Centre Formulates Special Strategy for Kharif 2021; Plans to Distribute over 20 lakh Mini-kits of Seeds

To achieve self-sufficiency in the production of pulses, Agriculture Ministry has framed a special Kharif strategy for implementation in the ensuing Kharif 2021 season. A detailed plan for both area expansion as well as productivity enhancement for Moong, Tur, and Urad has been made after consultations with the state governments.

Under the plan, utilising all the high yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds that are available with the Central Seed Agencies or in the States will be given free of cost to expand area through intercropping and sole crop.

For the upcoming Kharif 2021, 20,27,318 will be distributed (almost 10 times more seed mini kits than 2020-21) amounting to Rs. 82.01 crores. The total cost for these mini-kits will be borne by Centre to increase the production & productivity of moong, tur and urad.

The following mini-kits will be distributed to farmers;

• 13,51,710 mini kits of arhar containing certified seeds of HYVs of arhar released during last 10 years & productivity not less than 15 qtl/ha- for intercropping.

• 4,73,295 mini kits of moong containing certified seeds of HYVs of moong released during last 10 years but productivity not less than 10 qtl/ha- for intercropping.

• 93,805 mini kits of urad containing certified seeds of HYVs of urad released during last 10 years but productivity not less than 10 qtl/ha- for intercropping.

• 1,08,508 mini kits of urad containing certified seeds of urad HYVs released during last 15 years and output not less than 10 qtl/ha - for Sole Crop.