UPSC CSE | GS PAPER III – AGRICULTURE
1. IN NEWS
The government highlighted the first anniversary of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses on 11 October 2026.
2. KEY FACTS
- Allocation: ₹11,440 crore
- Duration: 2025–26 to 2030–31
- Objective: Achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production.
- Focus: Productivity, quality seeds and farmer support.
3. MAJOR OBJECTIVES
- Reduce dependence on pulses imports.
- Increase domestic production.
- Improve farmers’ income.
- Strengthen food and nutritional security.
- Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.
4. IMPLEMENTATION
- Distribution of high-quality seeds.
- Support for improved agricultural practices.
- Procurement support through designated agencies, including NAFED and NCCF.
- Promotion of research and productivity improvements.
5. SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA
- Food Security: Improves domestic availability of pulses.
- Nutrition: Pulses provide protein and essential nutrients.
- Economic Benefits: Can reduce exposure to international price fluctuations.
- Farmer Welfare: Better productivity and market support.
- Self-Reliance: Reduces dependence on imports.
6. CHALLENGES
- Low productivity in some regions.
- Dependence on rainfall and climate conditions.
- Price fluctuations and market uncertainty.
- Pest attacks and limited access to quality seeds.
7. PRELIMS QUICK FACTS
- Pulses are important sources of plant-based protein.
- NAFED stands for National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.
- NCCF stands for National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd.
- Pulses production is linked to food security, soil fertility and crop diversification.
8. UPSC MAINS QUESTION
Q. How can self-sufficiency in pulses contribute to India’s food security and farmers’ income? Discuss. (150 words)
CONCLUSION
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aims to strengthen domestic production, improve nutritional security and support farmers. Effective implementation, better productivity and assured markets will be essential for achieving its objectives.
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