National Pulses Mission

The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare has recently announced the approval of the National Pulses Mission by the Cabinet, along with an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for rabi crops. This initiative aims to boost pulse production in India, ensuring self-sufficiency in pulses.

About the National Pulses Mission (NPM)

The National Pulses Mission is a six-year central scheme designed to achieve self-reliance in pulses production in India. The mission, titled "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses," will be implemented over the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore.

Key Features of the National Pulses Mission

1. Production Targets:

   • The mission aims to increase the pulses production from 242 lakh tonnes (2023-24) to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-32.

   • The area under pulses cultivation will be expanded to 310 lakh hectares from 242 lakh hectares.

   • The yield will be enhanced to 1,130 kg per hectare from 881 kg per hectare.

2. Implementation Strategy:

   • The mission will be carried out through a cluster-based approach across 416 focused districts.

   • 1,000 new processing and packaging units will be established, with subsidies of up to ₹25 lakh for setting up these units.

3. Seed Distribution and Improvement:

   • 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds will be distributed to pulse-growing farmers, covering 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31.

   • An additional 88 lakh seed kits will be given free to farmers, promoting the expansion of pulse cultivation in rice-fallow areas and encouraging intercropping and crop diversification.

4. Focus on Improved Varieties:

   • The mission will promote the development of high-productivity, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties.

   • Multi-location trials will be conducted in major pulse-growing states to ensure that the new varieties are regionally suitable.

5. Support to Farmers:

   • The mission will ensure the assured procurement of pulses like tur, urad, and masur through the Price Support Scheme (PSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).

   • NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation) will handle 100% procurement from registered farmers for the next four years.

6. Collaboration and Technology:

   • States will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will supervise breeder seed production.

   • Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal will track all seed-related activities for better transparency.

Focus on Specific Crops:

The mission will specifically target the production of tur, urad, and masur, three crucial pulses in India’s diet and agriculture. These pulses are also central to India's nutritional security and have export potential.

Implications of the National Pulses Mission:

• Economic Impact: By boosting pulses production, the mission aims to reduce India’s dependency on imports, which have been significant in recent years. This will not only help farmers by improving the market prices of pulses but also enhance food security across the country.

• Sustainability: With a focus on climate-resilient crops and pest-resistant varieties, the mission aligns with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture.

• Inclusive Growth: The involvement of local communities, especially through seed distribution and processing units, ensures that the benefits of the mission reach farmers at the grassroots level. The focus on intercropping and diversified cropping systems is expected to promote farmers' resilience against climate shocks.

Conclusion

The National Pulses Mission is a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in pulses production, which is essential for India’s food security and farmers’ welfare. By focusing on productivity improvements, seed distribution, and infrastructure support, the mission aims to make India a global leader in pulse production while improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers