What are the factors contributing to the mismatch between the demand and supply of pulses, oil seeds, and fruit in India
A report suggests that the output of pulses, oil seeds, and fruit will lag behind the demand until at least 2030-31.
There are several factors contributing to the mismatch between the demand and supply of pulses, oil seeds, and fruit in India, as highlighted in the report:
- Limited cultivable land: The availability of arable land in India is limited, making it challenging to meet the growing demand for pulses, oil seeds, and fruits.
- Inadequate agricultural practices: Traditional farming practices and a lack of technology adoption result in lower productivity and yield of these crops, leading to supply shortages.
- Climate change: Unpredictable and extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, adversely affect crop production and reduce overall supply.
- Inadequate irrigation facilities: Insufficient access to irrigation facilities leads to dependence on rainfall, making crop cultivation vulnerable to weather fluctuations and affecting output.
- Price fluctuations: Unstable market prices and low profitability discourage farmers from investing in the cultivation of pulses, oil seeds, and fruits, which further contributes to the supply-demand mismatch.
- Shifting dietary preferences: Changing dietary patterns and an increased inclination towards imported products create additional demand for pulses, oil seeds, and fruits, surpassing the domestic supply.
- Post-harvest losses: Inadequate storage and processing infrastructure lead to significant post-harvest losses, further reducing the available supply of these crops.
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a year ago