Pulse Mission: A Solution to Punjab’s Agricultural Crisis

GS Paper 3 Agriculture

Context – The Union Budget of 2025 introduced the Pulse Mission, allocating ₹1,000 crore to enhance pulse production and address Punjab’s agricultural concerns.

Decline in Pulse Cultivation in Punjab

Punjab has witnessed a sharp decline in pulse cultivation, shrinking from 9.17 lakh hectares in the 1960s to a mere 23,000 hectares in 2023-24. Despite having a pulse yield of 1,100 kg per hectare—higher than the national average—the state struggles to meet its annual demand of 6 lakh tonnes.

The Pulse Mission

This initiative aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production while resolving Punjab’s farming challenges. It primarily focuses on cultivating three pulse varieties: Tur (arhar), Urad (mash), and Masoor.

For the next four years, government agencies such as NAFED and NCCF will procure pulses from registered farmers, ensuring market support and financial security.

• NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India): Facilitates agricultural trade, regulates price stability, and supports procurement under MSP. It also plays a crucial role in export promotion and farmer education.
• NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation): Ensures fair distribution of essential goods, improves consumer welfare, and connects farmers directly with buyers, ensuring equitable pricing.

Promoting Agricultural Diversification

Punjab’s heavy dependence on wheat and paddy has led to groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and environmental challenges. Since pulses require significantly less water and can be grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, they present a viable option for diversification.

An assured procurement system will encourage farmers to shift from water-intensive crops like wheat and paddy to pulses, promoting sustainability.

Addressing the MSP Concern

Farmers in Punjab have long demanded an assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops beyond wheat and paddy. The Pulse Mission guarantees MSP for pulses, reducing market volatility and protecting farmers from middlemen exploitation.

Expected Benefits for Punjab

• Reduces dependency on wheat and paddy, enabling a more balanced crop rotation system.
• Enhances soil fertility while mitigating the adverse effects of monoculture.
• Encourages diversification, supporting long-term sustainable farming.

Significance of Agricultural Diversification

• Boosts income stability by reducing over-reliance on a single crop.
• Improves soil quality through crop rotation, minimizing pest issues and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Strengthens climate resilience, mitigates environmental degradation, and fosters biodiversity.