India Unveils ₹11,440 Crore ‘Mission Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ to Achieve Self-Sufficiency and Strengthen Farmer Prosperity
In a landmark move aimed at reshaping India’s agricultural future, the Government of India has launched a comprehensive ₹11,440 crore initiative—’Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’—with a strategic vision to achieve full self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2030–31.
Announced by the Union Cabinet and launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this mission marks one of the most significant agricultural interventions in recent years. It aligns directly with the government’s broader goals under Viksit Bharat 2047, and is set to transform the landscape of pulse cultivation, reduce import dependency, and boost rural incomes across the nation.
Despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India has consistently relied on imports to meet domestic demand. In 2023–24, the country imported over 47 lakh tonnes of pulses, underscoring a persistent supply-demand gap. The newly launched mission seeks to decisively close this gap through targeted interventions in seed production, procurement, processing, and distribution.
The mission sets ambitious but achievable targets:
Increase pulse production to 350 lakh tones
Expand cultivated area to 310 lakh hectares
Reach self-sufficiency in Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor by 2027
To meet these goals, the government will fully procure Tur, Urad, and Masoor at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) over the next four years through central agencies like NAFED and NCCF, providing an unprecedented price assurance to farmers.
Empowering Farmers Through Seed and Support
A cornerstone of the mission is the massive distribution of quality seeds to enhance productivity. The government will provide:
88 lakh free seed mini-kits
126 lakh quintals of certified seeds Support to nearly 2 crore farmers
To ensure seed quality and traceability, the SATHI portal (seedtrace.gov.in) will be used, enabling full tracking from breeder seed to certified seed. Moreover, states are mandated to develop five-year rolling seed plans, aligning production with regional agro-climatic needs and market demand.
In addition to production-linked support, the mission includes a robust component for value-chain development. Recognizing the need for local processing and packaging infrastructure, the government will facilitate the establishment of 1,000 processing and packaging units, with a capital subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh per unit . Special support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to operate and manage these units
This is expected to not only reduce post-harvest losses but also create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural areas, particularly for youth and women.
Beyond economics, the mission addresses critical issues of nutrition security and sustainable agriculture. Pulses play a vital role in improving soil health through nitrogen fixation and are a key source of affordable protein for millions of Indians. With current per capita consumption below the recommended level of 85 grams per day, increasing domestic availability is also a public health priority.
In tandem with this mission, NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive report (September 2025) outlining a national strategy to promote pulses in rice fallows, diversify cropping systems, and mainstream pulses in public distribution and school meal programs.
Challenges Ahead and the Road to 2031
India’s pulses production has grown steadily—from 192.6 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 252.38 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 (3rd Advance Estimates). However, bridging the final mile towards self-reliance will require sustained policy coherence, timely implementation, and strong center-state coordination.
Experts caution that challenges such as climate variability, market volatility, and limited private sector participation in seed systems need to be proactively addressed.
Yet, if executed effectively, Mission Aatmanirbharta in Pulses could become a cornerstone of India’s agricultural renaissance—ensuring nutritional security for its people, stable incomes for its farmers, and a significant reduction in import bills.
With this mission, the government is not just sowing seeds in soil—it is sowing seeds of sovereignty, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
