The Union Cabinet has approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore for the period 2025-26 to 2030-31. 

• The mission aims to boost domestic production and achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.

Objectives of the Mission

• Achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-sufficiency) in pulses by 2030-31.
• Reduce dependency on imports and conserve foreign exchange.
• Enhance production, productivity, and farmer incomes through modern technologies.
• Promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Targets by 2030-31

• Expand pulse cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares.
• Raise production to 35 MT from 24.2 MT in 2023-24.
• Increase yield to 1130 kg/ha.
• Generate substantial rural employment opportunities.

Key Components of the Mission

• Research and Seed Development
  • Focus on high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties.
  • Conduct multi-location trials in major pulse-growing states to ensure suitability.
  • States to prepare five-year rolling seed production plans, with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) supervising breeder seed production.
  • Foundation and certified seed production to be tracked via the  SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability &  Holistic Inventory) portal
  • 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to be distributed, covering 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31.
• Expansion of Area
  • Target to bring an additional 35 lakh hectares under pulses.
  • Emphasis on rice fallow areas, diversifiable lands, intercropping, and crop diversification.
  • Distribution of 88 lakh seed kits free of cost to farmers.
• Farmer Capacity Building
  • Structured training programmes for farmers and seed growers.
  • Promotion of sustainable techniques and modern technologies.
  • Extensive demonstrations by ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), and State Departments.
• Market and Value Chain Development
  • Development of post-harvest infrastructure, including 1000 processing units.
  • Subsidy up to ₹25 lakhs for processing and packaging units.
  • Cluster-based approach to tailor interventions and promote geographical diversification.
• Procurement and Price Support
  • Assured procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
  • NAFED and NCCF to undertake 100% procurement in participating states for the next four years (till 2029–30).
  • Mechanism for monitoring global pulse prices to safeguard farmer confidence.
• Convergence and Support Measures
• • Linkages with Soil Health Programme, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization, fertilizer balance, and plant protection.
  • Promotion of climate-resilient practices for long-term sustainability.

Significance

• Food Security: Domestic demand has increased due to higher incomes and improved living standards.
  • Largest Importer: India accounts for 14% of global pulse imports.
  • In FY25, imports touched a nine-year high of 6.7 million tonnes.
• Economic Benefits: Saves valuable foreign exchange; boosts farmers’ incomes.
• Environmental Impact: Encourages climate-resilient practices, improves soil health, and utilizes crop fallow areas productively.
• Strategic Importance: Contributes to Aatmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring self-sufficiency in pulses.

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