On October 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a decisive step in India’s long-standing pursuit of food security and agricultural independence by approving the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. This six-year initiative, to be implemented between 2025-26 and 2030-31, has been allocated a financial commitment of Rs 11,440 crore.
The decision reflects the government’s resolve to address one of the most persistent weaknesses in India’s food basket: the inability to produce enough pulses to meet domestic demand. Despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India continues to face a production shortfall of 15 to 20 per cent, resulting in substantial imports each year and a significant outflow of foreign exchange.
The newly launched mission aims not only to bridge this gap but also to empower farmers with access to high-quality seeds, modern agricultural practices, and the assurance of guaranteed procurement at minimum support prices.
The scale of this ambition is striking. The Mission sets out a target of raising annual pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, up from the current 270 lakh tonnes. Alongside increased output, the area under pulses cultivation is expected to expand to 310 lakh hectares, while productivity is projected to rise significantly, with yields expected to touch 1,130 kilograms per hectare.
This comprehensive initiative is expected to directly benefit nearly two crore farmers, reduce India’s dependency on imports, conserve precious foreign exchange reserves, and generate significant employment opportunities across the country’s rural regions.
The urgency of such a move becomes clear when considering the centrality of pulses in Indian diets and agricultural systems. Pulses are a vital source of protein for millions, particularly in vegetarian households, and their demand has been steadily rising with changes in income levels, lifestyle choices, and growing nutritional awareness. Yet, production has not kept pace, often disrupted by erratic monsoons, inadequate seed availability, and the lack of robust post-harvest infrastructure. As a result, India has remained dependent on imports from countries such as Myanmar, Canada, and Mozambique. This mission aims to decisively reverse that dependency and make India’s protein security self-sustaining.
At the heart of the mission lies a strong focus on seed development and research. Over 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds will be distributed across pulse-growing regions, while 88 lakh free seed kits will be provided to farmers to ensure access to the latest and most productive varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will supervise breeder seed production, while states will prepare five-year rolling seed plans to ensure continuity. The entire distribution process will be tracked digitally through the Seed Authentication, Traceability and Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal, which promises transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the system. By strengthening seed systems, the government aims to ensure that farmers can adopt pest-resistant, climate-resilient, and high-yielding varieties tailored to regional needs.
Another major component of the mission involves area expansion. The government plans to bring an additional 35 lakh hectares under pulse cultivation, focusing particularly on rice fallow areas and promoting intercropping systems to diversify agricultural land use.
By targeting pulse-deficient states and encouraging crop diversification, the mission hopes to spread production more evenly across the country rather than relying heavily on a few regions. This geographic spread is expected to reduce supply shocks, ensure regional balance, and contribute to long-term sustainability.
Perhaps one of the most reassuring features of the mission for farmers is the government’s guarantee of 100 percent procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the next four years. The procurement process will be managed by NAFED and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) under the Price Support Scheme of PM-AASHA. This safety net ensures that farmers can cultivate pulses with confidence, free from the volatility of market fluctuations and international price uncertainties. By institutionalising procurement guarantees, the government is building farmer trust and incentivising greater adoption of pulse cultivation.
The mission also looks beyond production and procurement by addressing the critical area of post-harvest management. Plans are underway for the establishment of 1,000 processing units to reduce crop losses and add value to pulse production. Each unit will be eligible for a subsidy of up to Rs 25 lakh, encouraging private investment in storage, packaging, and processing infrastructure.
By creating a robust value chain, farmers will not only secure better returns for their produce but also create new employment opportunities in rural agro-industries, making the mission an instrument of rural economic transformation.
Capacity-building is another vital element. The government has envisioned structured training programmes for farmers and seed growers to promote modern and sustainable practices. These programmes, conducted by ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and state agricultural departments, will emphasise climate-resilient techniques, balanced fertiliser use, and greater mechanisation. The mission’s cluster-based approach will allow interventions to be tailored to specific regional needs, ensuring that areas with high productivity potential receive the right support, while water-stressed regions benefit from the introduction of drought-resistant varieties.
The financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore is expected to generate wide-ranging benefits. Imports are projected to decline drastically, saving billions in foreign exchange annually. Employment opportunities will expand in seed production, storage, logistics, and processing sectors. Farmers’ incomes are expected to rise through assured markets, higher productivity, and reduced losses, aligning with the government’s larger promise of doubling farmers’ incomes.
Beyond these economic considerations, the mission is expected to generate significant environmental and social benefits. Pulses are known to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which reduces dependency on chemical fertilisers.
Expansion of pulse cultivation will therefore contribute to improved soil health, better utilisation of degraded lands, and the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture. On the social front, the mission strengthens the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring nutritional security while simultaneously empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Of course, challenges remain. Climate variability, unpredictable international markets, and the need for timely procurement payments are issues that must be addressed to ensure the programme’s long-term success. Experts caution that effective implementation and coordination between central and state agencies will be crucial. However, with digital monitoring tools like the SATHI portal, institutional support from ICAR and other agencies, and strong assurances like MSP-backed procurement, the mission is better placed to overcome these hurdles.
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is not just another agricultural programme, it represents one of the most comprehensive reforms in the sector in recent years. By focusing on seeds, cultivation expansion, procurement, and value chain development, it strengthens every link in the pulse production chain.
If executed effectively, it could transform India from a pulse importer into a global leader in pulse production, saving foreign exchange, ensuring nutritional security, and uplifting millions of farmers. More importantly, it signals India’s march toward true food sovereignty, fulfilling the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Comments