The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)

31.10.2025

1. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)

Context

Launched on October 11, 2025, the mission aims to enhance domestic pulses production, reduce import dependency, improve farmer incomes, and promote sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. It builds on earlier pulses initiatives to meet India’s growing demand for pulses.

Duration and Funding

• Timeline: 2025–26 to 2030–31 (six years)
   
• Financial Outlay: ₹11,440 crore
   

Objectives and Targets

• Increase Production: 45% growth, from 242 lakh metric tonnes (2023–24) to 350 lakh metric tonnes (2030–31).
   
• Expand Cultivation Area: 13% increase, from 275 lakh hectares to 310 lakh hectares.
   
• Boost Yield: 28% rise, from 881 kg/hectare to 1,130 kg/hectare.
   
• Self-Sufficiency: Achieve self-reliance in Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor by 2027.
   
• Assured Prices: 100% procurement of these pulses under PM-AASHA via NAFED and NCCF.
   
• Seed Development: Promote high-protein, climate-resilient varieties.
   
• Post-Harvest Management: Reduce losses, strengthen storage and value chains, and enhance farmer profits.
   

Key Features and Implementation

• Cluster-Based Approach: District-level clusters of 10+ hectares (2 hectares in hilly/Northeast areas) for focused interventions.
   
• Priority Regions: Traditional pulse states—Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh—and non-traditional areas like the Northeast, rainfed zones, and rice fallows.
   
• Transparent Procurement: Aadhaar-based biometric and facial verification of farmers.
   
• Enhanced Demonstrations: Front-line demonstrations (FLDs) with ₹10,000 per hectare assistance to promote advanced techniques.
   

Significance

• India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet imports 15–20% of domestic demand. The mission aims to reverse this dependence.
   
• Pulses contribute to nutritional security, soil health, and affordable protein intake.
   
• Bridging yield gaps in major pulses will maximize production potential and promote improved varieties and farming practices.
   

Challenges and Way Forward

• Addressing climate variability and market risks.
   
• Improving private sector participation in seed systems.
   
• Strong coordination between Central and State governments, timely implementation, and supportive policies for infrastructure and market linkages.
   
• Ensuring equitable growth in aspirational, LWE-affected, border, and backward regions through targeted cluster development.
   

Conclusion

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a transformative initiative set to make India self-reliant in pulses, boost farmer incomes, and ensure nutritional security. By integrating production, quality, procurement, and market strategies, the mission seeks to secure India’s position as a leading pulses producer, meeting domestic demand sustainably by 2030–31.