To increase pulse production in Maharashtra and reduce dependence on imports, the state cabinet has given the green light to implement the ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’ planned by the central government. This decision by the Fadnavis government will greatly benefit women farmers as well as Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and will bring about a major agricultural transformation in the state over the next five years.
Selection of 34 districts, project worth ₹11,440 crore
A total fund of ₹11,440 crore has been approved for this campaign across the country, and the Centre has selected 34 districts in Maharashtra. This campaign will be implemented in phases from 2025-26 to 2030-31. The central government will bear 100% of the cost for purchasing pulse seeds and seed production. For other measures, funding will be provided with 60% from the Centre and 40% from the State.
What is the central government's main plan?
The central government has decided to launch a new mission called the ‘Pulse Self-Reliance Campaign’ by separating the pulses component from the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission. From the Rabi season of 2025, this campaign will be implemented independently. The state government has also issued formal orders granting administrative approval to implement the campaign in accordance with the central policy.
Key points from the government's decision:
The 'Pulse Self-Reliance Campaign' will be implemented in the state during the five-year period from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
100% funding for seed purchase and seed production will be provided by the Centre.
For other programs, Centre-State funding will be available in a 60:40 ratio.
Funds will be provided to the Commissioner (Agriculture) from time to time through the budgetary distribution system.
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women farmers will be given priority benefits in the campaign.
Implementation of the campaign will be mandatory as per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
The Director (Extension and Training) will coordinate the campaign at the state level.
` In Maharashtra, the production of pulses such as pigeon peas, green gram, black gram, and chickpeas mainly depends on rainfall. Therefore, due to the lack of consistency in production, the state has to import on a large scale. With the new campaign, improved seeds, organic production tools, modern farming technology, and guaranteed support will enable farmers in the state to benefit greatly. Following this approval by the state government, district-wise action plans will now be drawn up, and actual implementation is expected to gain momentum in the coming months. This important decision taken towards self-reliance in the agricultural sector is expected to bring revolutionary changes in Maharashtra's pulse production in the coming years.