Lahiri Calls for Higher Pulses and Edible Oil Production Amid Inflation

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri urged India to increase domestic production of <b>pulses and oilseeds</b> to reduce import dependence and strengthen food security. The call came as retail inflation reached 6.09 per cent in October 2026 and food inflation stood at 8.94 per cent. Lahiri said India imports pulses including chana, tur dal and masoor. He noted that pulses require relatively less water than several other crops, making greater cultivation relevant to food security and agricultural resource management. He also described India as a “shining star” in the broader economic outlook.