Supporting the worried govt of India going into overdrive to tackle the phenomenon of pulse-shortage as witnessed in the first year of the NDA rule, IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi has advocated increased production of pulses in the country calling it both protein-rich and soil-preserving.
In a tweet Dr. U S Awasthi said “#Pulses play fundamental role in our sustainable #agriculture & helps in better #soil health. #IYP 2016 #Save The Soil.”
The cooperative giant IFFCO is running a campaign under title save our soil with its officials led by the MD visiting remote areas describing the importance of preserving the micro-nutrients of the soil so crucial for the future of farming.
Agriculture scientists have already declared farming of pulse as a sure method of saving the soil. While the govt is busy insulating itself from the criticism of media and opposition by importing pulses, IFFCO is making a case for pulse-farming in order to achieve sustainable growth by preserving the soil.
ET reports Monday that the Centre has already contracted import of 8,500 tonnes of pulses and the shipments are on the way. It also said pulse procurement for buffer stock has touched 51,000 tonnes, surpassing the target set for this kharif season.
“Prices and availability of essential commodities were reviewed today in a meeting chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary C Viswanath as also reviewed the buffer stock of pulses”, it said.
Senior officials of the consumer affairs, agriculture and commerce ministries, FCI, MMTC and NAFED were present.
