New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’, a six-year initiative aimed at boosting domestic pulse production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta). The Mission, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore, will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
Objectives and significance
Pulses hold a vital place in India’s cropping systems and diets, and the country is both the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses. However, domestic production has not kept pace with rising demand, leading to a 15-20 per cent increase in pulse imports.
The Mission seeks to reduce import dependency, meet growing demand, maximise production, and enhance farmers’ income. It was first announced in the FY 2025-26 Budget and will adopt a comprehensive strategy covering research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability.
Seed development and distribution
A major focus of the Mission will be the development and dissemination of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties. Multi-location trials will be conducted in major pulse-growing states to ensure regional suitability.
States will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans under the supervision of ICAR for breeder seeds. Foundation and certified seeds will be produced by state and central agencies and monitored through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal.
By 2030-31, 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds are expected to be distributed, covering 370 lakh hectares. In addition, 88 lakh seed kits will be provided free of cost to promote area expansion, intercropping, and crop diversification.
Capacity building and farmer support
Structured training programmes will be conducted to promote modern technologies and sustainable practices among farmers and seed growers. The Mission will converge with the Soil Health Programme, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, balanced fertiliser use, plant protection initiatives, and extensive demonstrations by ICAR, KVKs, and State Departments.
Post-harvest infrastructure and value chains
To strengthen pulse markets and value chains, the Mission plans to establish 1,000 processing and packaging units, with a maximum subsidy of Rs 25 lakh per unit. Cluster-based approaches will ensure interventions are tailored to specific regional needs, enhancing productivity and geographic diversification.
Price support and procurement
The Mission will ensure maximum procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA. NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100 per cent procurement in participating states over the next four years from registered farmers. Global pulse price monitoring mechanisms will also be established to safeguard farmer confidence.
Expected outcomes
By 2030-31, the Mission aims to:
- Expand pulse cultivation to 310 lakh hectares
- Increase production to 350 lakh tonnes
- Raise yields to 1,130 kg/ha
Alongside productivity gains, the initiative will create employment opportunities, reduce import dependency, conserve foreign exchange, and promote environmental benefits through climate-resilient practices and improved soil health.