New Delhi:
To reduce India’s dependence on pulse imports and strengthen domestic production, the Government of India has launched the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission, a focused initiative aimed at achieving self-reliance in pulses (dalhan) through productivity enhancement, technological support and farmer-centric interventions.
Pulses play a critical role in India’s food and nutritional security, particularly as a major source of protein for a large vegetarian population. However, fluctuating yields, climate stress and import dependency have long challenged the sector. The Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission seeks to address these issues through a comprehensive and targeted approach.
What is Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission?
The Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission is a central government initiative designed to boost the production, productivity and availability of pulses such as tur, urad, moong, gram and masoor. The mission focuses on improving seed availability, promoting improved varieties, expanding area under pulses and ensuring better price realisation for farmers.
The programme aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to make India self-sufficient in essential agricultural commodities while strengthening farmer incomes.
Objectives of the Mission
The key objectives of the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission include:
- Achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production
- Reducing India’s dependence on pulse imports
- Enhancing productivity through improved seed varieties
- Promoting climate-resilient and region-specific pulse cultivation
- Strengthening procurement and price support mechanisms
- Improving farmer incomes and nutritional security
Key Components of the Mission
1. Improved Seed Availability
One of the major focus areas of the mission is ensuring timely availability of high-yielding and disease-resistant pulse varieties. Seed hubs and breeder seed production programmes are being strengthened to support farmers with quality inputs.
2. Area Expansion and Crop Diversification
The mission encourages the expansion of pulses into rice fallows, intercropping systems and rainfed areas, making better use of existing agricultural land while improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
3. Technology and Extension Support
Farmers are supported with modern agronomic practices such as line sowing, balanced nutrient management, integrated pest management and mechanisation suitable for pulse crops.
4. Assured Procurement and MSP Support
To encourage pulse cultivation, the government has strengthened Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations and procurement through agencies like NAFED, ensuring price stability and market assurance for farmers.
Focus on Major Pulse-Producing States
The Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission gives special emphasis to major pulse-producing and potential states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Region-specific strategies are being adopted to address local agro-climatic challenges.
Benefits for Farmers
Under the mission, farmers are expected to benefit through:
- Access to quality seeds and improved varieties
- Reduced production risks through better technology
- Improved soil health and sustainability
- Stable income through MSP-backed procurement
- Increased resilience to climate variability
Impact on Nutrition and Food Security
Pulses are a cornerstone of India’s nutritional framework. By strengthening domestic production, the mission contributes to protein security, supports public distribution systems and helps stabilise market prices for consumers.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite its potential, the mission faces challenges such as climate variability, pest pressures and adoption gaps at the farm level. Continuous extension support, farmer awareness and timely input delivery will be crucial for the mission’s long-term success.
Experts believe that with sustained implementation and farmer participation, the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission can significantly transform India’s pulse sector.
Conclusion
The Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission marks a decisive step toward making India self-reliant in pulse production. By combining improved seeds, technology support, assured procurement and farmer-centric policies, the mission aims to strengthen both farmer livelihoods and national food security.
As India moves towards sustainable and nutrition-focused agriculture, pulses are set to play a central role—and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission could be the catalyst driving that change.
Author
Vanshika Gupta is a second-year research scholar in Agricultural Communication at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. A UGC-NET qualifier, she actively engages in academic trainings and research activities, with interests in interdisciplinary collaboration and literary pursuits, reflecting a balanced blend of scholarly rigor and creative expression.
