Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:
It was observed that the early momentum of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is successfully bridging policy intent and ground-level execution.
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.
- The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
- It aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by significantly enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependence, and sustainably improving farmers’ incomes.
- The Mission plans to expand the area under pulses cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares, targeting rice fallows and other suitable lands, while promoting intercropping and crop diversification.
Key Features of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:
- Comprehensive strategy: The mission covers research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability.
- Focus on quality seeds: A key focus will be the development and dissemination of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulses varieties, supported by a robust seed system.
- Seed Production: To ensure availability of premium quality seeds, states will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans.
- The breeder seed production will be supervised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Capacity building: Structured training programmes for farmers and seed growers to promote sustainable techniques and modern technologies.
- Post-harvest infrastructure: To strengthen markets and value chains, the Mission will help develop processing units, thereby reducing crop losses, improving value addition.
- Cluster-Based Approach: Tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each cluster to enhance productivity, and promote geographic diversification of pulse production.
- Procurement: Assured maximum procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
- NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100% procurement in participating states for the next four years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.
