PM Modi to launch initiatives to boost pulses production

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch two initiatives – PM Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana and Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission – on Saturday to expand pulse cultivation from 27.5 million to 31 million hectares by 2030-31. Both schemes had been announced in the last Budget.

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre will procure pulses produced in the country as part of the proposed scheme.

Apart from the two schemes, more than 1,100 projects worth ₹42,000 crore in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and food processing sectors will also be inaugurated on Saturday.

“Today, India is completely self-reliant in wheat and rice, and we have exported over four crore tonnes of agricultural produce. However, in the case of pulses, we still have ground to cover,” Mr. Chouhan said.

He noted that India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, and also the biggest importer. “The aim is to expand the total pulse cultivation area from 27.5 million hectares to 31 million hectares by 2030-31, and to raise production from 24.2 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes. Productivity is targeted to increase from 880 kg per hectare to 1,130 kg per hectare,” the Minister said. High-quality seeds will be distributed to farmers.

“1,000 processing units will be established in pulse-growing regions to ensure better prices for farmers and promote local value addition. Each unit will receive a government subsidy of ₹25 lakh. The entire agriculture machinery – in partnership with State governments – will function under the vision of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’,” he added.

On PM Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana, Mr. Chouhan said that to address productivity disparity, the government will identify 100 low-productivity districts and implement targeted measures. “The efforts will focus on improving irrigation coverage, strengthening storage facilities, expanding credit access, and promoting crop diversification,” he said.