Union Cabinet Approves ₹11,440 Crore Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses for 2025–26 to 2030–31. With a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore, the mission aims to expand domestic production, achieve self-sufficiency, and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. The initiative will focus on increasing yields, expanding cultivated area, and strengthening value chains.

Importance of Pulses

India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses. Rising incomes and changing dietary patterns have lifted demand, but production has not matched consumption. Imports account for nearly 15–20% of domestic needs, increasing pressure on trade balances. The mission was announced in the FY26 Budget to address this gap and boost farmer incomes.

Key Strategies and Research Focus

The programme will develop and distribute high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties. Multi-location trials will be conducted in major growing states to ensure regional adaptability. To support seed systems, breeder seed production will be supervised by ICAR, while foundation and certified seed production will be handled by state and central agencies and tracked through the SATHI portal.

By 2030–31, the government plans to distribute 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to cover 370 lakh hectares. States will also prepare rolling seed production plans to ensure timely availability.

Expansion of Area and Farmer Support

The mission targets expansion of pulse cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares, particularly in rice fallows and diversifiable lands. Farmers will receive 88 lakh seed kits free of cost to promote intercropping and crop diversification. Capacity building will be supported through structured training programmes by ICAR, KVKs, and State Departments.

Convergence with schemes such as the Soil Health Programme and Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization will be encouraged. Balanced fertiliser use, plant protection, and field demonstrations will further promote sustainable practices.

Infrastructure and Procurement

To strengthen post-harvest systems, the mission will support the setting up of 1,000 processing units with subsidies up to ₹25 lakh per unit. This aims to reduce losses and improve value addition. Procurement support will be assured for Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA. NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100% procurement in participating states for the next four years.

Targets By 2030–31

The mission aims to increase the area under pulses to 310 lakh hectares and production to 350 lakh tonnes, with yields rising to 1,130 kg per hectare. Employment generation, improved soil health, and adoption of climate-resilient practices are also expected outcomes. A mechanism to monitor global pulse prices will further protect farmer interests.

Read More: Union Cabinet Hikes MSPs Of Six Rabi Crops For 2026–27

Conclusion

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses marks a major step in India’s agricultural policy. By combining seed systems, area expansion, and assured procurement, the initiative seeks to achieve self-reliance and reduce imports. The ₹11,440 crore programme is designed to boost farmer incomes, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen climate-friendly agricultural practices across the country.

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