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| Indian farmers harvesting tur and chana under the new PM Dhan-Dhaanya and Pulses Self-Reliance Missions launched by PM Modi in 2025.(Representing AI image) |
Modi’s Big Bet on Pulses: How PM Dhan‑Dhaanya & Self-Reliance Mission Could Transform India’s Pulse Economy
- Dr.Sanjaykumar pawar
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Pulses Matter More Than Ever
- Current Landscape of Pulse Production in India
- 2.1 Area, Yield & Production Trends
- 2.2 Import Dependency & Price Volatility
- The New Initiatives: PM Dhan‑Dhaanya & Self-Reliance in Pulses
- 3.1 PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Key Features & Focus
- 3.2 Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) – What It Envisions
- 3.3 Links with Earlier Programs & Budget Announcements
- Challenges & Bottlenecks in Scaling Pulse Cultivation
- 4.1 Soil Fertility, Water Stress & Climate Vulnerability
- 4.2 Seed Systems, R&D & Extension Gaps
- 4.3 Post-Harvest Losses, Processing & Market Access
- 4.4 Farmer Incentives, Risk & Input Costs
- Data, Projections & Scenarios
- 5.1 What the Government Is Targeting
- 5.2 Independent Projections & Risks
- 5.3 Sensitivity: What If Inputs or Climate Go Wrong
- Opportunities & Strategic Levers
- 6.1 Expanding into Rice Fallow Areas & Crop Diversification
- 6.2 Strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations & Value Chains
- 6.3 Technology Adoption: Climate-Resilient Varieties, Bioinputs
- 6.4 Procurement, MSP & Market Stabilization
- My Analysis & Perspective
- 7.1 The Good, the Risky & the Game-Changers
- 7.2 What Success Would Mean for India
- 7.3 How to Guard Against Pitfalls
- Conclusion: Pulses as a Pillar of Food & Nutritional Security
- FAQs
- References & Credible Sources
1. Introduction: Why Pulses Matter More Than Ever
In India, pulses are far more than just a staple on the dinner plate — they are the lifeblood of millions of smallholder farmers and a pillar of nutritional security. From tur (pigeon pea) and chana (chickpea) to urad, moong, and masoor (lentils), these humble legumes are rich in protein, drought-resistant, and crucial to maintaining soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation. In short, pulses are the unsung heroes of Indian agriculture.
Despite their importance, India has long faced a mismatch between domestic demand and supply of pulses. With rising populations and changing diets, demand is climbing, but domestic production struggles to keep pace. This has made India the world’s largest importer of pulses, exposing the country to global price volatility, food inflation, and a growing dependence on foreign markets.
To tackle this, the Government of India has launched two transformative initiatives: the PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Self‑Reliance in Pulses Mission. These schemes aim to expand pulses cultivation to 31 million hectares by 2030‑31, enhance processing infrastructure, provide 100% procurement support, and incentivize farmers through input kits and MSP coverage.
But the question is — will these ambitious plans work?
In this in-depth blog, we’ll break down the design, data, and delivery mechanisms behind these initiatives. We’ll explore the economic, environmental, and policy implications, and offer insights into potential hurdles—from irrigation gaps to market access.
This isn’t just about farming — it’s about food sovereignty, rural livelihoods, and India’s path toward agricultural self-reliance.
Let’s start by understanding the current landscape of India’s pulse production and why urgent intervention was inevitable.
2. Current Landscape of Pulse Production in India
2.1 Area, Yield & Production Trends
India has made steady strides in expanding the land dedicated to pulses cultivation, yet yield improvements have not kept pace. Historical data shows that the area under pulses increased from approximately 19 million hectares in 1950–51 to 25 million hectares by 2013–14, a clear sign of policy support and farmer preference. However, during the same period, production rose from 8.4 million tonnes to around 19 million tonnes—a growth driven more by land expansion than productivity gains.
In recent years, pulses production has plateaued between 20 to 25 million tonnes annually, heavily influenced by rainfall and climatic variability, as over 60% of pulses are grown in rainfed areas. Despite scientific advancements and the introduction of improved seed varieties, average yields remain between 800–1,000 kg/ha, which is significantly lower than achievable levels under optimal agronomic practices.
This stagnation in yields is a major bottleneck in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in pulses, especially as demand is projected to rise due to dietary diversification and population growth. Enhancing yields through better irrigation, seed quality, extension services, and post-harvest management will be key to meeting national targets without over-relying on increasing acreage.
