Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission)

New Delhi.

Pulses are more than just an agricultural commodity; they are a keystone of India’s nutritional security, soil health, and rural livelihoods. As the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses, India’s policies have consistently focused on enhancing productivity and sustainability in this vital sector. With rising incomes and growing awareness of balanced nutrition, demand for pulses has been steadily increasing, creating opportunities to increase domestic production.

Beyond their economic and trade significance, pulses serve as a nutritional powerhouse. As per the National Institute of Nutrition, they contribute nearly 20-25 percent of total protein intake in Indian diets. However, the per capita consumption of pulses continues to fall short of the recommended 85 grams per day, contributing to protein-energy malnutrition across the country. Therefore, enhancing domestic production is not only an economic necessity but also a vital step toward improving public health.

Recognizing this dual importance, the Government of India has placed strong emphasis on strengthening the pulses sector. A special Krishi programme was held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, on 11 October 2025, where Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission) with a total outlay of ₹11,440 crore. During the event, the Prime Minister interacted with farmers involved in pulse cultivation and highlighted the importance of promoting value chain–based growth across agriculture and allied sectors. It was emphasized during the launch that the mission aims not only to enhance pulse production but also to build a sustainable and empowered future.

This mission represents a major step toward achieving nutritional security and self-sufficiency. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and was approved by the Union Cabinet on 1^st Oct 2025. It will be implemented during 2025–26 to 2030–31. It seeks to boost domestic production, reduce import dependence, and pave the way for an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in pulses.

The press release announces the launch of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission) by the Prime Minister of India.

The mission aims to achieve self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses, reduce import dependence, and significantly enhance the income of farmers.

Key Features and Targets

• Financial Outlay and Duration: The mission was launched on October 11, 2025, with a total budgetary allocation of ₹11,440 crore. It will be implemented from 2025–26 to 2030–31.
• Production Goals (by 2030–31):
  • Increase domestic pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes.
  • Expand the cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares.
  • Improve average yields to 1,130 kg/ha.
• Farmer Income Security: The government will ensure 100 percent procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for four years under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).
• Seed Distribution: 88 lakh free seed kits and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds will be distributed to farmers to promote high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties.

Strategic Interventions

1. Cultivation Expansion: The mission plans to expand pulses cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares, focusing on rice fallows, intercropping, and crop diversification using a cluster-based approach.
2. Value Chain Strengthening: It seeks to establish 1,000 processing and packaging units (with subsidies up to ₹25 lakh per unit) to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance value addition, and create rural employment.
3. Seed Quality and Traceability: The SATHI portal (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) will be used to automate the seed supply chain, ensuring the timely availability of high-quality, certified seeds.
4. Holistic Approach: The strategy involves integrating soil health management, mechanization, balanced fertilizer application, and large-scale demonstrations in collaboration with ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

The mission is positioned as a vital step towards achieving nutritional security, improving public health, and establishing a resilient and sustainable pulses production system in India.source :-PIB Headquarters