Supreme Court Directs Policy Shift Toward Pulse Cultivation in India

Key Highlights

• Supreme Court directs policy review to promote pulse cultivation over wheat and paddy
• Lack of guaranteed Minimum Support Price for pulses identified as a key barrier for farmers
• Pulse production declined from 273 lakh tonnes in 2021-2022 to 242 lakh tonnes in 2023-2024
• Court urges collaboration among ministries and experts to make pulse farming viable
• Recommendations include aligning import tariffs with MSP and improving procurement systems

Supreme Court's Directives

A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the government to convene a meeting with stakeholders, including experts and practitioners. The court highlighted the absence of a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses as a major barrier for farmers. It stressed that MSP for pulses must cover production costs and provide fair returns, especially for small and medium farmers.

The court asked the Centre to reassess its current policy framework and find better ways to encourage farmers to diversify from wheat and paddy to pulses. The Bench also called for a meeting of stakeholders to address issues such as the lack of an incentivized MSP, the need for guaranteed and timely sale of pulse products, and the fixation of cost prices for yellow peas, which India currently imports.

The Supreme Court stated that the Ministries of Agriculture, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs should collaborate with subject-matter experts to develop a framework that makes pulse cultivation viable. The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a campaign to diversify agriculture, particularly in North India, where paddy cultivation dominates.

Stakeholder Concerns and Production Data

The court was hearing a plea from Kisan Mahapanchayat, an NGO represented by advocates Prashant Bhushan and Neha Rathi. The plea sought restrictions on yellow pea imports, which threaten the livelihoods of pulse farmers. Additional Solicitor-General N. Venkataraman noted that pulse production dropped from 273 lakh tonnes in 2021-2022 to 242 lakh tonnes in 2023-2024 due to disease, leading to increased imports.

Chief Justice Kant pointed out that while wheat, rice, and millets have MSP, pulses do not. He stated that farmers often struggle to get reasonable prices for pulses, unlike wheat, where a set price exists. Prashant Bhushan referenced the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices' 2025 reports, which recommended balanced production patterns, comprehensive diversification, and technological innovation for pulses and oilseeds.

The commission also advised aligning import tariffs with MSP to ensure fair pricing and encourage farmers to expand pulse and oilseed cultivation. The court expects the Ministries to address these issues through new policy decisions, considering the commission's recommendations.

Implications for Indian Agriculture

The Supreme Court's directive highlights the need to rebalance India's agricultural landscape by promoting pulse cultivation. Addressing gaps such as the lack of assured MSP, procurement challenges, and policy inconsistencies could reduce import dependency, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen food security.