India's Self-Reliance Quest in Pulses by 2031

On October 11, the Government of India launched the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission (Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses), a landmark initiative aimed at achieving complete self-sufficiency in pulses production and reducing dependence on imports.

- Narayan Kulkarani

Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approved by the Union Cabinet on July 16, 2025, the Mission will be implemented over a six-year period from FY 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore. Launched, alongside the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, the Mission represents a decisive step toward strengthening food and nutritional security, enhancing farmers’ incomes, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India.

In the recent 2025-26 Union Budget, the Finance Minister noted past efforts that led to nearly achieving self-sufficiency in pulses. The government is committed to improving the production, storage and marketing of pulses in the coming years. The Mission has set ambitious goals to increase the area under pulses cultivation from 275 lakh hectare to 310 lakh hectare, production from 242 lakh tonne to 350 lakh tonne, and productivity to 1,130 kilogramme per hectare by 2030-31.