Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of two flagship agricultural schemes aimed at transforming India's farming landscape and achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production.
During a high-level review meeting, Chouhan emphasized the time-bound execution of 'Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' and the 'Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission', both recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister announced plans to convene an inter-ministerial meeting with representatives from 11 ministries to ensure coordinated implementation.
Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana targets agricultural advancement in 100 aspirational districts nationwide by integrating 36 sub-schemes across multiple ministries. With an annual budget of Rs 24,000 crore, the six-year programme starting 2025-26 seeks to deliver comprehensive support to farmers in underdeveloped regions. Chouhan instructed officials to collaborate with NITI Aayog and state nodal officers to maximize scheme benefits at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission will operate through district-level clusters, with states playing a crucial role in their formation. The initiative aims to dramatically expand pulse cultivation from 275 lakh hectares to 310 lakh hectares by 2030-31, while boosting production from 242 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes. Productivity targets have been set at 1,130 kg per hectare.
With a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore over six years, the mission addresses India's persistent dependence on pulse imports. The programme is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities in rural areas while ensuring better returns for farmers.
Both schemes, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year. The minister stressed that coordinated efforts between central and state governments would be critical for successful ground-level implementation.
Officials have been tasked with regular monitoring to ensure timely execution, with Chouhan emphasizing that direct benefits to farmers remain the primary objective of these ambitious initiatives.
