Emphasis on the need to achieve self-reliance in pulses production

09-Feb-2026 04:05 PM

New Delhi: The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has said that importing pulses is a matter of shame, not pride, for the country, and India should aim to become the world's largest exporter of pulses, not the largest importer.

It is noteworthy that for many years, India has been the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses, although a small quantity is also exported.

According to the Agriculture Minister, India's primary goal should be to become self-reliant in pulses production. This will help save foreign exchange.

Subsequently, if the increase in production is sustained, the country will have a surplus stock of pulses, which will increase the potential for exports.

According to the Minister, the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission has been created to achieve this ambitious goal.

The government wants to eliminate the import of pulses from abroad. Increased domestic production will lead to an increase in farmers' income.

Under this mission, all states will prepare their own roadmaps so that the mission's activities can be carried out based on local needs.

According to the Agriculture Minister, the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission will be implemented on the ground through science, policy, Minimum Support Price (MSP), seed improvement, and market support to achieve better results.

He said that new seeds will no longer be released in Delhi for commercial farming purposes, but will be distributed among farmers in the states.

Under the cluster model, farmers will be provided with seed kits for model farming and financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 1,000 per hectare.