National Pulses Mission
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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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