2.2 Import Dependency & Price Volatility
Despite being the largest producer and consumer of pulses, India continues to import 4 to 7 million tonnes of pulses annually—particularly tur, urad, and moong—to bridge the demand-supply gap. This heavy import dependency makes the country vulnerable to global market dynamics.
When international prices rise or exports are restricted by key suppliers like Myanmar or Canada, domestic prices shoot up, directly affecting Indian households. Even minor disruptions in global logistics or trade policies can trigger supply shortages and price spikes, leading to political and economic pressures.
This volatility doesn’t just hurt consumers—it sends confusing signals to farmers. If cheap imports undercut local prices, farmers often shift away from cultivating pulses, worsening the long-term supply issue. This cycle perpetuates the very problem the country is trying to solve.
In fact, pulses inflation in India has seen year-on-year spikes of 15–20%, significantly contributing to overall food inflation. Such volatility disproportionately impacts low-income families, who rely on pulses as their primary protein source.
Breaking this import cycle is essential. Strengthening domestic production, processing, and procurement is not just an agricultural challenge—it’s a matter of food security, price stability, and farmer resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
3. The New Initiatives: PM Dhan‑Dhaanya & Self-Reliance in Pulses
3.1 PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Key Features & Focus
The PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, approved for implementation from 2025 to 2031, is designed to revolutionize farming outcomes in 100 strategically chosen districts across India. These are primarily low-productivity zones where pulse cultivation has untapped potential.
At its core, this Yojana is a holistic, district-driven agricultural development model. Instead of launching isolated schemes, it integrates 36 existing programs from 11 government departments—ranging from irrigation and credit to warehousing and soil health—into one coordinated push. This reduces duplication, saves resources, and ensures that benefits reach farmers faster and more efficiently.
Key goals include boosting crop productivity, promoting diversified and climate-resilient farming, building post-harvest storage at village levels, and improving access to irrigation, credit, and technology.
One of the most innovative features is the creation of District Dhan‑Dhaanya Samiti bodies. These local committees will tailor implementation to regional needs, monitor progress, and ensure accountability on the ground.
In essence, PM Dhan‑Dhaanya is more than just a scheme—it’s a governance framework to align policies, budgets, and execution in a farmer-centric way. With the right implementation, it has the potential to transform India’s lagging agricultural districts into productivity hubs.
3.2 Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) – What It Envisions
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, launched by the Government of India, is a bold step toward ending the country’s dependence on imported pulses. Spanning from 2025–26 to 2030–31, the mission is backed by a significant ₹11,440 crore investment and aims to transform the entire pulses ecosystem—from seed to market.
The headline goal? Boost India’s pulse production from the current 242 lakh tonnes (2023–24) to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31. To achieve this, the government plans to expand cultivation to 31 million hectares and improve average yields by nearly 28%, from 881 kg/ha to 1,130 kg/ha.
To support farmers on the ground, the mission will distribute nearly 88 lakh free seed kits and establish 1,000 local processing units—crucial for reducing post-harvest losses and improving value addition. One of the standout features is a 100% MSP procurement guarantee for key pulses like tur, urad, and masoor, ensuring price stability and income security for registered farmers.
From improving seed quality to market access, this mission takes a comprehensive farm-to-fork approach, addressing both production challenges and demand-side gaps. If executed effectively, it could make India truly aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in pulses by the end of the decade.
3.3 Links with Earlier Programs & Budget Announcements
The PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Self‑Reliance in Pulses Mission aren’t entirely new creations—they are evolved responses to persistent agricultural challenges, rooted in prior policies and expert recommendations.
Both missions were first outlined in the Union Budget 2025–26, with a clear six-year roadmap. They draw heavily from the convergence model long championed by NITI Aayog, which emphasizes breaking down silos and coordinating efforts across departments at the district level.
This mission-mode approach is not just administrative—it’s strategic. NITI Aayog has, over the years, laid out a structured vision for achieving pulses self-sufficiency, including key actions such as:
- Expanding cultivation in rainfed and underutilized regions
- Minimizing post-harvest losses through better storage and processing units
- Ensuring last-mile delivery of quality seed kits
- Creating robust market linkages and procurement mechanisms
The current initiatives reflect this blueprint—taking existing insights and embedding them into scalable, localized governance models like the District Dhan‑Dhaanya Samiti.
These programs don’t start from scratch. They are the next chapter in India’s ongoing journey to close the pulses production gap, reduce import dependency, and empower farmers with the tools and infrastructure they’ve long needed.
4. Challenges & Bottlenecks in Scaling Pulse Cultivation
Even with ambitious design, numerous constraints remain. Unless these are addressed, the mission may fall short of its goals.
