National Pulses Mission

The Union Cabinet has approved the “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” (National Pulses Mission 2025–31) with a total funding of ₹11,440 crore to ramp up pulse production and reduce import dependence.

Key Highlights & Strategic Goals

• Duration: 2025-26 to 2030-31 (six years)
• Production target: Increase pulses output to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31
• Area expansion & productivity: Expand area under pulses to 310 lakh hectares, with yield target of 1,130 kg/ha
• Seed & input support:
  • Distribute 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds
  • Provide 88 lakh free seed kits to farmers
• Procurement & price assurance:
  • 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, Masoor under PM-AASHA’s Price Support Scheme (PSS) in participating states for four years
  • Managed by NAFED / NCCF in states where farmers register
• Infrastructure & value chain:
  • Establish 1,000 processing and packaging units (subsidy up to ₹25 lakh per unit)
  • Expand research, trials for climate-resilient & pest-resistant varieties.
• Farmer coverage & governance:
  • Benefit ~2 crore farmers through seed, infrastructure and procurement support
  • Use SATHI portal for seed authentication, traceability, and inventory control

Significance & Expected Impacts

• Import reduction & foreign exchange savings — narrowing India’s reliance on pulse imports.
• Boost to farmer income through assured procurement, better yields, and value-addition.
• Food & nutritional security — pulses are a critical protein source in Indian diets.
• Sustainable agriculture — enhancing soil health, utilizing fallow lands, promoting diversification.
• Rural employment & value chain development through processing units and allied operations.