India has unveiled a major initiative to make the country self-reliant in pulse production by 2031, approving a six-year mission with an investment of ₹11,440 crore. This landmark programme aims to boost India’s ability to meet growing domestic demand for pulses and reduce dependence on imports, directly supporting millions of farmers and strengthening national food security.
Key Features of the Pulses Mission
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Enhanced Production Targets: The mission intends to raise annual pulse output to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, with productivity goals set at 1,130 kg per hectare and expanded cultivation on 310 lakh hectares.
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Seed Development & Access: Emphasis will be placed on new, high-yield and climate-resilient varieties of pulses. ICAR will oversee the development of breeder seed, while government agencies will manage the provision and certification of seeds to farmers. Around 126 lakh quintals of quality seeds will be distributed and tracked via a digital platform to ensure transparency.
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Expansion of Cultivation: The scheme targets the expansion of pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares, focusing especially on rice fallow and under-utilised areas. To encourage diversification, 88 lakh free seed kits will be shared with farmers across the nation.
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Support for Modern Farming: Farmers will receive support and training in sustainable and modern agricultural techniques, such as soil health management, balanced fertilizer use, mechanization, and environmentally friendly practices.
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Infrastructure and Market Support: Plans are in place to set up 1,000 new processing and packaging units for pulses, each eligible for up to ₹25 lakh in subsidies. This post-harvest support will help reduce crop loss, add value, and boost farmer incomes.
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Assured Procurement & Price Protection: For the next four years, the government will guarantee the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor dal under the Price Support Scheme (PM-AASHA), ensuring stable returns for farmers. National agencies will carry out direct procurement at assured prices.
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Monitoring & Farmer Safeguards: A monitoring system will be established to track international pulse prices and protect Indian farmers from price fluctuations.
Projected Impact
The mission is expected to transform India’s pulse sector by:
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Reducing dependency on imports and saving valuable foreign exchange
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Increasing farmer incomes and generating more rural jobs
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Strengthening food security and promoting climate-resilient agriculture
With rolling implementation starting in 2025-26, the pulses mission represents a significant push toward Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in agriculture and marks a new chapter for the country’s pulse growers and agri-economy.
