CONTENTS
- Resumption of Tur Dal Imports from Mozambique Following Disruption
- Astra Missile
Resumption of Tur Dal Imports from Mozambique Following Disruption
Context:
India has resumed importing Tur dal (Pigeon pea) from Mozambique following a temporary halt caused by disruptions from an “anti-India” group.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of Tur Dal (Pigeon Pea) in India
- Current State of Pulse Imports in India
Overview of Tur Dal (Pigeon Pea) in India
Characteristics of Tur Dal
- Tur dal is a crucial legume and protein source in India.
- Thrives in tropical and semi-arid regions.
Climatic Requirements for Tur Dal
- Rainfall: Requires 600-650 mm annually, needing moist conditions initially and dry conditions during the later stages of flowering and pod development.
- Temperature: Optimal growth temperatures are 26°C to 30°C during the rainy season and 17°C to 22°C after the rains.
- Soil Preferences: Favors sandy loam or loam but is adaptable to various soil types.
- Sensitivity: Low radiation during pod development can impair pod formation, particularly if flowering coincides with the monsoon or cloudy weather.
Challenges in Cultivation
- Diseases: Susceptible to Wilt, Sterility Mosaic Disease, Phytophthora Blight, Alternaria Blight, and Powdery Mildew.
Production Statistics
- Leading States (2019): Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are the top producers.
- Pulse Production Status: India is the leading global producer (25% of global production), the largest consumer (27% of global consumption), and a significant importer (14%).
- Contribution to Agriculture: Pulses occupy about 20% of the area under food grains, contributing 7-10% to the total food grain output.
- Varietal Dominance: Gram is the predominant pulse at about 40% of total pulse production, followed by Tur/Arhar (15-20%) and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong (8-10% each).
- Seasonal Production: More than 60% of pulse production occurs during the Rabi season.
Current State of Pulse Imports in India
- In FY 2023-24, India imported 4.65 million metric tons of pulses, marking the highest volume since 2018-19.
- The value of pulse imports surged by 93% to USD 3.75 billion.
- Of the 7.71 lakh tons of Tur/Pigeon pea imported, 2.64 lakh tons were sourced from Mozambique, with Malawi also being a key supplier.
- MoUs with Mozambique and Malawi ensure annual supplies of 2 lakh tons and 0.50 lakh tons respectively until 2025-26.
- Significant quantities of red lentils and yellow peas are imported from Canada, Russia, and Turkey respectively.
- South Asian nations, including India, predominantly import pulses from Canada, Myanmar, Australia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Astra Missile
Context:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has given clearance to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to produce 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for its Su-3O and LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.
Relevance:
GS III: Defence
Astra Missile: Advancing Indian Air Power
- Purpose and Design: Astra stands as a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile meticulously crafted for integration onto fighter aircraft. Originating from indigenous efforts by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), it is tailored for deployment in the Indian Air Force (IAF). Its primary mission is the engagement and destruction of highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft.
- Development and Classification: Acknowledged as the forefront in its category globally, the Astra missile is considered the finest air-to-air missile system in its class. It is undergoing development in multiple variants, addressing specific operational requirements dictated by diverse scenarios.
- Induction into IAF: The ASTRA Mk-I Weapon System, seamlessly integrated with SU-30 Mk-I aircraft, marks a significant milestone as it enters the arsenal of the Indian Air Force. The induction underscores the strategic importance and operational readiness of the Astra missile in enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
