Gandhinagar, January 5 (NationPress) Gujarat has established itself as one of India’s foremost producers of pulses, experiencing a remarkable surge in output over the past six years, thereby bolstering the nation's quest for agricultural independence.

Enhanced irrigation systems, increased support prices, and superior seed varieties have propelled the state's annual pulse production to over 20 lakh metric tonnes, nearly doubling from the figures reported during 2019–20.

According to data from the agriculture department, the area designated for pulse cultivation in Gujarat expanded from 9 lakh hectares in 2019–20 to 14.39 lakh hectares by 2024–25.

Simultaneously, productivity saw a significant boost, climbing from 1,173 kg per hectare to 1,495 kg per hectare, showcasing advancements in farming techniques and crop management practices.

This resulted in total pulse production escalating from 10.58 lakh metric tonnes to 21.52 lakh metric tonnes.

Chickpeas remain the cornerstone of Gujarat's pulse sector, contributing more than 70 percent of the total pulse output in the state.

Chickpea production surged dramatically from 6.36 lakh metric tonnes in 2019–20 to 15.63 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25.

Additionally, Gujarat has seen significant advancements in pigeon pea (tur/arhar) cultivation, with production rising by approximately 45 percent, from 2.10 lakh metric tonnes to 3.08 lakh metric tonnes in the same timeframe.

Other pulses such as urad, moong, and moth bean have also made gains across various agro-climatic zones within the state.

In 2024–25, urad was cultivated over 1.14 lakh hectares with an estimated yield of around 90,000 metric tonnes, while moong covered 1.38 lakh hectares, producing nearly 1.26 lakh metric tonnes.

Moth bean, which thrives in arid and semi-arid regions like Kutch and parts of northern Gujarat, along with other minor pulses, was cultivated on approximately 72,000 hectares, yielding over 64,000 metric tonnes.

Officials credit this remarkable transformation to a blend of policy reform and infrastructural advancements.

Irrigation projects have guaranteed better water accessibility for rabi and summer crops, motivating farmers to diversify into pulses.

Simultaneously, the rise in minimum support prices—varying between 11 and 31 percent in recent years—has made pulse farming economically viable.

The uptake of improved seed varieties developed by state agricultural universities has further enhanced yields.

The growing export prospects of pulses from Gujarat have provided additional motivation for farmers, resulting in both an increase in cultivated area and enhanced productivity.

These combined factors have solidified pulses as a crucial growth segment in Gujarat's agricultural landscape, supporting the state’s role in enhancing India's food security and the larger objective of fostering an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).