Union Cabinet Approves ‘National Pulses Mission’ 

Syllabus :GS3/Economy

In News

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.

About ‘National Pulses Mission’ 

• It is a six-year initiative which was announced in the FY 2025-26 Budget and  will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore.
• It is a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.
• It is supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and state agencies.
• It addresses rising demand through a comprehensive strategy involving research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability. 
• It will promote high-yield, pest-resistant, climate-resilient varieties, distribute 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and 88 lakh free seed kits, and expand cultivation by 35 lakh hectares, especially in rice fallow areas. 
• It will also develop post-harvest infrastructure, including 1,000 processing units with subsidies, and ensure 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under PM-AASHA. 

Rationale for the Mission

• Import Dependency: India imported a record 7.3 million tonnes of pulses worth $5.5 billion in 2024-25 due to stagnant domestic production and climatic factors like El Niño-induced drought.
• Growing Demand: India’s rising incomes and changing dietary patterns have increased consumption faster than production growth.
• Self-Reliance Goal: The mission is crucial to bridge the gap between rising demand and insufficient domestic supply, conserve foreign exchange, improve rural incomes, and enhance food security.

Challenges Ahead

• Price volatility in global markets.
• Climate shocks (drought, erratic monsoon).
• Post-harvest losses due to poor storage.
• Farmers’ dependence on MSP crops like rice/wheat over pulses.
• The domestic production has not kept pace with demand, leading to a 15–20% increase in pulse imports.

Way Ahead

• Strengthen Seed–Market–Storage chain.
• Promote intercropping of pulses in rice & wheat belts.
• Enhance irrigation & mechanization support.
• Expand nutri-cereal + pulses combinations in mid-day meals & PDS.
• Use digital platforms & FPOs for better market linkages.

Conclusion

• Pulses hold special importance in India’s cropping systems and diets. India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses.
  • Production is regionally concentrated, with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan contributing about 55%, and the top ten states accounting for over 91% of national output.
• Therefore ‘National Pulses Mission’ seeks to achieve the goal of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses, reduce import dependency and conserve valuable foreign exchange while boosting farmers’ incomes. 
• This mission will also accrue significant environmental benefits in the form of climate resilient practices, and improved soil health and making productive use of crop fallow areas.

Source :PIB