Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses | India’s Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency in Pulses by 2030
- TPP
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
Why India Launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission), Key Features, Data Trends, Challenges, Government Initiatives, and NITI Aayog Recommendations.
Why Was the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Launched?
The Prime Minister of India launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission) to reduce import dependence and boost domestic production.
The mission aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by December 2027, especially for Tur, Urad, and Masoor.
The mission was launched during a special Krishi programme at IARI, New Delhi, on 11 October 2025.
The mission carries a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore.
The scheme duration is 6 years from 2025–26 to 2030–31.
It was first announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and later approved by the Union Cabinet on 1 October 2025.
The mission supports the broader national goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and aligns with Vision 2047.
What Are the Key Features of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?
1) Aim and Coverage
The mission aims to boost domestic production, reduce imports, and ensure nutritional security.
The mission is led by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
It will benefit 2 crore farmers across the country.
2) Focus Crops
The mission focuses on Tur (Arhar / pigeon pea), Urad (black gram), and Masoor (red lentil).
3) Cluster-Based Implementation
A cluster-based approach is used to tailor interventions to local needs.
4) Seed Development Strategy
The mission targets production and distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds.
It includes free distribution of 88 lakh seed kits.
The seed system emphasises high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties.
5) Assured Procurement
The Government will ensure 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for four years.
Procurement will be done by NAFED and NCCF.
Procurement will be conducted under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
6) Role of States
States must prepare rolling five-year seed production plans.
ICAR will monitor breeder seed production.
Seed quality assurance will be maintained through the SATHI portal.
7) Strengthening of Value Chain
The mission will establish 1,000 processing and packaging units.
Each unit will receive subsidies up to ₹25 lakh.
8) Additional Intended Benefits
The mission will promote climate-resilient and soil health-friendly practices.
It will create substantial rural employment opportunities.
It will encourage intercropping and crop diversification.
What Is the Status of Pulses Production in India?
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses.
The top three pulse-producing states are Madhya Pradesh (22.11% share), Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Pulses are grown across Kharif, Rabi, and Summer seasons.
Major Kharif pulses include pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, and minor pulses such as moth bean, rajmash, and horse gram.
Major Rabi pulses include chickpea, lentil, field bean, green gram, and black gram.
Major Summer pulses include green gram and black gram.
Important pulses by share are Chickpea (47.4%), Pigeonpea (15.4%), Green gram (12%), Black gram (10.3%), and Lentil (5.4%).
India’s production increased from 192.55 lakh tonnes in FY14 to 244.93 lakh tonnes in FY24.
Government estimates show 252.38 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 (3rd Advance Estimates).
Why Does India Need Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?
Domestic production has not matched demand in recent years.
Pulses imports increased by 15–20% due to rising domestic demand.
India imported 47.38 lakh tonnes of pulses in 2023–24.
India exported 5.94 lakh tonnes of pulses in 2023–24, indicating a structural gap.
Pulses contribute 20–25% of protein intake in Indian diets (NIN).
Per capita consumption is below the recommended 85 grams per day.
Demand is projected to reach 46.33 MT by 2030.
Demand is projected to reach 50.26 MT by 2047.
Pulses improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertiliser dependence.
Price fluctuations caused by global trade volatility affect inflation management.
Which Government Schemes Already Support Pulses Production?
NFSM – Pulses (2007) focuses on area expansion and productivity enhancement.
A3P (2010–14) demonstrated advanced agricultural practices.
PM-AASHA (2018) provides price assurance for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
MSP is regularly declared for Tur, Chana, Moong, Urad, and Masoor.
The Government maintains a buffer stock through the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) and PSS procurement.
Bharat Dal distributes affordable pulses through NAFED and NCCF using stocks of chana, mung, and masoor.
What Is SATHI and Why Is It Important?
SATHI stands for Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory.
It is a centralized portal developed by the Ministry of Agriculture & NIC.
SATHI tracks the entire seed life cycle, from production to certification and sale.
It ensures seed traceability, quality assurance, and inventory management.
What Role Does PM-AASHA Play in Supporting Pulses Farmers?
PM-AASHA was launched in 2018 to provide price assurance for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
The scheme includes PSS, PDPS, and MIS mechanisms.
In 2024, the Cabinet approved the continuation of PM-AASHA.
The mission assures 100% MSP procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor in selected states.
What Are NITI Aayog’s Recommendations for Strengthening the Pulses Sector?
The recommendations are based on insights from 885 farmers across five states: Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
NITI Aayog recommends expanding pulses into rice fallows.
It supports a cluster-based cropping pattern approach.
It recommends incentives, assured prices, and pilot projects in high-potential states.
It emphasises high-quality seed supply using the One Block–One Seed Village model.
It supports establishing cluster-based seed hubs and FPO-led seed systems.
It recommends strengthening local procurement centres.
It emphasises more processing units to reduce intermediaries.
It calls for integrating pulses into PDS and Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
It recommends mechanisation, bio-fertilisers, and efficient irrigation.
It calls for climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and short-duration varieties.
It recommends early-warning systems and data-driven monitoring using the SAATHI portal (note: original spelling SAATHI).
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses creates a comprehensive, future-ready roadmap for India’s pulses sector. It combines technology, seed innovation, assured procurement, value chain strengthening, and climate resilience. It aims to enhance nutrition security, reduce import dependence, and empower 2 crore farmers. It strengthens India’s journey toward a self-reliant, sustainable, and resilient agricultural economy.
Thank you