While presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26 on Saturday in Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the role of two cooperative bodies—NAFED and NCCF—in the ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.’
She said, “Our government is implementing the National Mission for Edible Oilseeds to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils. Our farmers have the capability to grow enough to meet our needs and more.”
“Ten years ago, we made concerted efforts and succeeded in achieving near self-sufficiency in pulses. Farmers responded by increasing the cultivated area by 50%, and the government arranged for procurement and remunerative prices. Since then, with rising incomes and better affordability, our consumption of pulses has increased significantly,” she added.
Sitharaman also stated, “Our government will now launch a 6-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ with a special focus on Tur, Urad, and Masoor. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these three pulses, as much as offered during the next four years, from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.”
The mission will prioritize several critical areas, including the development and commercial availability of climate-resilient seeds, enhancement of protein content in pulses, and increased productivity in pulse farming. It will also focus on improving post-harvest storage and management systems, while ensuring remunerative prices for farmers, with the goal of strengthening the overall pulse production ecosystem.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen India’s pulse production capabilities, reduce dependency on imports, and promote agricultural sustainability.
As one of the largest consumers and producers of pulses, India is taking a significant step toward meeting its growing demand while ensuring benefits for its farming community.
