India has taken a significant leap towards strengthening its food security and reducing import dependence by launching the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31). With a budget allocation of ₹11,440 crore, this mission is not just another agricultural reform—it is a nationwide push to empower farmers, improve nutrition, and make India fully self-reliant in pulse production.
This article explains the mission’s objectives, structure, opportunities for farmers, and why it matters for every Indian household.
🌱 Understanding the Mission
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The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at scaling up production of pulses like tur (arhar), urad (black gram), and masoor (red lentil).
The plan covers:
- Expanding cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares
- Raising total production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31
- Improving productivity levels to 1,130 kg per hectare
The mission intends to achieve this by strengthening seed supply, ensuring procurement at MSP, building processing infrastructure, and empowering farmers with knowledge and technology.
🌾 Why India Needs This Mission
- Nutritional Security: Pulses are a rich source of protein, essential for India’s predominantly vegetarian population.
- Import Burden: Despite being a leading producer, India still imports large quantities of pulses, causing foreign exchange losses.
- Farmer Prosperity: By assuring fair prices and market access, farmers can increase incomes and reduce risks.
- Soil Health: Pulses naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, making farming more sustainable.
📊 Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses – At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2025–26 to 2030–31 (6 years) |
| Total Budget | ₹11,440 crore |
| Target Crops | Tur (Arhar), Urad, Masoor (Lentils) |
| Area Expansion Goal | 310 lakh hectares |
| Production Target | 350 lakh tonnes |
| Productivity Target | 1,130 kg per hectare |
| Seed Distribution | Free seed kits (~88 lakh kits) to farmers |
| Procurement Agencies | NAFED, NCCF (guaranteed MSP procurement for 4 years) |
| Infrastructure Plan | 1,000 processing & packaging units with subsidy support (up to ₹25 lakh) |
| Digital Tools | SATHI portal for seed tracking & planning |
| Beneficiaries | Around 2 crore farmers directly; many more indirectly |
🔑 Core Features of the Mission
1. Seed Revolution
- Improved, climate-resilient, and high-yielding pulse seeds distributed widely.
- Five-year rolling seed production plans designed by states.
- SATHI portal for digital monitoring and seed authentication.
2. Assured Procurement
- NAFED and NCCF will procure tur, urad, and masoor at MSP.
- Farmers must register and sign agreements to avail procurement.
3. Infrastructure Boost
- Establishment of 1,000 processing and packaging units.
- Financial aid of up to ₹25 lakh per unit to entrepreneurs and farmer groups.
- Post-harvest facilities like storage, cold chains, and logistics support.
4. Area Expansion
- Utilization of rice fallows and less productive lands for pulse cultivation.
- Encouraging intercropping and crop diversification.
5. Farmer Training & Knowledge
- Workshops, demonstrations, and training sessions via ICAR & Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
- Capacity building for modern farming techniques, soil health, and pest management.
🌟 Expected Benefits
- Reduced Imports: Saves billions in foreign exchange.
- Higher Incomes: MSP and infrastructure boost improve farmer earnings.
- Better Nutrition: More availability of pulses at affordable prices.
- Rural Employment: Processing and value-addition units create new jobs.
- Sustainable Farming: Pulses enrich soil and reduce chemical fertilizer use.
⚠️ Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Distribution of seeds in remote areas | May delay adoption by small farmers |
| Climate risks (droughts, pests) | Uncertainty in achieving production targets |
| Farmer adoption hesitancy | Reluctance to shift from traditional cropping patterns |
| Market middlemen | Risk of farmers not receiving full MSP benefits |
| Biodiversity concerns | Over-focus on select varieties may reduce traditional pulse diversity |
👨🌾 How Farmers Can Participate
- Register Online with NAFED or NCCF for MSP procurement.
- Apply for Seed Kits distributed by state agriculture departments.
- Set up Processing Units by applying for subsidies under the mission.
- Use the SATHI Portal to track seed availability and government updates.
- Attend Training Programs offered at KVKs and state agri centers.
👉 The official registration and form links will be made available through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Portal and state agriculture department websites.
✨ Conclusion
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is more than just an agricultural scheme—it is India’s roadmap towards food security, farmer empowerment, and rural transformation. By 2030, if implemented effectively, India could not only meet its own demand but also emerge as a global leader in pulse exports.
This mission has the potential to change millions of lives, from small farmers to everyday consumers, making pulses affordable, accessible, and sustainable for all.
FAQS RELATED
1. Which farmers are eligible under this mission?
All farmers cultivating pulses like tur, urad, and masoor can register for MSP procurement and seed distribution programs.
2. How can farmers apply for subsidies for processing units?
Interested individuals, FPOs, or cooperatives can apply through the Ministry of Agriculture or state government portals when applications open.
3. Is there any cost for farmers to register for procurement?
No, registration with NAFED/NCCF for MSP procurement is free, but farmers must provide valid land and crop details.