A major shift in India’s agriculture policy began from a small town in Madhya Pradesh. On February 7, 2026, the nationwide pulses revolution was launched from Amlaha in Sehore district. The event marked the formal rollout of the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, aimed at ending India’s dependence on imported pulses. The message from the ground was clear India will now move from importing pulses to becoming a global exporter, with farmers at the centre of policy decisions.
Nationwide Pulses Revolution Launched from Amlaha
- The nationwide pulses revolution was launched at the Food Legumes Research Centre (FLRP), Amlaha, under the chairmanship of Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- The National Pulses Consultation brought together Union and State Agriculture Ministers, scientists, FPOs, seed companies, millers, and progressive farmers.
- Unlike earlier policy meetings, this dialogue was field-driven, not file-driven.
- The roadmap for the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission was shaped directly with farmers participation, making it a landmark step in farmer-centric agricultural governance.
Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission: Clear Policy Direction
- The Self Reliance in Pulses Mission aims to make India fully independent in pulses production.
- Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that importing pulses is “a matter of shame” and India must become an exporter.
- The mission focuses on increasing area under pulses, improving productivity, and ensuring profitability for farmers.
- The Centre made it clear that pulses self-reliance is not a slogan but a national priority linked with food security, nutrition, and farmer income growth under a long-term strategy.
Seed to Market Approach in Pulses Mission
- A key pillar of the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission is the seed-to-market value chain.
- The government will focus on quality seeds, scientific farming practices, processing, and assured markets.
- No seed will now be released centrally from Delhi.
- Instead, seed villages and state-level seed systems will be strengthened so farmers get region-specific, high-yielding varieties. Farmers joining clusters will receive seed kits and financial support of ₹10,000 per hectare for model pulse farming.
Cluster Model and 1,000 Pulse Mills Plan
- Under the nationwide pulses revolution, the government will promote a cluster-based model.
- Pulses will be processed where they are grown.
- The Centre will support the establishment of 1,000 pulse mills across India, with a subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh per unit. Madhya Pradesh alone will get 55 pulse mills.
- This will create rural jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure farmers earn more through value addition instead of selling raw produce at low prices.
Farmers Interests Protected in International Agreements
- Addressing concerns over international trade agreements, Shri Chouhan assured that no compromise will be made on Indian farmers interests.
- Sensitive crops like Wheat, rice, maize, soybean, pulses, dairy, poultry, ethanol, and vegetables are fully protected.
- He dismissed opposition claims and stated that agreements will boost exports of basmati rice, spices, textiles, and other products while keeping Indian agriculture secure.
- Farmers markets, MSP, and domestic production remain the priority.
Why Pulses Matter for India
- Pulses are the primary source of protein for a large vegetarian population in India.
- Despite being one of the largest producers, India still imports pulses due to demand-supply gaps.
- Increasing pulses production improves nutrition, soil health through nitrogen fixation, and farmers income.
- A strong pulses sector also reduces foreign exchange outflow and strengthens food security.
About Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission)
| Aspect |
Details |
| Mission Name |
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses |
| Objective |
Achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production |
| Announced By |
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Budget Speech |
| Launch Date |
11 October, 2025 (by PM Narendra Modi) |
| Budget Reference |
Union Budget 2025-26 |
| Mission Period |
6 years (2025-26 to 2030-31) |
| Total Outlay |
₹11,440 crore |
Key Focus Areas of the Mission
| Focus Area |
Description |
| Climate-Resilient Varieties |
Development and promotion of high-protein, climate-resilient pulse varieties |
| Productivity Enhancement |
Increasing yield through improved seeds, technology, and practices |
| Area Expansion |
Bringing more land under pulse cultivation |
| Post-Harvest Management |
Strengthening storage, processing, and supply chain infrastructure |
| Farmer Remuneration |
Ensuring fair and remunerative prices for pulse farmers |
Production, Area, and Yield Targets (By 2030-31)
| Indicator |
2023-24 (Baseline) |
2030-31 (Target) |
Increase |
| Total Production |
242 lakh MT |
350 lakh MT |
+45% |
| Area Under Pulses |
275 lakh ha |
310 lakh ha |
+13% |
| Yield |
881 kg/ha |
1,130 kg/ha |
+28% |
Pulses Cultivation Area by Major States (2023-24)
| State |
Area (lakh hectares) |
| Rajasthan |
54.67 |
| Madhya Pradesh |
51.00 |
| Maharashtra |
44.00 |
| Uttar Pradesh |
30.00 |
| Total (India) |
275.00 |
Pulses Production by Major States (2023-24)
| State |
Production (lakh metric tonnes) |
| Madhya Pradesh |
59.74 |
| Maharashtra |
40.00 |
| Rajasthan |
33.00 |
| Uttar Pradesh |
31.00 |
| Total (India) |
242.00 |
Major Pulse Crops and Producing States
| Pulse/Crop |
Ranking/Importance |
Major Producing States |
| Gram (Chana) |
Largest share in area & production |
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Moong |
Second largest |
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh |
| Tur (Arhar) |
Important kharif pulse |
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh |
| Urad |
Widely cultivated |
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra |
| Masoor (Lentil) |
Region-specific |
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh |
Question
Q. From where was the nationwide pulses revolution launched?
A. Indore
B. Amlaha
C. Bhopal
D. Nagpur