Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses | 09 Feb 2026

Source: PIB 

Why in the News? 

The roadmap for the Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in Pulses Mission was finalised at the Food Legumes Research Centre (FLRP), Amlaha, Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. 

What is the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses? 

• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26,  the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched in October 2025. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with an outlay of Rs 11,440 crore, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulses over 2025–26 to 2030–31.  
• Focus Crops: The mission places specific emphasis on Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor, which are critical for daily consumption but currently face production gaps. 
• Need: 
  • Nutritional Security: Pulses are a "nutritional powerhouse," contributing 20-25% of the total protein intake in Indian diets.  
    • However, per capita consumption falls short of the recommended 85 grams per day, exacerbating protein-energy malnutrition. 
  • Import Dependence: While domestic production rose by 31% (from 192.6 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 252.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25), India still imported 47.38 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 to meet demand. 
    • Reducing imports is vital to conserve foreign exchange and protect farmers from international price volatility. 
• Key Objectives and Targets:  The Mission aims to expand pulses cultivation by additional 35 lakh hectares, raising total area to 310 lakh hectares, and boosting production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31.  
  • It focuses on reducing imports, improving yields, promoting climate-resilient practices, enhancing farmers’ incomes, and ensuring long-term nutritional security. 
• Operational Strategy:  
  • SATHI Portal (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory): A centralized portal developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and NIC to automate the entire seed life cycle. 
    • SATHI Portal ensures traceability from seed production to certification, licensing, and sale, guaranteeing farmers access to quality seeds. 
  • Assured Procurement: 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor will be ensured in participating states for the next four years. 
    • Agencies like National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) will lead this under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) (PM-AASHA) to guarantee fair prices and reduce market uncertainty. 
  • Cluster-Based Approach: Interventions will follow a cluster model to promote geographic diversification and efficient resource use. 

Key Highlights of the Roadmap for Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses 

• It aims to establish 1,000 pulse mills across the country (including 55 in MP) under a cluster model, with a government subsidy of Rs 25 lakh per unit to promote local value addition. 
• Under the “seed to market” approach, seeds will no longer be released from Delhi but distributed directly in states. 
• Farmers joining clusters will receive seed kits and Rs 10,000 assistance per hectare for model farming.

What are the Key Facts About the Pulses? 

• About: Pulses are edible seeds of leguminous plants, harvested solely for their dry grains, and belong to the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family.  
  • Pulses are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, low in fat, act as nitrogen-fixing crops that improve soil fertility, and have a long shelf life when dried.  
• Climatic Conditions: Pulses require 20–27°C temperature, 25–60 cm rainfall, and sandy-loamy soil, and are cultivated year-round.  
  • Kharif : Arhar (Tur), Urd (Blackgram), Moong (Greengram), Lobia (Cowpea), Kulthi (Horsegram) and Moth. 
  • Rabi : Gram, Lentil, Pea, Lathyrus and Rajmash. 
  • Summer: Greengram, Blackgram and Cowpea. 
• Global and National Position: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally, contributing about 25% of world production.  
  • However, the share of pulses in India’s total food grain output has declined from 16% in 1950 to around 8% in 2022–23, reflecting a long-term cereal-centric policy bias. 
  • The major regions of Pulse cultivation are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal. 
  • Studies project India's pulse demand at about 39 million tonnes by 2050, requiring an annual production growth of around 2.2% to bridge the gap. 
• Agronomic and Environmental Benefits: Pulses improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, enhance soil biodiversity, and support intercropping systems, making them environmentally sustainable.  
  • They are considered a low-carbon crop, aligning with climate-resilient agriculture and the growing shift toward vegetarian and plant-based diets.