About Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:
- It is aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.
- Time Period: The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
- It aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by significantly enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependence, and sustainably improving farmers’ incomes.
- The Mission plans to expand the area under pulses cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares, targeting rice fallows and other suitable lands, while promoting intercropping and crop diversification.
- Key Features of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:
- Comprehensive strategy: The mission covers research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability.
- Focus on quality seeds: A key focus will be the development and dissemination of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulses varieties, supported by a robust seed system.
- Seed Production: To ensure availability of premium quality seeds, states will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans.
- The breeder seed production will be supervised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Capacity building: Structured training programmes for farmers and seed growers to promote sustainable techniques and modern technologies.
- Post-harvest infrastructure: To strengthen markets and value chains, the Mission will help develop processing units, thereby reducing crop losses, improving value addition.
- Cluster-Based Approach: Tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each cluster to enhance productivity, and promote geographic diversification of pulse production.
- Procurement: Assured maximum procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
- NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100% procurement in participating states for the next four years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.
