India is set to write a new chapter in its agricultural history as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to launch two transformative initiatives — the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission — at the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The launch coincides with the birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and will mark a milestone in enhancing farmers’ incomes and strengthening the agricultural sector.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for over 1,100 projects worth more than Rs 42,000 crore spanning Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Food Processing sectors, expected to usher in a new era of prosperity and well-being for millions of farmers. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is on track to become the food basket of the world, with a focus on boosting production, improving nutrition, and ensuring equitable growth for farmers.

Highlighting the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, Chouhan noted that although India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, it remains the biggest importer. The mission aims to expand pulse cultivation from 27.5 million to 31 million hectares by 2030-31, increase production from 24.2 million to 35 million tonnes, and raise productivity from 880 kg per hectare to 1,130 kg per hectare.

To achieve these targets, 1.26 crore quintals of certified seeds and 88 lakh free mini seed kits will be distributed to farmers, supported by high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties. Additionally, 1,000 processing units will be established in pulse-growing regions with a government subsidy of Rs 25 lakh each, ensuring better prices and local value addition.

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will focus on 100 low-productivity districts, implementing targeted measures to enhance productivity, improve irrigation, expand credit access, strengthen storage facilities, and promote crop diversification. Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Model, the initiative will be monitored through a NITI Aayog dashboard, aiming to raise incomes and national food production by bringing low-performing districts up to the national productivity average.

The event will also celebrate India’s agricultural achievements, including over 50 lakh farmers associated with 10,000 FPOs, 1 lakh farmers certified for organic farming, and the computerization of 10,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into multi-purpose centers supporting dairy, fisheries, and fertiliser retail. In addition, 4,275 rural Multi-purpose AI Technicians (MAITRIs) have been certified nationwide, supporting technical capacity building in rural communities.

Chouhan reiterated that these initiatives, under the guiding vision of “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team,” are designed to secure food security, increase farmers’ incomes, and promote nutritious grain production, positioning India for self-reliance in pulses and a stronger, more resilient agricultural economy.