Introduction

Pulses are more than just an agricultural commodity and are at the root of:

• India’s nutritional security;
• Soil health, and;
• Rural livelihoods.

Importance of pulses

As the world’s largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses, India’s policies have consistently focussed on enhancing productivity and sustainability in this vital sector, as with rising incomes and growing awareness about balanced nutrition, demand for pulses has been steadily increasing.

Beyond their economic and trade significance, pulses serve as a nutritional powerhouse. As per the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, pulses contribute nearly 20-25 % of total protein intake in Indian diets. However, the per capita consumption of pulses has continued to fall short of the recommended 85 grams per day contributing to protein-energy malnutrition across the country. Enhancing domestic production of pulses is therefore not only an economic necessity, but also a vital step towards improving public health.

Recognising its importance, the Government has placed great emphasis on strengthening the pulses sector. The Mission for Aatmnirbharta in Pulses which was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and approved by the Union Cabinet on 1^st of October 2025 is to be implemented during 2025-26 to 2030-31.

The mission seeks to:

• Boost domestic production;
• Reduce import dependence, and;
• Pave the way for Aatmanirbharta or Self-reliance in pulses.

Over the years, India has experienced a significant transformation in the production of pulses. Consistent government efforts under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) have led to an increase in production of pulses from 192.6 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 252.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 amounting to 31 % increase, reflecting an impressive growth over the period.

In 2023–24, India imported 47.38 lakh tonnes of pulses, despite being the world’s largest producer of pulses. The government has therefore prioritised achieving self-sufficiency in pulses as a key national objective setting the ambitious goal of making India fully self-reliant in pulses by December 2027, with particular focus on Tur, Urad, and Masoor.

The new Mission aims to meet India’s future demand for pulses entirely through domestic production. It is aligned with Vision 2047, emphasising:

• Sustainable growth;
• Diversified cropping patterns, and;
• Empowerment of farmers through:
• Assured income;
• Adoption of advanced technologies, and;
• Climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Objective of the mission

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by:

• Significantly enhancing domestic production;
• Reducing import dependence, and;
• Sustainably improving farmers’ incomes.

It plans to expand the area under pulses cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares targeting rice fallows and other suitable lands, by promoting intercropping and crop diversification.

In the Mission, key focus will be on the development and dissemination of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties of pulses supported by a robust seed system, including the production and distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and free provision of 88 lakh seed kits to the farmers.

Operational strategy

To ensure effective implementation, States are expected to prepare rolling five-year seed production plans with breeder seed production monitored by ICAR, and quality assurance maintained through the SATHI Portal.

The mission adopts a holistic approach:

• Integrating soil health management;
• Mechanization;
• Balanced fertilizer application;
• Plant protection, and;
• Large-scale demonstrations, facilitated by ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and state agricultural departments.

Through these measures, the Mission envisions a resilient, self-reliant pulses production system that meets India’s growing domestic demand.

Providing greater income security & confidence to farmers in pulses cultivation

The Government will ensure assured procurement of key pulses, Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) will ensure 100 % procurement in participating states over the next four years.

This mechanism:

• Guarantees fair and timely prices;
• Reduces market uncertainties, and;
• Encourages farmers to adopt high-value pulses crops, contributing to the overarching goal of self-reliance in pulses.

Through these concerted efforts, the Mission envisions a resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant pulses production system that meets India’s growing domestic demand and strengthening the farmers’ livelihoods.

The Mission also seeks to strengthen the post-harvest value chain by establishing 1,000 processing and packaging units, supported by subsidies up to Rs. 25 lakh per unit aimed at:

• Reducing losses;
• Enhancing value addition, and;
• Generating rural employment.

The Interventions under the Mission will follow a cluster-based approach as recommended by NITI Aayog facilitating efficient resource utilisation and promoting geographic diversification of pulses cultivation.

By 2030–31, the mission targets:

• Expanding pulses cultivation to 310 lakh hectares;
• Increasing production to 350 lakh tonnes, and;
• Improving yields to 1,130 kg/ha.

In addition to these production goals, the mission aims to conserve foreign exchange:

• By reducing imports;
• Promoting climate-resilient and soil-health friendly practices, and;
• Creating substantial employment opportunities, thereby ensuring nutritional security and long-term self-reliance in pulses.

Epilogue

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses marks a significant stride toward achieving both nutritional and economic security for India.

By prioritising self-reliance, the mission empowers farmers:

• Through technology adoption;
• Assured procurement;
• Capacity building, and;
• Access to quality seeds, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

Through a combination of scientific innovation, cluster-based interventions, and strengthened value chains, the Mission aims:

• To meet domestic demand for pulses and reducing import dependence;
• Enhance farmer incomes, and;
• Position India as a global leader in sustainable pulses production.

By integrating pulses into nutrition programs, improving post-harvest infrastructure, and fostering rural employment, the Mission’s impact is expected to extend beyond food security to:

• Soil health;
• Rural prosperity, and;
• Realisation of a Viksit Bharat Goal.

The Mission lays the foundation for a self-reliant, resilient, and productive pulses sector ensuring long-term benefits for the farmers, consumers, and the nation as a whole.

END OF ARTICLE