The NITI Aayog report projected that domestic supply will reach 30.59 MT by 2030 and 45.79 MT by 2047 under a business-as-usual scenario. However, with strategic interventions, output could climb to 48.44 MT by 2030 and 63.64 MT by 2047.
Photo: IANS
India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in this critical food sector, NITI Aayog said in a report.
In its report titled “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta”, NITI Aayog lays out a detailed roadmap to accelerate growth in the pulses sector, which sustains the livelihoods of over 5 crore farmers, with nearly 80% of production dependent on rainfed areas.
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The NITI Aayog report projected that domestic supply will reach 30.59 MT by 2030 and 45.79 MT by 2047 under a business-as-usual scenario. However, with strategic interventions, output could climb to 48.44 MT by 2030 and 63.64 MT by 2047.
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India’s pulse output, which had fallen to 16.35 million tonnes (MT) in 2015–16, leading to heavy imports, rebounded to 26.06 MT by 2022–23, marking a 59.4% rise in production and reducing import dependence from 29% to 10.4%.
It further highlighted India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, which allow the cultivation of 12 different pulses, though production remains concentrated in a handful of states, with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan together contributing 55%.
Notably, the Union Budget 2025–26 has announced a six-year Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses, with a focus on pigeonpea, black gram, and lentils.
It noted that the framework rests on two pillars, namely horizontal expansion, through the use of rice fallow lands and intercropping; and vertical expansion, through yield improvement, technology adoption, and scientific farming practices.
It also proposes a district-wise quadrant approach, focusing on 111 high-potential districts that account for 75% of the national output.
Key recommendations include crop-wise clustering, high-quality seed distribution, “One Block-One Seed Village” hubs supported by farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and proactive climate adaptation measures.
The report also stresses the need for data-driven monitoring and decision-support systems to drive a transformation in the sector.
Recognising self-sufficiency in pulses as a national priority, the report positions India on a trajectory to reduce imports, ensure nutritional security, and promote sustainable agriculture in line with the government’s Atmanirbharta vision.
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