Read till end Announcement of the National Pulses Mission by the Prime Minister: Changes in import regulations are essential for the success of this scheme.

11-Oct-2025 08:29 PM

The Prime Minister has launched two major agricultural schemes – the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanay Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. The total financial allocation for both schemes is ₹35,440 crore.

The goal of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is to increase the area under pulses to 310 lakh hectares, production to 350 lakh tons, and average productivity to 1,130 kilograms per hectare by the year 2030-31.

This mission will run for six years (from 2025-26 to 2030-31), with a budget allocation of ₹11,440 crore.

We believe that while the scheme is excellent for achieving self-reliance in pulses for both farmers and the country, self-reliance will not be possible unless the government reforms import policies. Currently, farmers are not receiving fair prices for pulses, leading to reduced production and increased imports.

Before the upcoming Rabi sowing season, it is essential for the government to increase import duties on key imported pulses in the coming weeks to support the domestic market and stabilize prices.

While the Ministry of Agriculture has advocated changes in import duties, several other government agencies have also made similar demands.

Considering all the above points, the government should reform import regulations. This will not only ensure better prices for farmers but also strengthen the country’s goal of self-reliance in pulses.