Context:
On September 4, 2025, the NITI Aayog unveiled a landmark report titled “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta”. The report presents a detailed roadmap to transform India’s pulses sector into a self-reliant, sustainable, and high-performing agricultural domain.
Why Pulses Matter?
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world. Pulses are vital for:
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- Nutritional security: A major source of protein for India's predominantly vegetarian population.
- Sustainable agriculture: Pulses fix nitrogen, improve soil health, and require less water.
- Livelihoods: Over 5 crore farmers and their families depend on pulses cultivation, mostly in rainfed regions.
- Nutritional security: A major source of protein for India's predominantly vegetarian population.
Current Challenges and Progress
The sector has made remarkable strides:
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- In 2015–16, pulse production had declined to 16.35 million tonnes (MT), necessitating 6 MT of imports.
- By 2022–23, production increased by 59.4% to 26.06 MT, with a 38% rise in productivity, reducing import dependency from 29% to 10.4%.
- In 2015–16, pulse production had declined to 16.35 million tonnes (MT), necessitating 6 MT of imports.
Still, gaps persist:
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- In 2023–24, production reached 242.46 LMT, but shortfall of 50.04 LMT led to 47.39 LMT of imports.
- The sector is heavily concentrated, with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan contributing 55%, and the top 10 states accounting for 91% of production.
- In 2023–24, production reached 242.46 LMT, but shortfall of 50.04 LMT led to 47.39 LMT of imports.
Strategic Vision for the report:
As announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the ‘Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses’ is a six-year focused initiative targeting:
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- Pigeonpea (Tur)
- Black gram (Urad)
- Lentil (Masoor)
- Pigeonpea (Tur)
The mission is supported by the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), with buffer stocks of 15.75 lakh metric tonnes as of April 2025. It aims to stabilize prices, ensure availability, and reduce imports.
Strategic Framework:
The report outlines two core pillars:
1. Horizontal Expansion
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- Increase area under pulses by:
- Utilizing rice fallows
- Promoting intercropping
- Utilizing rice fallows
- Focus on under-utilized lands in pulse-suitable regions
- Increase area under pulses by:
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2. Vertical Expansion
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- Improve productivity through:
- High-yielding varieties and hybrids
- Scientific sowing and pest management
- Seed treatment and quality assurance
- Integrated nutrient, weed, and water management
- High-yielding varieties and hybrids
- Improve productivity through:
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Key Recommendations:
Crop-Wise Clustering
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- Promote targeted clusters for specific pulses
- Ensure area retention and diversification
- Promote targeted clusters for specific pulses
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Agro-Ecological Customization
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- Deploy location-specific technologies to boost resilience and productivity
- Deploy location-specific technologies to boost resilience and productivity
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Seed Supply Reforms
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- Distribute high-quality seeds in 111 high-potential districts contributing 75% of output
- Establish ‘One Block–One Seed Village’ models supported by FPOs
- Distribute high-quality seeds in 111 high-potential districts contributing 75% of output
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Climate Resilience
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- Encourage climate-adaptive farming practices
- Invest in data-led monitoring systems to mitigate climate risk
- Encourage climate-adaptive farming practices
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District-Wise Quadrant Approach
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- Identify and manage district clusters based on production potential, climatic risks, and infrastructure gaps
- Identify and manage district clusters based on production potential, climatic risks, and infrastructure gaps
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Projected Outcomes
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- Raise domestic production by ~20.10 MT
- Achieve supply targets of 48.44 MT by 2030 and 63.64 MT by 2047
- Significantly reduce import dependency and promote export potential
- Raise domestic production by ~20.10 MT
Conclusion
NITI Aayog’s strategic blueprint offers a comprehensive, evidence-backed plan to revitalize India’s pulse sector. By focusing on regional strengths, technology integration, climate resilience, and farmer-centric models, India can move decisively toward Atmanirbharta in pulses.
