Introduction: What is the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses', a significant initiative aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulses production in India. Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, this mission is a six-year program that will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2030-31 with a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore. Pulses are a vital part of India's cropping system and diet. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses. However, with rising incomes and living standards, the demand for pulses has outpaced domestic production, leading to a 15-20% increase in imports. The mission aims to address this gap by boosting domestic production, reducing import dependency, and enhancing the income of farmers.
Key Features and Objectives
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses has a multi-pronged strategy to revolutionize the pulses sector in India. The primary objectives are to increase production and productivity, ensure better prices for farmers, and reduce the country's reliance on imports.
Core Objectives:
- Achieve Self-Sufficiency: The foremost goal is to make India 'Aatmanirbhar' or self-reliant in pulses production by 2030-31.
- Boost Production and Yield: The mission targets to increase the total pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, up from 24 MMT in 2023-24. It also aims to increase the average yield to 1130 kg per hectare from the current 881 kg/ha.
- Area Expansion: The plan is to expand the area under pulses cultivation to 310 lakh hectares. This includes bringing an additional 35 lakh hectares under pulses, with a focus on rice fallow areas.
- Enhance Farmers' Income: The mission is expected to benefit approximately 2 crore farmers by providing them with improved seeds, post-harvest infrastructure, and assured procurement.
Strategic Interventions:
- Improved Seed Systems: A major focus is on the development and dissemination of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties of pulses. The mission will distribute 88 lakh free seed kits and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to farmers. State governments will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans, with breeder seed production supervised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Assured Procurement: To provide price stability and build farmer confidence, the mission guarantees 100% procurement of Tur (Pigeon Pea), Urad (Black Gram), and Masoor (Lentil) at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the next four years. This will be carried out by nodal agencies like NAFED and NCCF.
- Post-Harvest Infrastructure: To minimize post-harvest losses and promote value addition, the mission will support the establishment of 1,000 processing and packaging units with a subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh per unit.
- Technology Adoption: The mission will leverage technology for better implementation and monitoring. The SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal will be used for seed lifecycle monitoring.
- Cluster-Based Approach: The mission will adopt a cluster-based approach, tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different regions.
- Price Monitoring: A mechanism to monitor global pulse prices will be established to safeguard the interests of Indian farmers.
Who is Eligible? (Eligibility Criteria)
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a comprehensive program that primarily targets farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) involved in the cultivation of pulses. While the detailed operational guidelines are expected to be released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, the key beneficiaries of the scheme will be:
- Individual Farmers: All farmers engaged in the cultivation of pulses, especially Tur, Urad, and Masoor, will be eligible to receive benefits such as free seed kits and certified seeds.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): FPOs will be encouraged to participate in the mission, particularly in the establishment of processing and packaging units. They will be eligible for financial assistance and subsidies for setting up post-harvest infrastructure.
- State Governments and Union Territories: State and UT governments will play a crucial role in the implementation of the mission by preparing and executing state-specific action plans, including the rolling seed production plans.
- Agricultural Universities and Research Institutions: These institutions will be involved in the research and development of high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of pulses.
How to Apply / Avail the Benefits
The application process and the modalities for availing the benefits under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses are expected to be rolled out through state government channels. Farmers and FPOs interested in participating in the mission should stay updated with announcements from their respective state agriculture departments. The likely steps to avail the benefits are:
- Registration with State Agriculture Department: Farmers will likely need to register with their local or district agriculture office to be included in the list of beneficiaries for free seed kits and other inputs.
- Enrollment in Procurement Portals: For assured procurement at MSP, farmers will have to register on the designated government portals of agencies like NAFED and NCCF.
- Application for Post-Harvest Units: FPOs and entrepreneurs interested in setting up processing and packaging units will have to apply through a separate process, which will be detailed in the operational guidelines of the mission. This may involve submitting a detailed project report (DPR) to the concerned authorities.
- Contacting Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Farmers can also approach their nearest KVKs for information on improved varieties of pulses and best cultivation practices promoted under the mission.
It is advisable for farmers to be in regular contact with their local agricultural extension officers for the latest updates and guidance on how to benefit from this mission.
