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The National Pulses Mission, officially called the "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses," is a six-year central initiative approved by the Union Cabinet to boost domestic pulse production.
 
Key features of the National Pulses Mission

• Objective: To achieve self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses by reducing import dependency, increasing domestic production, and ensuring better income for farmers (].
• Duration and Budget: The mission spans six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore (web4]
• Production Targets:
  • Increase pulse production from 24.2 million tonnes in 2024-25 to 35 million tonnes by 2030-31.
  • Expand cultivated area to 310 lakh hectares.
  • Improve yield to 1130 kg per hectare.
• Focus Crops: Major pulses like tur (arhar), urad (black gram), masoor (lentil), moong (green gram), and chana (gram).
• Implementation Strategy:
  • Adopt a cluster-based approach across 416 districts to tailor interventions.
  • Promote use of high-yield, pest-resistant, climate-resilient seed varieties.
  • Develop and expand post-harvest infrastructure and processing units with subsidies.
  • Focus on rice fallow areas, intercropping, and crop diversification for optimal land use.
• Market and Procurement:
  • Guarantee 100% procurement of tur, urad, and masoor at MSP through agencies like NAFED and NCCF.
  • Establish mechanisms to monitor global pulse prices to safeguard farmers’ confidence.
• Additional Initiatives:
  • Strengthening seed systems and seed hubs.
  • Improving irrigation facilities like micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
  • Engaging Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and ICAR institutes for farmer training.
  • Promoting modern farming techniques, including precision farming and soil health monitoring.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Increased domestic pulse production boosting food security and farmer incomes.
  • Reduced import reliance, saving foreign exchange.
  • Environmental benefits through crop diversification and soil health improvement.

Overall, the National Pulses Mission is a comprehensive, multi-faceted initiative aimed at transforming India’s pulse sector into a self-reliant, sustainable, and profitable system for farmers, while ensuring nutritional security for the population.

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