Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the government’s commitment to procure major pulses at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) during a recent meeting with agriculture ministers from various states.
Encouraging Farmer Registration
He urged state governments to promote farmer registrations on the e-Samridhi portal to facilitate assured procurement of pulses.
Role of e-Samridhi Portal
The e-Samridhi portal, launched last year by NAFED and NCCF, enables farmers’ registration and ensures MSP procurement for registered pulses.
Utilization of Fallow Lands
The minister suggested utilizing fallow lands post-rice harvest for pulses cultivation to enhance production.
Challenges in Current Kharif Season
The ongoing kharif season, crucial for tur and urad sowing, faces challenges due to inflation and rainfall deficits.
Concerns Over Rainfall Deficiency
Despite timely monsoon onset, deficient rainfall in some regions raises concerns about timely pulse sowing.
Objective of the Meeting
The meeting aimed to address immediate measures to boost pulse production in the country.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who reiterated the government’s commitment to procure major pulses at Minimum Support Prices (MSP)?
- A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- B) Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- C) Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh
- D) Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
- Answer: B) Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Which portal was launched for the registration of farmers for assured procurement of pulses at MSP?
- A) e-Shakti
- B) e-Samridhi
- C) e-Krishi
- D) e-Gopalan
- Answer: B) e-Samridhi
- What suggestion did the minister give regarding fallow lands after rice harvest?
- A) Use them for organic farming
- B) Convert them into fish farms
- C) Utilize them for pulses cultivation
- D) Lease them to industrial farmers
- Answer: C) Utilize them for pulses cultivation
- Which season is critical for sowing of tur and urad?
- A) Rabi season
- B) Zaid season
- C) Kharif season
- D) Summer season
- Answer: C) Kharif season
- What has caused concerns during the current kharif season for pulses?
- A) Excessive rainfall
- B) High productivity
- C) Inflation and lower productivity
- D) Early monsoon onset
- Answer: C) Inflation and lower productivity