General Studies-3; Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Introduction
- The Union Cabinet’s approval of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses marks a critical step toward self-sufficiency in one of India’s most important food crops.
- Announced in the 2024-25 Union Budget, the six-year Central Scheme (2025-26 to 2030-31) aims to increase India’s pulse production, ensure assured procurement, and improve farmers’ income.
Objectives and Core Targets
- The mission aims to raise pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, expand the cultivated area and increase yield.
- It will focus primarily on three key pulses—tur (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and masur (lentil)—and assure procurement for four years through central agencies like NAFED and NCCF under MSP or the Price Support Scheme.
- It will adopt a cluster-based approach covering 416 target districts and converge with existing schemes like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Agricultural and Technological Dimension
- Enhancing Productivity and Seed Systems
- Low yield is the biggest constraint in the pulses sector—India’s yield is around 0.74 t/ha, compared to a global average of 0.9 t/ha.
- The mission plans to distribute 6 million quintals of certified seeds and 8.8 million free seed kits to farmers. It emphasizes developing climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties through ICAR, IIPR Kanpur, and State Agricultural Universities.
- Seed traceability and quality assurance will be ensured through the SATHI portal, while breeder and foundation seed production will be strengthened. These steps will help stabilize productivity and reduce vulnerability to pests and erratic rainfall.
- Area Expansion and Crop Diversification
- The mission proposes to bring 35 lakh hectares of additional area under pulses by utilizing rice-fallow lands (post-paddy idle lands) and promoting intercropping with sugarcane and oilseeds.
- This diversification will not only boost pulse output but also improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
- Climate and Soil Management
- The mission integrates measures such as micro-irrigation, drought-tolerant varieties, and integrated pest management. By linking with soil health cards and balanced nutrient management, the mission aims to reverse declining soil fertility in pulse belts.
Economic and Market Dimensions
- Procurement and Price Stability
- A crucial reform under the mission is assured procurement for four years to give farmers confidence to shift from water-intensive crops like paddy.
- In past decades, weak procurement infrastructure for pulses discouraged farmers from expanding acreage.
- The new model promises 100 % procurement of target pulses at MSP, helping stabilize prices and protect farmers from market volatility.
- However, the success of this mechanism depends on the efficiency of procurement logistics and timely payments. Price monitoring cells will be strengthened to track domestic and global prices and ensure buffer stock stability.
- Post-Harvest Management and Processing
- Pulses face significant post-harvest losses due to high moisture content and pest attacks. The mission plans to establish 1,000 pulse processing and packaging units, each eligible for subsidies up to ₹25 lakh, to promote local value addition. Improved storage, grading, and packaging will enhance shelf life and reduce spoilage.
- By connecting processing units with FPOs and cooperatives, the scheme seeks to improve market access, reduce wastage, and ensure better returns to farmers.
Social and Farmer-Centric Dimensions
- Empowering Farmers and Encouraging Crop Shifts
- By offering MSP assurance and seed support, the mission seeks to encourage farmers to move from paddy and wheat to pulses—particularly in regions facing groundwater depletion. Pulses consume less water and enhance soil health, offering an ecologically sustainable alternative.
- For small and marginal farmers, pulse cultivation can diversify income and lower input costs. Special emphasis is placed on women farmers and self-help groups (SHGs) for seed distribution and small-scale processing.
- Capacity Building and Extension
- Effective execution requires intensive farmer training, demonstration plots, and advisory support. The mission will leverage Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for capacity building. Extension services will focus on modern agronomic practices, pest control, and post-harvest management.
Challenges in Implementation
- Institutional and Administrative Bottlenecks:
- Implementing such a large-scale mission across 416 districts requires strong coordination between the Centre, states, and local agencies. Weak extension systems and bureaucratic delays could undermine impact.
- Storage and Post-Harvest Infrastructure:
- Pulses are moisture-sensitive and prone to infestation. Without adequate warehouses and cold storage, farmers may have to sell at lower prices.
- Climate and Market Volatility:
- Unpredictable rainfall, global market shocks, and cheap imports can distort domestic prices despite MSP procurement.
- Farmer Behaviour and Trust:
- Shifting from traditional crops to pulses depends on farmer awareness and confidence in government procurement systems. Sustained communication and prompt payments are vital.
Environmental and Strategic Importance
- Nutritional Security: Pulses are key to combating protein deficiency and malnutrition.
- Sustainability: As nitrogen-fixing crops, they enrich soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Water Conservation: Pulses require significantly less water than cereals, promoting sustainable agriculture in drought-prone areas.
- Foreign Exchange Savings: Reducing pulse imports will save billions in forex and strengthen India’s food trade balance.
- Climate Adaptation: Promoting resilient pulse varieties enhances India’s agricultural adaptability to climate change.
Way Forward
- Strengthen coordination between ICAR, states, and private seed producers to ensure a robust seed supply chain.
- Digitize procurement and payment systems to enhance transparency.
- Promote FPO-based value chains for aggregation, branding, and marketing.
- Invest in research and extension to bridge the yield gap.
- Ensure that the mission’s benefits reach small and marginal farmers through targeted outreach.
- Integrate crop insurance and climate-smart agriculture components to mitigate risks.
Conclusion
- The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a forward-looking policy that aligns with India’s goals of food security, nutritional adequacy, and sustainable agriculture.
- If implemented effectively, it can transform the pulse economy by improving productivity, ensuring fair prices, reducing imports, and protecting the environment.
Practice Question:
Despite being the world’s largest producer of pulses, India remains dependent on imports. Examine the structural reasons and assess how the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses seeks to address them. (250 Words)
