Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a new initiative by the Indian government aimed at boosting the domestic production of pulses and achieving self-sufficiency, or Aatmanirbharta, in this crucial agricultural sector.

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Objective

• The mission focuses on increasing domestic pulse production to reduce dependency on imports and ensure that India can meet its growing demand for pulses.

• It will be implemented over a period of six years from 2025-26 to 2030-31.

Key Features of the Mission

1. Comprehensive Strategy

   • The mission encompasses multiple components such as research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability, all aimed at building a sustainable pulse production ecosystem in the country.

2. Focus on High-Quality Seeds

   • A significant emphasis will be placed on developing and disseminating superior-quality seeds that are high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient.

   • Multi-location trials will be conducted in pulse-growing states to ensure that the varieties are well-suited to different regional conditions.

3. Seed Production and Distribution

   • States will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans to guarantee a continuous supply of premium seeds.

   • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will oversee the production of breeder seeds, while foundation and certified seed production will be managed at the state and central levels.

   • The Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal will track the entire seed supply chain.

4. Capacity Building

   • Structured training programs will be rolled out for farmers and seed growers to promote sustainable farming practices and modern technologies.

   • The aim is to improve the overall farming capacity of pulse-growers and equip them with the latest techniques.

5. Post-Harvest Infrastructure

   • To address post-harvest issues, the mission will support the creation of 1000 processing units. This will help in reducing crop losses, improving value addition, and boosting market access.

   • A subsidy of up to Rs. 25 lakhs will be provided to set up processing and packaging units.

6. Cluster-Based Approach

   • The mission will adopt a cluster-based approach, tailoring interventions to suit the specific needs of different regions. This strategy will help to enhance productivity and promote geographic diversification of pulse production.

7. Procurement Support

   • The mission guarantees maximum procurement of pulses such as Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.

   • NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation) will handle 100% procurement from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.

   • A mechanism will be set up to monitor global pulse prices, ensuring that the procurement process is responsive to international market trends.

Conclusion

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses represents a significant step towards agricultural self-sufficiency in India. By focusing on quality seeds, post-harvest infrastructure, and cluster-based interventions, the mission seeks to address key challenges in pulse production. Additionally, the emphasis on price support and procurement ensures that farmers have a safety net, encouraging greater participation in pulse farming. This initiative not only aims to reduce India’s reliance on pulse imports but also to enhance food security and economic stability for millions of farmers