Opinion
Oilseeds & Pulses both are in short supply and need a greater support in the form of higher MSP to encourage their production in the country.
We are greatly disappointed with the Government’s decision to raise the support price for oilseeds by only 2 to 9 percent while 15 to 30% for pulses.
Support Prices (Rs./Quintal)
| 2009-10 | 2010-11 | Increase | |
Arhar (tur) | 2300 | 3000 | +700 | 30.0% |
Moong | 2760 | 3170 | +410 | 14.9% |
Urad | 2520 | 2900 | +380 | 15.0% |
Groundnut-in-shell | 2100 | 2300 | +200 | 9.5% |
Sunflower seed | 2215 | 2350 | +135 | 6.1% |
Soybean (Black) | 1350 | 1400 | +50 | 3.7% |
Soybean (Yellow) | 1390 | 1440 | +50 | 3.6% |
Sesamum | 2850 | 2900 | +50 | 1.9% |
Nigerseed | 2405 | 2450 | +45 | 1.9% |
It seems Government takes action only after the damage is done, as is apparent in case of Arhar where MSP has been increased by 30%. Oilseeds production and acreage is going down/stagnant for the last 5 years and imports of oils have risen over 100% in the same period and reached at alarming level and is a threat to food security of the Nation.
We have been asking/ advocating for incentive for the farmersby way of higher MSP to grow more oilseeds but the Government has decided to ignore our prayer. There is still time for sowing and we urge the Government to reconsider the support.- price for oilseeds and raise in line with the pulses.
As told By Mr Ashok Sethia- President SEA
