Cabinet Approves Rs 11,440-Crore Mission For Aatmanirbharta In Pulses
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, a six-year initiative aimed at raising domestic output and reducing dependence on imports. The mission, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore, will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2030-31 and targets production of 350 lakh tonnes by the end of the period.India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, but demand has outpaced domestic supply, leading to imports that account for nearly 15 to 20 per cent of consumption. The new mission seeks to bridge this gap while ensuring food security and boosting farmer incomes. Nearly 2 crore farmers are expected to benefit.
The programme will focus on seed development, area expansion, procurement and post-harvest infrastructure. The government plans to distribute 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to cover 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31. In addition, 88 lakh free seed kits of improved, high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties will be provided to farmers. Seed production will be monitored through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (Sathi) portal under the supervision of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The Cabinet also cleared the expansion of cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares, largely through rice fallows and other diversifiable lands. Intercropping and crop diversification will be promoted in convergence with soil health and mechanisation schemes.
To strengthen the value chain, 1,000 processing units will be set up to reduce crop losses and improve value addition. Farmers establishing processing and packaging units will be eligible for subsidies of up to Rs 25 lakh.
A major feature of the mission is assured procurement. Nafed and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation will undertake 100 per cent procurement of Tur, Urad and Masoor from farmers for the next four years at minimum support prices under the Price Support Scheme of PM-Aasha.
By 2030-31, the government projects the area under pulses to rise to 310 lakh hectares, yields to reach 1,130 kg per hectare and overall production to touch 350 lakh tonnes. Officials said the mission is expected to reduce import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, generate rural employment and promote climate-resilient farming practices.
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