4.1 Soil Fertility, Water Stress & Climate Vulnerability
India’s major pulse-growing regions—like Bundelkhand, Marathwada, and parts of Rajasthan—are largely rainfed and semi-arid, making them highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks. Erratic monsoons, prolonged droughts, or sudden unseasonal rains can drastically reduce yields, making pulse cultivation a risky livelihood for millions of farmers.
While pulses are known for their soil-enriching abilities—thanks to their nitrogen-fixing nature—this benefit is not unlimited. Repeated cropping without replenishing phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients is silently depleting soil fertility. This exhaustion leads to declining productivity over time, particularly in regions with poor soil management practices.
Climate change is further complicating the picture. Pulses are highly sensitive to heat stress, especially during the flowering and pod-filling stages. Even a few degrees of temperature rise can cause significant flower drop or shriveled grains—both of which affect farmer income.
On top of this, access to assured irrigation remains limited in many pulse belts. Without timely water, even improved seed varieties or government support may not translate into actual gains.
To truly succeed, the new missions must address these agro-climatic vulnerabilities head-on—through micro-irrigation, climate-resilient varieties, and soil health rejuvenation programs.
Only then can India unlock the full potential of its pulse sector.
4.2 Seed Systems, R&D & Extension Gaps
One of the less visible—but critically important—challenges in boosting India’s pulse production lies in its broken seed systems and underfunded R&D ecosystem.
While there are high-performing, climate-resilient and pest-resistant pulse varieties developed by institutions like ICAR and IIPR, their availability is patchy. Many farmers in remote districts still plant older, low-yielding varieties, simply because they don’t have access to improved seeds.
This problem starts at the top of the seed value chain. From breeder seeds to foundation and certified seeds, each stage suffers from capacity gaps, inconsistent quality control, and poor last-mile delivery. Without robust seed multiplication and distribution networks, even the best R&D breakthroughs fail to reach the farm.
Compounding the issue, extension services—the bridge between labs and fields—remain weak in many rural areas. Agricultural officers are often overburdened or absent, and digital advisory platforms haven’t yet reached scale.
Historically, pulses have also been under-prioritized in agricultural research compared to cereals like rice and wheat or cash crops like sugarcane and cotton. This has led to fewer innovations in productivity, pest control, and mechanization.
To meet the new mission goals, India must strengthen its seed systems, invest in pulse-focused R&D, and revive grassroots extension services.
4.3 Post-Harvest Losses, Processing & Market Access
After months of hard work in the fields, many Indian pulse farmers face a harsh reality—significant losses after harvest due to inadequate storage and handling. Pulses are highly vulnerable to moisture damage, pest infestations, and physical handling losses, especially when proper drying and storage facilities are missing. These post-harvest losses can range between 10% to 20% or even more, directly hitting farmers’ incomes.
Beyond storage, processing infrastructure like cleaning, grading, and packaging remains limited across many pulse-growing regions. Without these essential services, pulses fetch lower farmgate prices, limiting value addition opportunities that could benefit farmers and processors alike.
Additionally, market fragmentation and weak supply chains mean many farmers have limited options for selling their produce. This lack of alternative buyers or well-organized market linkages forces farmers to accept low prices, often dictated by local intermediaries.
Improving post-harvest management and establishing efficient processing units are critical steps in enhancing farmers’ earnings. Strengthening market access through better supply chain integration and digital platforms can empower farmers to negotiate fair prices and reduce dependency on middlemen.
Addressing these challenges holistically will be key to unlocking the true potential of India’s pulse sector.
4.4 Farmer Incentives, Risk & Input Costs
For many Indian pulse farmers, rising input costs are squeezing already thin profit margins. Expenses for fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and machinery have climbed steadily, making pulse cultivation financially challenging, especially for small and marginal farmers who dominate the sector.
Adding to their woes is the price risk. When imported pulses flood the market or if Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement mechanisms falter, farmers often receive returns that don’t justify their hard work. This uncertainty discourages many from expanding pulse cultivation or investing in improved practices.
Smallholders, who are naturally risk-averse, often prefer safer, more predictable crops like wheat or rice, especially when credit access and crop insurance schemes are not well tailored to pulses. Unlike major cereals, pulses frequently lack adequate financial support and risk mitigation tools, making farmers hesitant to commit resources.
Unless these structural challenges are addressed through better credit availability, strengthened crop insurance, and reliable MSP enforcement, simply increasing the pulse-growing area may not translate into the expected output gains. To truly boost pulse production sustainably, government schemes must carefully balance incentives, risk management, and cost support for farmers.
