In a decisive push toward food security and reduced import dependence, the Union Cabinet has approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, a six-year national programme that aims to transform India’s pulse economy and achieve complete self-sufficiency by 2030-31. Backed by an investment outlay of Rs 11,440 crore, the Mission represents one of India’s most comprehensive interventions in pulse production, seeds, value chains, and market assurance.

India is already the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet demand has consistently outpaced domestic supply, leading to persistent import reliance. Rising incomes and dietary diversification have expanded consumption, even as production growth has lagged. The new Mission seeks to close this gap through a multi-pronged strategy spanning research, seed systems, area expansion, value-chain strengthening, and assured procurement.

A major thrust will be on next-generation pulse varieties that deliver higher yields, stronger pest resistance, and greater climate resilience. To enable rapid diffusion, states will prepare rolling five-year seed production plans, breeder seed will be overseen by ICAR, and foundation and certified seeds will be monitored through the SATHI digital traceability portal. By 2030-31, the Mission will distribute 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to farmers across 370 lakh hectares.

To accelerate adoption at scale, the Mission will also supply 88 lakh free seed kits, primarily targeting rice fallows and diversifiable regions that collectively offer 35 lakh hectares of expansion potential. Extensive demonstrations, mechanisation support, balanced nutrient management, and plant protection guidance will be delivered through ICAR, KVKs, and state departments to promote best practices.

The Mission also builds a robust ecosystem around post-harvest management—historically a weak link in the pulses value chain. Plans include developing 1,000 processing units with capital subsidies of up to Rs 25 lakh each to reduce losses, improve quality, and build domestic value addition capacity.

A cornerstone of the programme is assured procurement. For the next four years, NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100 per cent procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at MSP in participating states. Farmers registering with these agencies will have guaranteed market access, helping stabilize prices and strengthen confidence in diversification toward pulses. The Mission will also institute a mechanism to monitor global pulse prices, enabling timely domestic interventions.

By 2030-31, the Mission aims to increase the area under pulses to 310 lakh hectares, raise production to 350 lakh tonnes, and boost yield to 1,130 kg/ha. The initiative is expected to benefit around 2 crore farmers, create employment across the value chain, and reduce India’s long-standing import bill in pulses.

Beyond economic gains, the Mission aligns with broader sustainability goals: pulses improve soil fertility, enhance climate resilience, and offer a low-water, low-carbon cropping alternative. By integrating productivity, markets, and environmental stewardship, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses sets the foundation for a resilient, self-reliant, and future-ready pulse economy.