SYLLABUS

GS-3: 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.

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses”, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.

Key Features of the Mission

• Time-Period & Financial Outlay: The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore. 

• Expansion of Production and Area:

• The Mission aims to increase pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, up from 242 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.
• Cultivation area will be expanded to 310 lakh hectares (from 242 lakh hectares), with productivity targeted at 1,130 kg/ha (from 881 kg/ha).
• The mission will particularly focus on increasing production of tur, urad and masur.

• Assured Procurement and Price Support:

• Procurement of tur, urad and masur will be assured under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
• National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (Nafed) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd (NCCF) will undertake 100% procurement in participating states for four years, from farmers who register and enter into agreements.
• A system will be set up to monitor global pulse prices to ensure price stability and farmer confidence.

• Value Chain Strengthening and Farmer Support: 

• The mission will strengthen the entire value chain, including procurement, storage, processing and reducing post-harvest losses.
• Capacity building of farmers and seed growers will be promoted through training on sustainable practices and modern technologies.

Implementation Strategy

• Cluster-Based Implementation: The mission will be executed through a cluster-based approach covering 416 focused districts.

• Seed Production and Distribution: 

• The government will distribute 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to cover 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31.
• Five-year rolling seed production plans will be prepared by states, with ICAR supervising breeder seed production.
• Foundation and certified seed production will be managed by central and state agencies, tracked through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal.
• To promote area expansion, 88 lakh seed kits will be provided free of cost to farmers, to bring an additional 35 lakh hectares by targeting rice fallow areas and other diversifiable lands, supported by promoting intercropping and crop diversification.

• Processing and Value Addition: Around 1,000 new processing and packaging units will be set up to reduce crop losses, improve value addition, and increase farmer incomes. 

• A maximum subsidy of ₹25 lakh will be available for setting up of processing, packaging units.

Significance of the Mission

• Reduces Import Dependency: By enhancing domestic production, the mission aims to make India self-reliant in pulses, reducing import dependence and saving valuable foreign exchange outflow.
• Enhances Nutritional Security: Increased pulse availability will make protein-rich food more affordable, improving dietary diversity and addressing malnutrition challenges across vulnerable populations.
• Boosts to Farmer Income: Through assured procurement, price support, and value addition, the mission is expected to enhance farmers’ profitability and generate rural livelihood opportunities.
• Promotes Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The focus on high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties, along with better seed systems and intercropping models, will improve soil fertility and water-use efficiency. 

Sources:
The Hindu
DD News
Agriculture. Vikaspedia