The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Mission of Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, a commendable initiative focused at boosting domestic production and achieving Aatmanirbharta in pulses. To promote self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta), Modi government has been implementing several new changes including the GST reforms. The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore.
Aatmanirbharta in Pulses a Major Initiative to Boost Self- Sufficiency in Indian Agriculture Sector
Pulses hold a special importance in India’s cropping systems and diets, given its status as the largest producer and consumer of pulses. In this context the initiative of Indian government to approve the mission of Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is no less than a major booster for the agriculture in India. Notably, with rising incomes and standard of living, pulses consumption has increased. However, domestic production has not kept pace with demand, leading to a 15–20% increase in pulse imports.
Self- Sufficiency in Pulses Mandate to Reduce Import Dependency
To meet rising demand of pulses in, maximize production, and enhance farmers income the farmer focused Modi government announced the approval of a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses”. The Mission will adopt a comprehensive strategy covering research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability.
The initiative will further include emphasized focus on developing and disseminating latest varieties of pulses which are high in productivity, pest-resistant and climate-resilient. Multi-location trials will be carried out in major pulse-growing states to ensure regional suitability. To make improved varieties widely available, 126 lakh quintals certified seeds will be distributed to pulse-growing farmers, covering 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31. PM Modi to promote farmers and agriculture sector in India has already launched The National Mission on Natural Farming with a total cost of ₹2,481 cr. The Mission also seeks to expand the area under pulses by an additional 35 lakh hectares by targeting rice fallow areas and other diversifiable lands.
The mission seeks to achieve the goal of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses, reduce import dependency and conserve valuable foreign exchange while boosting farmers’ incomes.