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Amidst rising inflationary pressures, with Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation hitting 6.09 per cent in October 2026 and food inflation reaching 8.94 per cent, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri has underscored the urgent need to accelerate domestic production of pulses and edible oils. This strategic move aims to reduce heavy import dependence and bolster national food security.
Addressing inquiries regarding the inflation surge, Lahiri stated that India must achieve significantly greater progress in the domestic cultivation of pulses and oilseeds. He noted that the country's reliance on overseas supplies remains high despite domestic consumption requirements. Lahiri pointed out that even with high market prices, the momentum in edible oil and pulse production needs to be much more aggressive.
Highlighting the current trade reality, Lahiri expressed concern over the volume of imported pulses consumed domestically. He noted that staples like chana (chickpeas) are frequently sourced from Australia, while tur dal and masoor are also imported. He remarked that consumers might be unaware that the pulses they consume often originate from international markets rather than traditional Indian agricultural hubs like Punjab or Madhya Pradesh.
Furthermore, Lahiri emphasized the sustainability benefits of these crops, noting that pulses require relatively less water than other major crops. This makes them vital for both food security and efficient agricultural resource management. On the broader economic front, Lahiri described India as a 'shining star' in a global economy facing uncertainty. He highlighted India's robust performance, including a real GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY 2026-27 and a 23 per cent year-on-year increase in merchandise exports during September 2026, totaling USD 44.4 billion.
Source: The Tribune