5. Data, Projections & Scenarios
5.1 What the Government Is Targeting
The Government of India has set ambitious yet achievable targets under the new pulse initiatives to tackle the nation’s pulse shortage head-on. By 2030-31, the goal is to expand the total pulse cultivation area from the current 27.5 million hectares to 31 million hectares. This expansion aims to bring more farmers into pulse farming, especially in underutilized districts.
Alongside area growth, the government targets a substantial increase in production—from around 242 lakh tonnes (24.2 million tonnes) in 2023-24 to 350 lakh tonnes (35 million tonnes) by 2030-31. This represents a remarkable ~44% rise in output within just seven years.
Improving productivity is central to this plan. Yields are expected to jump from the current average of 881 kg per hectare to around 1,130 kg per hectare by adopting better seeds, technology, and farming practices.
To support this, the government will distribute approximately 88 lakh free seed kits and establish about 1,000 new pulse processing units to reduce post-harvest losses and add value.
A major highlight is ensuring 100% procurement at MSP for tur, urad, and masoor pulses for registered farmers over four years, providing a safety net and encouraging cultivation.
Together, these measures aim to create a more resilient, self-reliant pulse sector in India.
5.2 Independent Projections & Risks
While government targets are ambitious, independent projections offer both optimism and caution. According to a NITI Aayog strategy report, India could boost pulse output by up to 20 million tonnes by 2030 by tapping into high-yielding states and converting underused rice-fallow areas into productive pulse zones.
However, NITI also outlines a "most demanding scenario" where, if interventions are delayed or poorly implemented, India could still face a demand-supply gap of 15.74 million tonnes by 2030. This would severely undermine the goal of self-reliance.
Experts warn that yield improvements—a cornerstone of the mission—may not materialize as expected. With India’s pulses largely grown in rainfed, climate-sensitive regions, even minor climate shocks like droughts or unseasonal rains could derail progress. In such cases, analysts estimate that India may still need to import 3 to 5 million tonnes of pulses annually to meet domestic demand.
These projections highlight a key reality: success hinges not just on targets, but on on-ground execution, climate resilience, and farmer trust. Without sustained investment in seed systems, irrigation, and support services, the dream of full pulses self-sufficiency may remain just that—a dream.
5.3 Sensitivity: What If Inputs or Climate Go Wrong
While the pulse missions set bold targets, their success depends on many moving parts—and several things could go wrong.
For instance, if yields rise only to 1,000 kg/ha instead of the projected 1,130 kg/ha, total production could fall short by 10–15%, putting pressure back on imports. Similarly, if climate events like droughts or untimely rains reduce yields by even 10% in a given year, progress could be significantly delayed.
Another risk is weak MSP enforcement or delayed procurement. If farmers aren’t confident they’ll be able to sell their pulses at a fair price, they may hesitate to shift from safer crops, slowing down area expansion.
Logistical delays—such as late distribution of seed kits, unfinished storage or processing infrastructure, or poor coordination between departments—can also blunt the mission’s momentum.
Despite these risks, the goals are not unrealistic. With sharp execution, farmer trust, and contingency plans to manage external shocks, India can still move decisively toward self-reliance in pulses.
But it will take more than good intentions—it will require real-time monitoring, adaptive policies, and accountability at every level, from Delhi to the last-mile district teams.
6. Opportunities & Strategic Levers
To make the mission a success, certain levers must be pulled strategically.
6.1 Expanding into Rice Fallow Areas & Crop Diversification
One of the low-hanging opportunities is converting rice fallow land (land left idle after rice harvest) to pulses in certain states. This both increases area and reduces monoculture. NITI identifies this as a critical lever.
Intercropping pulses with cereals or maize could also be encouraged, especially in semi-arid systems.
6.2 Strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations & Value Chains
Promoting FPOs and aggregators can help smallholders:
- Access better inputs (bulk buying)
- Consolidate for marketing and negotiation
- Implement post-harvest handling and quality assurance
Incentivizing FPO-based processing or packaging units in or near districts can create local value addition.
6.3 Technology Adoption: Climate-Resilient Varieties, Bioinputs
- Faster development and deployment of climate-resilient, pest-resistant, short-duration pulse varieties are needed.
- Promoting biofertilizers, rhizobium inoculants, microbial inputs can lower chemical inputs and improve soil health.
- Precision farming, soil health cards, moisture sensors, and improved agronomic practices must be pushed via extension systems.
6.4 Procurement, MSP & Market Stabilization
- Guaranteeing 100% procurement for key pulses (tur, urad, masoor) at MSP can encourage farmer confidence.
