Government Initiatives to Boost Oilseeds and Pulses Production
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has implemented two major missions to achieve self-reliance in edible oils and pulses. The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) was approved on 3rd October, 2024 with the objective of increasing primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched on 11th October, 2025 to increase domestic pulse production from 242 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31.
Implementation Strategy and Progress
The NMEO-OS is implemented through a cluster-based approach with market linkages, with over 600 Value Chain Clusters operationalized across the country managed by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives and other agencies. Farmers receive free high-quality seeds of latest high yielding varieties and training on good agricultural practices. The mission supports establishment and upgradation of post-harvest infrastructure (oil mills) and focuses on improving productivity through Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs), Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) and Block-Level Demonstrations (BLDs).
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 & 50 specialized seed storage units for production of Breeder Seeds. Oilseeds production has increased from 413.55 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 430.59 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 (3rd Advance Estimate).
Impact on Domestic Availability and Imports
According to the Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils, 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.
Pulses Mission Achievements
Under the Pulses Mission, assistance is provided through State Governments/UTs on interventions including seed production, distribution of certified seeds of high yielding & climate resilient varieties, demonstration of latest crop production technologies, capacity building, seed kit distribution and strengthening post-harvest infrastructure. The mission supports assured procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor from registered farmers by NAFED and NCCF under PM-AASHA.
During 2025-26, the mission conducted 4.79 lakh ha demonstrations on latest crop production & protection technologies, produced 4.33 lakh qtls of quality seeds, distributed 3.10 lakh qtls of certified seeds, and distributed 9.25 lakh seedkits free of cost to farmers. Pulses production increased from 242.46 lakh tonnes during 2023-24 to 274.09 lakh tonnes during 2025-26 (3rd Advance estimate). Pulse imports declined from 72.56 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 to 59.64 lakh tonnes in 2025–26.