The Union Cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. This plan aims to make India self-sufficient by increasing the country’s pulse production. The mission will take place over six years, from 2025–26 to 2030–31, with a budget of Rs 11,440 crore.
India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, considers them an essential part of the diet and cropping system. Domestic production has lagged behind rising incomes and consumption, which has resulted in a 15–25 per cent increase in pulse imports. Reducing reliance on imports, satisfying growing domestic demand, increasing production and raising farmer incomes are the goals of this mission.
Research and development of high-yielding, pest-resistant and climate-resilient pulse varieties are part of the strategy. To guarantee regional suitability, multi-location trials will be carried out in the main states where pulses grow. To ensure the availability of high-quality seeds, states will create rolling seed production plans spanning five years. Breeder seed production will be overseen by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the SATHI portal will be used to track seed quality.
With an emphasis on diversifiable lands and rice fallow regions, the mission aims to expand pulse farming by 35 lakh hectares while promoting crop diversification and intercropping. A total of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and 88 lakh free seed kits will be distributed to farmers by 2030–31.
Training programmes on new technologies and sustainable methods will be the main focus of farmer capacity building. The mission also aims to strengthen markets and value chains by building post-harvest infrastructure, including 1,000 processing units. Each facility can receive up to Rs 25 lakh in subsidies to help farmers increase income, add value and reduce crop losses.
The programme intends to increase production to 350 lakh tonnes, increase yields to 1,130 kg per hectare and extend pulse cultivation to 310 lakh hectares by 2030–31. In order to achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses, the project is expected to create jobs, advance environmental benefits through climate-resilient agricultural practices, enhance soil health, lessen reliance on imports, preserve foreign exchange and raise farmer incomes. |
