India is poised to advance its ambition of achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses with a high-level National Consultation and Strategy Meeting scheduled at the Food Legume Research Platform (FLRP), Amlaha, Sehore, under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), will bring together Chief Ministers, Agriculture Ministers from major pulse-producing states, scientists, farmer groups, and industry stakeholders to chart a roadmap for pulse self-sufficiency and nutritional security.

Marking what officials describe as the next chapter of India’s Pulse Revolution, Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate state-of-the-art research and farmer-focused infrastructure at FLRP in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. New facilities include an administrative complex, a farmer training centre, and advanced laboratories for plant genomics, tissue culture, breeding, and plant pathology.

The programme will begin with a plantation drive, followed by field visits where the Union Minister will observe demonstrations of new pulse varieties and advanced farming technologies and interact directly with farmers. An exhibition showcasing improved pulse seeds, value-added products, and innovations will also be held. On the occasion, the Pulses Mission Portal will be launched, and improved seed varieties will be distributed to progressive farmers.

In his address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to outline the government’s integrated strategy to boost domestic pulse production — spanning MSP-backed procurement, seed system strengthening, value chain development, and farmer income enhancement. Dr. Mohan Yadav will also address the gathering, highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s role as a key pulse-producing state.

Agriculture Ministers from states including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha will participate in person, while ministers from other states will join virtually, reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism.

According to Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary and Mission Director (Pulses), deliberations will focus on actionable strategies covering new high-yielding varieties, seed multiplication, disease management, mechanization, value addition, and market linkages for major pulse crops such as tur (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and masoor (lentil). Participants include senior officials from central and state governments, scientists from ICAR, ICRISAT, and ICARDA, representatives of NAFED, NCCF, National Seeds Corporation, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and private-sector stakeholders from seed, processing, and plant-based food industries.

The consultation aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to reduce India’s dependence on pulse imports, ensure remunerative prices for farmers, and strengthen the country’s nutritional security.

By translating stakeholder insights into a clear, time-bound action plan, the Sehore consultation aims to position India firmly on the path toward sustainable self-reliance in pulses, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the broader agri-economy.