Union Cabinet approves ‘National Pulses Mission’

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘National Pulses Mission’ on October 1.

• It is an initiative aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses. 

• The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore.

• Its target is to increase the production of pulses from 24.2 million tonnes in 2024–25 to 35 million tonnes by 2030–31. 

• Special production and expansion programmes will be implemented in 416 districts, covering rice fallow areas, best breeder/foundation/certified seeds, intercropping, irrigation, market linkages, and technical support. 

Significance of achieving self-sufficiency in pulses

• Pulses, a group of annual legumes, are crucial for global food security and sustainable agriculture.

• They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, benefiting both human and animal health.

• Beyond their nutritional benefits, pulses enhance soil health, conserve water, and help to mitigate climate change. 

• Their unique properties support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving nutrition and food security and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). 

• Their low carbon footprint and nitrogen-fixing ability aid in reducing synthetic fertilizer use, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). 

• By encouraging sustainable farming practices and responsible consumption, pulses also contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). 

• India recognises their strategic importance as the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses.

• Pulses are essential to the Indian diet, offering a budget-friendly and sustainable source of plant-based protein and vital micronutrients. 

• In 2015-16, pulse production fell to 16.35 million tonnes (MT), leading to around 6 MT of imports to meet national demand. In response, the government introduced various farmer-centric schemes. 

• Achieving self-sufficiency in pulses can significantly benefit India’s economy by reducing import dependency and stabilising against global price fluctuations. 

• This stability ensures food security and supports rural livelihoods by providing consistent income for pulse farmers while promoting food sovereignty. 

• To meet domestic demand, it is essential to increase pulse production. If production lags behind consumption, India could become more reliant on imports, highlighting the need for effective strategies to boost production and sustainability in agriculture.

• Chickpea (bengal gram/gram/chana), pigeonpea (red gram/arhar/ tur), green gram (mungbean), black gram (urdbean/biri/mash), lentil (masur), fieldpea (pea/matar), clusterbean (guar), kidney bean (rajmash/common bean/snap bean/french beans), mothbean (moth), horse gram (kulthi), lathyrus (khesari/grass pea/chicking vetch/teora) and cowpea

(lobia/barbati/black-eyed pea) are the 12 major and minor pulses cultivated in India.

• These crops thrive in diverse climatic and edaphic conditions. 

The top 10 states producing pulses are:

i) Madhya Pradesh

ii) Maharashtra

iii) Rajasthan

iv) Uttar Pradesh

v) Karnataka

vi) Gujarat

vii) Andhra Pradesh

viii) Jharkhand

ix) Telangana

x) Tamil Nadu.