Government targets 69.7 million tonnes of oilseeds and 350 lakh tonnes of pulses by 2030-31
NEW DELHI, 17 August 2026: The Centre has intensified its strategy to achieve self-reliance in edible oils and pulses by expanding seed distribution, strengthening farmer producer organisations (FPOs), improving post-harvest infrastructure and ensuring MSP-based procurement under two national missions.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur said the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) aims to raise India's primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, launched in October 2025, targets increasing pulse production from 242 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes during the same period.
Over 600 value chain clusters operational
A key feature of the oilseeds mission is its cluster-based approach linking production directly with markets.
More than 600 Value Chain Clusters have been established across the country and are being managed by FPOs, cooperatives and other implementing agencies. Farmers enrolled in these clusters receive:
- Free high-quality seeds of improved varieties
- Training on good agricultural practices
- Technical support for productivity enhancement
- Market linkage assistance
The government has also sanctioned 60 Seed Hubs and 50 specialised seed storage units to strengthen breeder seed production and certified seed availability.
Oilseed production and imports show improvement
According to the Ministry, 13.52 lakh hectares were covered under free seed distribution during 2025-26, while another 4.44 lakh hectares have already been covered in the ongoing Kharif 2026 season.
Oilseed production has risen from 413.55 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 430.59 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 (Third Advance Estimates).
The improvement has also begun reflecting in India's edible oil trade. Domestic edible oil availability increased from 124.23 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 126.30 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while imports declined from 165 lakh tonnes to 160.72 lakh tonnes over the same period.
Pulses mission strengthens seed and MSP support
The pulses mission focuses on expanding domestic production through improved seed systems, demonstrations and assured procurement.
During 2025-26, the government implemented:
Intervention Achievement
Demonstration area 4.79 lakh ha
Quality seed production 4.33 lakh quintals
Certified seed distribution 3.10 lakh quintals
Free seed kits distributed 9.25 lakh
Support is provided through State governments for seed production, climate-resilient varieties, capacity building and post-harvest infrastructure.
To protect farmer incomes, NAFED and NCCF procure Tur, Urad and Masoor from registered farmers under the PM-AASHA scheme whenever requested by States.
Pulse imports decline as domestic output rises
The government's production push has yielded encouraging results. Pulse production increased from 242.46 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 to 274.09 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 (Third Advance Estimates).
At the same time, pulse imports fell sharply from 72.56 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 to 59.64 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, indicating improved domestic availability and reduced dependence on overseas supplies.
The Centre said the combined strategy of quality seeds, demonstration programmes, FPO-led value chains, processing infrastructure and assured procurement is expected to play a central role in achieving India's edible oil and pulse self-sufficiency targets by 2030-31.
