Odisha seeks Rs 200 crore central support to boost pulses cultivation

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has sought a significant increase in central assistance for pulses cultivation, urging the Union Ministry of Agriculture to enhance funding under the pulse demonstration programme from Rs 24.74 crore to Rs 200 crore.

The demand was placed during the National Conference on Kharif Campaign held in New Delhi, where the state submitted a memorandum outlining key requirements for strengthening agricultural production, improving farm infrastructure and supporting climate-resilient farming practices.

According to state officials, the proposed enhancement would help expand pulse cultivation demonstrations across nearly two lakh hectares, supporting the government's broader strategy to promote crop diversification and reduce excessive dependence on paddy cultivation.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who attended the conference, said Odisha has been focusing on increasing productivity through diversified agriculture while strengthening support systems for farmers.

The state government also requested central approval of Rs 80.5 crore for its Digital Crop Survey Annual Action Plan. So far, Rs 42.75 crore has been sanctioned under the programme. Officials said the digital survey initiative is expected to improve crop data collection, streamline policy implementation and support better planning for agricultural interventions.

Apart from pulses promotion, Odisha sought enhanced support for irrigation and farm protection measures. The state urged the Centre to increase the borewell subsidy limit to Rs 1 lakh and provide financial assistance for barbed-wire fencing in areas affected by elephant incursions, a recurring challenge for farmers in several districts.

The memorandum further proposed raising financial assistance for spice crops such as ginger and turmeric to Rs 1.5 lakh per hectare, citing growing demand and the income-generation potential of high-value crops.

The funding requests come as Odisha intensifies efforts to diversify its agricultural landscape through greater cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, millets, horticultural crops and spices. State policymakers have repeatedly emphasised that diversification is essential for improving farm incomes, reducing climate risks and enhancing nutritional security.

Officials said Odisha's agriculture sector recorded an estimated growth rate of 5.3 per cent during 2025-26, exceeding the national average of 3.1 per cent. The state reported foodgrain production of more than 150 lakh tonnes and horticulture output of around 156 lakh tonnes during the period.

To support agricultural expansion, the state has also established a Rs 100 crore corpus fund for certified seed distribution and a Rs 240 crore corpus fund to ensure fertiliser availability during critical crop seasons.

Agriculture experts believe increased investment in pulses could help improve soil health, reduce import dependence and strengthen crop diversification efforts, particularly in rainfed regions vulnerable to weather fluctuations.

The Centre is expected to review the state's proposals as part of ongoing discussions on Kharif season preparedness and agricultural support programmes.