What's Happening?
India has initiated a significant mission aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, following a Cabinet approval on October 1. The Mission for Atmanirbharta in pulses is set to run from FY26 to FY31 with a financial allocation of ₹11,440 crore. This initiative comes in response to a record $5.5 billion in pulse imports in FY25. The mission includes developing pest-resistant and climate-resilient pulse varieties, expanding pulse cultivation by 3.5 million hectares, and ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers. The goal is to increase production from 25 million tonnes in FY25 to 35 million tonnes by FY31.
Why It's Important?
The mission is crucial for reducing India's dependency on pulse imports, which have surged due to domestic production not meeting demand. This initiative could stabilize the pulse market, benefiting farmers who have faced low productivity and unremunerative prices. By promoting pulse cultivation, the mission also aims to enhance food security and support sustainable agricultural practices. The environmental benefits of pulses, such as reduced fertilizer use and lower greenhouse gas emissions, further underscore the mission's significance.
What's Next?
The success of the mission will depend on effective implementation of its components, including the development of high-yielding pulse varieties and infrastructure support. The government will need to ensure that MSPs are attractive enough to encourage farmers to switch from more lucrative crops like rice. Monitoring and adjusting import policies will also be critical to protect domestic producers from cheaper foreign pulses.
Beyond the Headlines
The mission highlights the broader challenge of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. Pulses, being more climate-friendly, offer a pathway to reduce the agricultural sector's carbon footprint. The initiative could also lead to a shift in agricultural policy, emphasizing the cultivation of crops that provide both economic and environmental benefits.
