Government Initiatives for Oilseeds and Pulses Production

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has implemented two major missions to boost domestic production of essential food commodities. The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) was approved on October 3, 2024, with the objective of increasing primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Subsequently, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched on October 11, 2025, targeting an increase in pulse production from 242 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31.

Implementation Strategy and Progress

The NMEO-OS operates through a cluster-based approach with market linkages, having operationalized over 600 Value Chain Clusters managed by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and other agencies. The mission provides free high-quality seeds of latest high-yielding varieties, training on good agricultural practices, and supports establishment and upgradation of post-harvest infrastructure including oil mills. During 2025-26, 13.52 lakh hectares were covered under free seed distribution in Value Chain Clusters, with 4.44 lakh hectare area covered during kharif 2026. The mission has sanctioned 60 Seed Hubs and 50 specialized seed storage units for production of Breeder Seeds of recently released varieties.

Production and Import Results

Oilseeds production has shown consistent growth, increasing from 413.55 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 430.59 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 (3rd Advance Estimate). Domestic availability of edible oils increased from 124.23 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 to 126.30 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while edible oil imports declined from 165.00 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 to 160.72 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.

Under the Pulses Mission, significant interventions include seed production, distribution of certified seeds of high yielding & climate resilient varieties, demonstrations of latest crop production technologies, capacity building, seed kit distribution, and strengthening post-harvest infrastructure. During 2025-26, the mission conducted 4.79 lakh hectare demonstrations on latest crop production & protection technologies, produced 4.33 lakh quintals of quality seeds, distributed 3.10 lakh quintals of certified seeds, and distributed 9.25 lakh seedkits free of cost to farmers.

Pulses production has increased from 242.46 lakh tonnes during 2023-24 to 274.09 lakh tonnes during 2025-26 (3rd Advance estimate). Pulse imports declined significantly from 72.56 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 to 59.64 lakh tonnes in 2025–26, reflecting improved domestic availability.

Procurement Support Mechanism

Both missions ensure remunerative prices to farmers through procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) under Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA). For pulses, assured procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor is conducted by NAFED and NCCF from registered and willing farmers based on requisitions made by the States.