Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Pulses : A Vision of Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability

Context

The Prime Minister of India launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. This ambitious initiative aims to make India self-sufficient in pulse production and reduce import dependence by December 2027. It aligns with the broader goal of ensuring nutritional security, farmers’ welfare, and agricultural sustainability.

About the Mission

Officially known as the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, it seeks to integrate production, procurement, processing, and marketing to create a robust ecosystem for pulses.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India
Implementation Period: 2025–26 to 2030–31
Total Outlay: ₹11,440 crore

Implementation Partners

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Research, technology development, and supervision of seed production.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Farmer capacity building and field demonstrations.
NAFED & NCCF: Procurement and marketing of pulses.
NITI Aayog: Policy recommendations and cluster-based implementation.
National Informatics Centre (NIC): Digital monitoring through the SATHI Portal.

Aims and Objectives

Self-Reliance Goal: Increase pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31.
Area Expansion: Bring 310 lakh hectares under pulses cultivation, including 35 lakh hectares of rice fallows.
Procurement Assurance: Ensure 100% MSP procurement for Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor for four years.
Seed Support: Distribute 88 lakh free seed kits and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds.
Farmer Empowerment: Benefit around 2 crore farmers through assured prices and integrated value chains.

Key Features

1. Technology and Seeds

Launch of SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal for real-time seed lifecycle monitoring.
Development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties by ICAR.

2. Value Chain and Processing

Establishment of 1,000 processing and packaging units, each with a ₹25 lakh subsidy.
Promotion of value addition and rural employment through decentralized agro-industries.

3. Institutional Mechanism

Formulation of state-specific rolling five-year seed production plans under ICAR’s guidance.
Integration with PM-AASHA to ensure price stability and assured procurement.

4. Cluster-Based Approach

Adoption of the “One Block – One Seed Village” model as per NITI Aayog’s recommendation.
Promotion of Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)-led clusters for efficient production and distribution.

5. Nutrition and Welfare Integration

Inclusion of pulses in Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Mid-Day Meal schemes to improve protein intake and nutritional outcomes.

Conclusion

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a transformative initiative aimed at turning India into a self-reliant and globally competitive producer of pulses. Through technological innovation, institutional coordination, and farmer empowerment, it envisions achieving nutritional security, import reduction, and rural prosperity by 2030–31.
This mission not only strengthens India’s food security framework but also reinforces the country’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Source : PIB