- Monitoring import prices and adjusting duty/tariff to prevent market undercutting.
- Creating buffer stocks or control stocks to manage volatility.
- Ensuring market linkages to eNAM, minimum distance markets, and digital platforms.
If these levers are deployed well, the mission can have transformative impact.
7. My Analysis & Perspective
7.1 The Good, the Risky & the Game‑Changers
What’s promising:
- The mission adopts a holistic design—not just area expansion but seeds, procurement, infrastructure, and markets.
- Focus on district-level integration via PM Dhan-Dhaanya can reduce policy fragmentation.
- The financial commitment (₹11,440 crore) is significant, signaling central seriousness.
- If successful, it could end decades of India being import-dependent for pulses.
Risks & weak links:
- Implementation and coordination across 36 schemes and multiple ministries are complex.
- State-level commitment (procurement, extension, land allocation) may vary.
- Seed availability and extension backbone might lag in remote districts.
- Climate extremes or pest outbreaks remain unpredictable.
Potential game-changers:
- A sharp rise in private investments in pulse processing, packaged pulses, export-led pulses could shift incentives.
- Digital platforms linking farmers to processors, real-time price signals, and crop advisory could accelerate adoption.
- Integrating pulses into programs like PDS (Public Distribution System) or midday meals may ensure assured demand.
7.2 What Success Would Mean for India
- Reduced import bill and improved foreign-exchange cushion
- Greater farmer income and confidence, particularly in rainfed areas
- Lower pulse prices or greater price stability for consumers
- Better nutritional security in a country of rising protein demands
- Soil health and cropping system resilience gains from pulse rotations
7.3 How to Guard Against Pitfalls
- Build strong monitoring & evaluation mechanisms with real-time dashboards and performance metrics.
- Ensure accountability at state and district levels, with corrective loops.
- Allow flexibility to revise targets or strategies based on mid-course reviews.
- Engage farmer voices, civil society, researchers in oversight.
- Set aside contingency buffers for climate or pest shocks.
If these checks are institutionalized, the chances of success rise.
8. Conclusion: Pulses as a Pillar of Food & Nutritional Security
The twin initiatives of PM Dhan‑Dhaanya and Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses represent one of the most ambitious attempts in recent years to transform a key agricultural sector. The vision is bold: expand area, raise yields, build infrastructure, guarantee procurement, and reduce import dependency.
Yet the mission’s success will depend heavily on execution—especially in seed systems, extension, coordination across ministries, farmer incentives, and climate resilience. If India can manage these at scale, the payoff is high: for farmers, consumers, and the national balance sheet.
As these programs roll out in coming years, rigorous tracking, adaptive learning, and course correction will be critical. India must not just announce missions—but deliver them, measurably and sustainably.
9. FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between PM Dhan‑Dhaanya and the Pulses Mission?
PM Dhan‑Dhaanya is a district-level convergence scheme aimed at improving agriculture broadly (productivity, storage, credit) in 100 districts using multiple programs in unison. The Pulses Mission (Mission for Aatmanirbharta) is more pulse-specific, with targets for area, production, procurement, seeds, and value chains.
Q2. Is the ₹11,440 crore outlay sufficient?
It is significant, but whether it’s sufficient depends on ground realities—state-level contributions, private investment, and efficient use of funds. If execution is weak, costs may exceed estimates.
Q3. Will farmers be guaranteed MSP procurement for all pulses?
The mission proposes 100% procurement for tur, urad, and masoor from registered farmers in coming years. Other pulses may follow, but not guaranteed upfront.
Q4. Can India still need to import pulses under this scheme?
Yes—if yield improvements or area expansion fall short, or if demand grows faster than production, some imports may remain necessary. The mission is designed to reduce import dependence substantially, but full import elimination is challenging.
Q5. How can small and marginal farmers benefit?
They can participate via FPOs, get access to seed kits, procure from state agencies, benefit from extension support, and gain by value addition. The mission design must ensure that scale and access barriers are lowered for them.
10. References & Credible Sources
- Union Cabinet Approves Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (PMIndia) — official announcement of scheme
- Business Standard: Cabinet approves ₹11,440 cr mission to make India self-sufficient in pulses
- PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMIndia) — scheme overview
- NITI Aayog report on pulses import reduction strategy
- Indian Express: PM’s Dhan‑Dhaanya – agriculture initiative insights
- Times of India: Government aims to expand pulse area from 27.5 to 31 million ha by 2030–31
- Various news reports on scheme approvals and budget announcements
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