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UPTET Offline cum Online Achary 02 Batch 2026
07 March, 2026
Approval of “Pulses Self-Reliant Mission”
Sat 04 Oct, 2025
Context:
- The Union Cabinet has approved the “Pulses Self-Reliant Mission” with the objective of making India self-reliant in pulses production.
Mission Overview :
| Key Point | Description |
| Duration | 6 years (FY 2025-26 to 2030-31) |
| Total Financial Outlay | ₹11,440 crore |
| Main Objective | To reduce dependence on imports by promoting domestic production and make the country self-reliant in pulses. |
| Need | India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally, but domestic production does not meet demand, requiring imports of about 15-20% of pulses. |
Key Targets and Objectives
The mission will strive to achieve the following targets by 2030-31:
| Parameter | Current Level (Approx.) | Target for 2030-31 |
| Total Production | 242 lakh tonnes (2023-24) | 350 lakh tonnes |
| Cultivated Area | 242 lakh hectares | 310 lakh hectares |
| Productivity (Yield) | 881 kg/hectare | 1,130 kg/hectare |
| Target Farmers | Reach approx. 2 crore farmers | |
| Focus Crops | Special focus on Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor |
Implementation Strategy
A. Seed System and Research:
- High-quality seeds: 88 lakh free seed kits will be distributed to farmers to enable adoption of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient new varieties.
- Seed Distribution: 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds will be distributed by 2030-31.
- Tracking and Quality: Seed quality and distribution will be monitored via the SATHI portal.
- Cluster-based Approach: A cluster approach will be adopted in 416 target districts to ensure optimal use of resources.
B. Area Expansion and Diversification:
- Utilization of Fallow Land: Rice fallow land and other diversifiable areas will be brought under pulses cultivation.
- Intercropping: Pulses will be grown along with other crops (e.g., Tur with maize/sugarcane) to increase the cultivated area.
C. Price Support for Farmers:
- Assured Procurement: Procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the mission will be 100% ensured at Minimum Support Price (MSP). This will encourage farmers to cultivate pulses by providing fair prices.
D. Post-Harvest and Value Addition:
- Infrastructure Development: To reduce post-harvest losses and promote value addition, 1,000 new processing and packaging units will be established, with a subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh per unit.
Challenges and Potential Risks
- Climate Change: Irregular monsoon may affect production. New varieties will address this, but implementation delays may occur.
- Market Linkages: Despite MSP procurement, private traders’ interventions may affect farmers. Strengthening NAFED/NCCF capacity is needed.
- Awareness and Training: Reaching small farmers; use of digital portals is limited in rural areas.
- Budget Implementation: Ensuring proper utilization of ₹11,440 crore. In the previous NFSM, 10-15% of funds remained unutilized.
- Import Pressure: Volatility in global prices may limit short-term relief.