Context

• NITI Aayog released the report titled “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Pulses Development Towards Self-Reliance.”

Introduction :

• Pulses, which play a vital role in India’s food security and nutrition, are a crucial sector to achieve the goal of self-reliance.
• The report focuses on strategies and policy recommendations to strengthen pulses production, processing, and supply chains, aiming to reduce import dependency and boost domestic output.
• The report presentation was given by Dr. Neelam Patel, Senior Adviser (Agriculture Technology Division), NITI Aayog.

Objective of the Report

• To make India self-reliant in pulses production.
• Achieve self-sufficiency by 2030 and double production by 2047.

Current Status and Progress

Production and Imports

• In 2015-16, pulses production was 16.35 million tonnes (MT), leading to an import requirement of 6 MT.
• By 2022-23, production increased by 59.4% to 26.06 MT, with 38% productivity growth. Import dependence reduced from 29% to 10.4%.

Regional Contribution

• Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan contribute ~55% of total production.
• The top 10 states account for more than 91% of national production.

Agro-climatic Advantage

• India’s diverse climate is suitable for cultivating 12 pulse crops during Kharif, Rabi, and Summer seasons.
• ~80% of pulses production depends on rain-fed areas, making it vulnerable to climate risks.

Key Strategies

The report suggests two main pillars: Horizontal Expansion and Vertical Expansion.

1. Horizontal Expansion (Increase in Area)

• Use of fallow lands: Promote pulse cultivation in rice fallow and underutilized lands with high-yielding varieties and inter-cropping.
• Crop-wise clustering: Cluster-based approach like “One Block-One Seed Village” model.
• 111 High-Potential Districts: Special focus on districts contributing 75% of national production.
• Area retention and diversification: Balance pulse farming with other crops.

2. Vertical Expansion (Increase in Yield)

• Improved varieties & hybrids: Develop and distribute high-yield, disease-resistant seeds.
• Seed treatment & quality: Emphasis on seed treatment kits and quality assurance.

Modern Agricultural Practices

• Scientific & timely sowing.
• Integrated nutrient, pest, weed, and water management.
• Technology interventions: Use of drones, sensors, and AI-based tools.
• Value addition: Strengthening processing units and storage infrastructure.

Farmer Empowerment

• FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations): Promote collective farming and better market access.
• Women Participation: Training and support to rural women.
• Primary Survey: Insights from 885 farmers across 5 key states (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka).

Mission on Self-Reliance in Pulses (2025-26)

• Announcement: Union Budget 2025-26.
• Duration: 6 years (2025–2031).
• Focus: Tur (Arhar), Black Gram (Urad), and Lentil (Masoor).
• Goal: Reduce import dependency and strengthen domestic supply.

Projected Outcomes

Production Estimates

• By 2030: 30.59 MT (base estimate) → 48.44 MT (with strategy).
• By 2047: 45.79 MT (base estimate) → 63.64 MT (with strategy).
• ~20.10 MT additional growth possible with focused strategy implementation.

Other Benefits

• Reduced import dependency.
• Improved nutrition security with higher protein availability.
• Increased farmer income through better market opportunities & value addition.
• Environmental benefits through soil health improvement and climate-resilient farming.

Key Recommendations of the Report

• Land expansion: Use rice fallow lands and underutilized areas.
• High-quality seeds: Strengthen seed distribution and treatment kits.
• Cluster-based approach: Focus on 111 high-potential districts.
• FPO Model: Promote collective farming via “One Block-One Seed Village.”
• Climate adaptation: Develop drought-tolerant varieties and sustainable practices.
• Data-driven policies: Use monitoring and decision-support systems.

• Export promotion: Enhance exports by meeting global quality standards.

NITI Aayog

• Full Form: National Institution for Transforming India.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Objectives

• Formulate strategic policies and programs for India’s development.
• Promote cooperative federalism between Centre and States.
• Provide technical and strategic advice for policy implementation.
• Support achievement of SDGs.
• Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Structure

• Chairperson: Prime Minister of India (Currently Narendra Modi).
• Vice Chairperson: Executive head of NITI Aayog (Currently Suman Bery).
• Members: Full-time and part-time members, including experts (e.g., Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Dr. Arvind Virmani).
• CEO: Manages daily functions (Currently B.V.R. Subrahmanyam).
• Governing Council: Includes all state Chief Ministers, UT Lieutenant Governors, and senior Union Ministers.

Key Functions

• Developed India @2047: Strategic roadmap to make India a developed nation by 2047.
• Suggest policy reforms in sectors like MSMEs, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
• Frame policies in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, etc.
• Collaborate with states to implement development projects.
• Promote data-driven policy formulation through digital tools and research.

Major Initiatives

• Aspirational Districts Programme – holistic development of backward districts.
• Atal Innovation Mission – boost innovation and startups.
• Digital India & Startup India – promote digital transformation & entrepreneurship.
• Policy Dialogues – platform for Centre–State policy discussions.
• SDG India Index – measure states’ progress towards SDGs.