The seed minikits of pulses are distributed to the farmers of major pulse growing states under NFSM

Union Agriculture Minister in a written reply in Lok Sabha mentioned that seed minikit of pulses have been distributed to the farmers of major pulse growing states under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The district-wise allocation and distribution of seed minikit are being managed by the respective state governments.

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is implemented by the states under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The states transfer the benefit to the targeted beneficiaries through DBT by using the Aadhar-enabled system. Many states viz., Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra etc have reported Aadhaar enabled distribution of seed mini kits. The production and productivity of pulses under the seed minikit programme are primarily monitored by state government field functionaries and State Food Security Mission Executive Committee (SFSM-EC) headed by Chief Secretary/Agriculture Production Commissioner.

Besides, field visits of seed minikit fields are also undertaken by National Level Monitoring Teams (NALMOTS) constituted by The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. As a result of the various interventions under NFSM-Pulses programme, the production of pulses has increased from 16.32 million metric tonnes in 2015-16 to 25.56 million metric tonnes in 2020-21 (3rd Advance Estimates). The productivity of pulses has also increased from 655 kg/ha to 878 kg/ha during the same period.