services. At Godrej Agrovet, we believe this collaborative ecosystem approach, where each player brings their expertise, is crucial for achieving sustainable improvements in pulse productivity.

How will the Rs 1,000 crore “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” announced in the 2025-26 Budget impact India’s pulse sector?

The ambitious Rs 1,000 crore mission marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in pulse production. This strategic initiative addresses multiple critical aspects of the pulse value chain, with MSP-based procurement mechanisms forming the cornerstone of price stability efforts. The enhanced focus on building robust post-harvest infrastructure, particularly warehousing solutions, is expected to significantly reduce wastage and empower farmers with better market timing options, ultimately leading to improved price realisation.

This comprehensive mission is poised to transform India’s current scenario of importing 2-3 million tonne of pulses annually. By providing secure pricing mechanisms, it creates a conducive environment for farmers to invest in better inputs, irrigation systems, and modern farming technologies. The strengthening of procurement infrastructure under this initiative is expected to streamline logistics and eliminate distress sales, creating a more resilient and self-sufficient pulse production ecosystem.

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AgroSpectrum spoke to Rajavelu N K, CEO,