The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses. The Mission will be implemented over six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore.
Pulses hold a vital place in India’s cropping systems and diets. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India faces a growing gap between demand and domestic production, leading to a 15–20% increase in pulse imports. The Mission seeks to reduce import dependency, maximize production, and enhance farmers’ incomes.
The comprehensive strategy includes research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability. Emphasis will be on developing and disseminating high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties, with multi-location trials in major pulse-growing states.
To ensure premium seed availability, states will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans, supervised by ICAR. Foundation and certified seed production will be closely tracked through the SATHI portal, and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds will be distributed to farmers, covering 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31.
The Mission will promote intercropping, crop diversification, and optimal use of rice fallow areas, distributing 88 lakh seed kits free of cost. Farmer capacity building will be undertaken through structured training programs, and post-harvest infrastructure, including 1,000 processing units, will be developed with a maximum subsidy of Rs 25 lakh per unit to reduce losses and increase value addition.
A cluster-based approach will tailor interventions to regional needs, ensuring better resource allocation, higher productivity, and geographic diversification. Maximum procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme (PSS) will be ensured by NAFED and NCCF in participating states for the next four years.
By 2030-31, the Mission aims to expand pulses area to 310 lakh hectares, raise production to 350 lakh tonnes, and increase yields to 1,130 kg/ha. Alongside productivity gains, it will generate significant employment, promote climate-resilient practices, enhance soil health, and contribute to the goal of self-reliance in pulses while conserving foreign exchange and boosting farmer incomes.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the MSP policy, the Pulses Mission, and other schemes will be implemented with full transparency, scientific rigor, and farmer welfare in focus.