Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’, a major initiative aimed at making India self-sufficient in pulse production by 2030–31. With a total budget of Rs 11,440 crore, the mission targets boosting annual production to 350 lac tonnes and expanding the cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares.
Nearly 2 crore farmers are expected to benefit through guaranteed procurement, quality seed distribution, and strengthened value chain support, according to an official release.
India, despite being one of the world's largest producers of pulses, imported 47.38 lac tonnes in 2023–24, indicating a continued gap between domestic production and consumption. In contrast, India exported only 5.94 lakh tonnes that year.
The new mission, covering the period from 2025–26 to 2030–31, builds on past gains. Under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission, India’s pulse output rose from 192.6 lac tonnes in 2013–14 to 252.38 lac tonnes in 2024–25 (3rd Advance Estimates) — a 31% increase over a decade.
However, the per capita availability of pulses remains below the recommended 85 grams per day, contributing to widespread protein-energy malnutrition. Pulses account for 20–25% of total protein intake in Indian diets, making increased production a public health priority as well.
The mission was first announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and received cabinet approval on October 1, 2025. It underscores a strategic move to reduce import dependence while improving nutrition security.
To support the rollout, state-level five-year seed production plans will be developed, with breeder seed production monitored by ICAR and quality oversight via the SATHI portal.
The government views this initiative as a key step toward a nutritionally secure and self-reliant ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.