National Pulses Mission: India’s Big Push for Self-Reliance, Nutrition, and Farmer Prosperity

The Government of India has launched an ambitious National Pulses Mission (NPM), approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to make India self-sufficient in pulse production and ensure better incomes for farmers. Announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the mission aims to transform India’s agricultural landscape by focusing on productivity, sustainability, and nutritional security.

“The National Pulses Mission will strengthen farmers’ incomes, food, and nutritional security. It reflects the Modi government’s sensitivity towards farmers,” said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Objectives of the National Pulses Mission

The main objectives of the National Pulses Mission are:

1. Achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production by 2030–31.

2. Enhance the income of farmers through assured procurement at Minimum Support Prices (MSP).

3. Improve nutritional security by increasing the availability of protein-rich pulses.

4. Reduce import dependency, thus saving foreign exchange.

5. Promote sustainable agriculture through soil enrichment via pulse cultivation.

Targets and Key Goals

• Target Production:
  Increase pulses production from 242 lakh tonnes (24.2 million tonnes) in 2024–25 to 350 lakh tonnes (35 million tonnes) by 2030–31.

• Geographical Coverage:
  The mission will be implemented in 416 districts across India.

• Focus Crops:
  Major pulses such as tur (arhar), urad (black gram), masur (lentil), moong (green gram), and chana (gram).

Key Features of the National Pulses Mission

1. Expansion of Pulses Area

   • Special emphasis on rice fallow areas, where land remains uncultivated after rice harvest.

   • Encouragement for intercropping and crop diversification to optimize land use.

2. Quality Seed Production and Distribution

   • Promotion of breeder, foundation, and certified seeds to enhance productivity.

   • Strengthening of seed hubs and farmer seed production networks.

3. Infrastructure and Irrigation Support

   • Focus on providing micro-irrigation facilities and rainwater harvesting systems in pulse-growing regions.

4. Market Linkages and MSP Procurement

   • 100% procurement of tur, urad, and lentils at MSP to guarantee fair prices for farmers.

   • Improved market linkages to ensure smooth sale and fair remuneration.

5. Technology and Extension Services

   • Involvement of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and ICAR institutes for farmer training.

   • Promotion of modern farming techniques, including drones, precision farming, and soil health monitoring.

Budget Allocation

The National Pulses Mission has been allocated a total budget of ₹11,440 crore for the financial year 2025–26.
This funding will be utilized for:

• Development of seed infrastructure.

• Expansion of irrigation systems.

• Farmer training and capacity-building programs.

• Strengthening procurement mechanisms through NAFED and State agencies.

Expected Outcomes

1. Production Growth:
   Increase pulses production by over 100 lakh tonnes in six years.

2. Reduced Imports:
   Minimize dependency on imported pulses, thereby saving foreign exchange worth ₹20,000 crore annually.

3. Farmer Income Growth:
   Ensure higher incomes through assured MSP and improved productivity.

4. Nutritional Security:
   Make pulses—India’s key source of plant protein—affordable and accessible for all households.

5. Environmental Benefits:
   Promote crop diversification and soil fertility restoration through nitrogen fixation in pulse crops.

Alignment with Government Initiatives

The National Pulses Mission aligns with the government’s broader agricultural and rural development goals:

• Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2030

• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India)

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

It also complements MSP hikes announced for rabi crops, ensuring both price and productivity support for farmers.

Conclusion

The National Pulses Mission is a transformative step towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in agriculture. With an ambitious target of 35 million tonnes of pulses by 2030–31, strong financial backing, and a focus on technology, market access, and fair pricing, the mission is poised to empower millions of Indian farmers while ensuring food and nutritional security for the nation.

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