Reports & IndicesImportant2025-09-04

NITI Aayog Pulses Production Strategy Report

In News

What Happened

On September 4, 2025, NITI Aayog released a landmark report titled 'Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta'. The report outlines a roadmap to boost India's domestic pulse production to 45.79 million tonnes by 2047. It proposes interventions like the 'One Block-One Seed Village' model and targeted crop-wise clustering across 111 high-potential districts.

Why It Matters

Pulses are critical for nutritional security and sustainable agriculture due to their nitrogen-fixing properties. Although India is the largest producer and consumer, it relies on imports to bridge the deficit; achieving self-sufficiency will ensure domestic food security, reduce the import bill, and promote climate-resilient farming.

Background

History & Context

India has historically struggled with a pulse deficit, necessitating large imports to meet domestic demand. Following a production dip to 16.35 MT in 2015-2016, targeted government interventions boosted output to 26.06 MT by 2022-2023, reducing import dependence from 29 percent to 10.4 percent. Building on this momentum, the Union Budget 2025-2026 announced a six-year 'Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses' targeting pigeonpea, black gram, and lentil. The NITI Aayog report serves as the strategic blueprint for this mission.

What Changed

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BEFORE: Seed distribution was often fragmented, resulting in low adoption of high-yielding varieties. NOW: The 'One Block-One Seed Village' model establishes localized, FPO-led seed hubs focused specifically on 111 high-potential districts that contribute 75 percent of the national output.
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BEFORE: Pulse cultivation was largely restricted to marginal, rainfed lands without targeted area management. NOW: A district-wise 'quadrant strategy' will drive horizontal expansion by actively utilizing rice fallow lands and intercropping, alongside vertical expansion to improve yields.
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BEFORE: Procurement and price support mechanisms predominantly favored cereals, leaving pulse farmers vulnerable to volatile markets. NOW: The strategy integrates assured procurement, with agencies like NAFED and NCCF supporting farmers under multi-year price guarantee agreements.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This directly connects to Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 - 'Agriculture', which covers India's cropping patterns, major crops, and the role of leguminous crops in restoring soil fertility. The report's emphasis on crop diversification and Atmanirbharta demonstrates a modern policy application of improving yields in rainfed agriculture.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the 'Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses' report by NITI Aayog? 1. It aims to increase India's domestic pulse supply to 45.79 million tonnes by 2047. 2. The strategy focuses on expanding pulse cultivation exclusively in fully irrigated regions of Punjab and Haryana.

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