National Mission for Pulses Security: Strengthening MSP-Based Procurement
Context
The Union Agriculture Minister reviewed the procurement operations of NAFED and examined the progress of the National Mission for Pulses Security, with an emphasis on assured MSP procurement and scaling up domestic pulses production to reduce import dependence.
National Mission for Pulses Security (NMPS)
Primary Goal – Achieve long-term pulses security by boosting domestic production and reinforcing MSP-backed procurement mechanisms.
Year of Initiation – 2025
Implementing Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Strategic Targets
Production Enhancement – Increase pulses output to 350 lakh tonnes and expand cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares.
Price Guarantee Framework – Ensure assured MSP procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor for four years.
External Dependence Curtailment – Reduce import reliance and strengthen domestic supply chains under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Major Interventions
Seed Ecosystem Strengthening – Distribution of 88 lakh free seed kits and availability of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds.
Crop Improvement Measures – Promotion of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and pest-tolerant pulse varieties.
Market & Storage Capacity – Strengthening procurement centres and post-harvest storage infrastructure.
Collective Farming Model – Adoption of cluster-based cultivation through seed hubs and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Digital Oversight – Deployment of the SATHI platform for seed traceability and quality assurance.
Procurement Digitisation – Use of e-Samriddhi, developed by NAFED, to manage procurement from farmer registration to payment.
Implementation Roadmap
State-Level Planning – Preparation of five-year seed production plans by States, monitored by ICAR (2025–31).
Land Use Optimisation – Expansion of pulses into rice fallows, promotion of intercropping, and diversification into suitable agro-climatic regions.
Pulses Scenario in India
Global Standing – India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses.
Growth Trajectory – Production rose from 192.6 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 252.38 lakh tonnes (2024–25), reflecting nearly 31% growth.
Persistent Import Gap – Imports remained at 47.38 lakh tonnes (2023–24).
Key Producing Regions – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.
Related Schemes at a Glance
Price Support Scheme (PSS)
Scheme Positioning – A key component of PM-AASHA aimed at providing remunerative prices to farmers.
Launch Year – 2018
Operational Mechanism – Central agencies such as NAFED and FCI procure pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP with State participation.
Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF)
Administrative Control – Department of Consumer Affairs (since 2014–15).
Purpose – Manage price volatility of pulses, onions, and potatoes through buffer stocking.
Working Model – Interest-free funds to NAFED, SFAC, and State/UT agencies for procurement, market intervention, and imports when required.
Source : PIB