Why in News?
The roadmap for achieving self-reliance in pulses under the Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Mission has been finalised at the Food Legumes Research Centre (FLRP), Amlaha, in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh.
What is the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and launched in October 2025, this centrally sponsored scheme has a budget of ₹11,440 crore. It aims to make India self-sufficient in pulses between 2025–26 and 2030–31.
- Main Pulses Covered: The mission mainly focuses on Tur (Arhar), Urad and Masoor, as these are widely consumed in India but still have a shortage in domestic production.
- Why is the Mission Needed?
- Nutritional Security: Pulses are an important source of protein and provide around 20–25% of the protein consumed in Indian diets. However, average consumption is still below the recommended 85 grams per person per day, which can contribute to nutritional deficiencies.
- Reducing Imports: India’s pulse production increased from 192.6 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 252.38 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, but the country still imported 47.38 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. Reducing imports will help save foreign exchange and protect farmers from fluctuations in global prices.
- Key Targets: The mission plans to:
- Increase the area under pulses by 35 lakh hectares, taking the total area to 310 lakh hectares.
- Raise pulse production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31.
- Improve productivity and farmers’ incomes.
- Encourage climate-resilient farming.
- Reduce India’s dependence on imports.
- Strengthen the country’s nutritional security.
- How Will the Mission Work?
- SATHI Portal: The government will use the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) Portal to track seeds from production and certification to their sale. This will help farmers get access to good-quality and reliable seeds.
- Assured Procurement: In participating states, 100% of Tur, Urad and Masoor production will be procured for the next four years. NAFED and NCCF will undertake procurement under PM-AASHA, helping farmers get fair prices and reducing the risk of price fluctuations.
- Cluster-Based Approach: Pulses will be promoted through clusters in suitable regions, allowing resources, technology and support services to be used more effectively while encouraging cultivation in new areas.
Key Highlights of the Roadmap for Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- Setting up Pulse Mills: The mission plans to establish 1,000 pulse mills across India, including 55 in Madhya Pradesh, using a cluster-based approach. The government will provide a subsidy of ₹25 lakh for each mill to encourage local processing and value addition.
- Seed-to-Market Approach: Instead of sending seeds from Delhi, quality seeds will be distributed directly within the states, making them more easily accessible to farmers.
- Support for Farmers: Farmers who join the designated clusters will receive seed kits and ₹10,000 per hectare as financial assistance for adopting model farming practices.
NITI Aayog Recommendations for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- One Block–One Seed Village: Each block can have a dedicated seed village to produce and supply quality pulse seeds locally. Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) can also help farmers with seed production, storage and distribution.
- Use of Rice Fallow Land: Land that remains unused after the rice harvest can be used to grow pulses. This will increase pulse production without requiring additional farmland.
- Including Pulses in Government Food Programmes: Pulses can be added to programmes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day Meals. This can increase pulse consumption while helping tackle protein deficiency and malnutrition.
- Use of Technology: Farmers should be encouraged to grow climate-resilient and short-duration pulse varieties that can withstand changing weather conditions and mature quickly. The SATHI Portal can be used to track seeds and monitor progress using reliable data.
What are the Key Facts About the Pulses?
Pulses: Basic Information
- What are Pulses?
Pulses are the dried edible seeds of leguminous plants, such as gram, lentils, peas and beans. They belong to the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family. Pulses are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, while being relatively low in fat. They can also improve soil health by fixing nitrogen and can be stored for long periods when properly dried. - Climatic Conditions:
Pulses generally grow well in temperatures of around 20–27°C, with 25–60 cm of rainfall, and prefer sandy-loamy soils. They are grown in different seasons throughout the year:- Kharif: Arhar (Tur), Urad, Moong, Lobia, Kulthi and Moth.
- Rabi: Gram, Lentil, Pea, Lathyrus and Rajmash.
- Summer: Mainly Greengram, Blackgram and Cowpea.
- India’s Position Globally:
India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, accounting for around 25% of global pulse production. However, the contribution of pulses to India’s total foodgrain production has fallen from about 16% in 1950 to around 8% in 2022–23. This decline is partly linked to the long-standing focus on cereals such as rice and wheat. - Major Pulse-Producing States:
Important pulse-growing states include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. - Future Demand:
India’s demand for pulses is expected to reach around 39 million tonnes by 2050. To meet this growing demand, pulse production needs to increase by roughly 2.2% every year. - Benefits for Soil and the Environment:
Pulses are good for both farmers and the environment. They naturally add nitrogen to the soil, improve soil fertility and biodiversity, and work well in intercropping systems. They also have a relatively low carbon footprint, making them suitable for climate-resilient farming and the growing demand for plant-based sources of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?
It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in October 2025 with a budget of ₹11,440 crore. Its main goal is to make India self-sufficient in pulses during the period 2025–26 to 2030–31.
2. Which pulses are the main focus?
The mission mainly focuses on Tur (Arhar), Urad and Masoor because these pulses are widely consumed in India but their domestic production is still not enough to meet demand.
3. What are the main production targets?
The mission aims to increase the area under pulse cultivation to 310 lakh hectares and raise production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31.
4. Why is assured procurement important?
The government will ensure 100% procurement of Tur, Urad and Masoor in participating states. NAFED and NCCF will carry out the procurement under PM-AASHA, helping farmers get assured markets and better price stability.
