Having benefited 12,906 farmers and recorded financial progress of Rs 299.03 lakh during 2025-26, the Government’s Mission Aatmanirbharta in Pulses under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission framework is set for a major expansion in the district. The Agriculture Department has proposed to bring 62,890.63 hectares under pulse cultivation during Kharif 2026-27--an increase of 5,717 hectares over the previous season--with an overall production target set at 166567.4 metric tonnes. Last year, Pulses harvest was 148373.5 MT, said the officials. The programme recorded physical achievements across 6,192.5 hectares and included 2,157 Scheduled Caste and 1,039 Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. Field demonstrations formed the backbone of the initiative. Cluster Front-line Demonstrations covering 1,070 hectares benefited 2,675 farmers, while inter-cropping demonstrations on 640 hectares reached 1,600 farmers. Crop-system-based demonstrations on 150 hectares benefited 375 farmers.

 

Together, these activities covered 1,860 hectares, reached 4,650 farmers and accounted for financial assistance of Rs 172.98 lakh. A major part of mission was improving access to quality seed as without it increasing the per acreage was impossible. A total of 507.4 quintals of certified seed of older varieties were distributed among 1,534 farmers, while 668.3 quintals of improved certified seed reached 1,541 farmers. Altogether, 1,175.7 quintals of seed were supplied to 3,075 farmers. In addition, 97.8 quintals of certified tur seed were produced under the programme. Scientific cultivation practices also received a boost. Integrated Nutrient Management interventions covered 1,128 hectares, benefiting 1,571 farmers, while Integrated Pest Management measures covered 1,880 hectares and benefited 2,106 farmers.

 

The mission also organised 50 crop-based training programmes for 1,500 farmers. Building on these achievements, the district plans to expand pulse cultivation while improving productivity through greater adoption of quality seed. Tur (pigeon pea) will continue to dominate cultivation, accounting for 62,778.54 hectares with a production target of 68,643.44 metric tonnes and average productivity of 1,093.42 kg per hectare. The department has proposed raising the seed replacement rate for tur to 35 per cent, while the targets for moong and urad have been fixed at 60 per cent and 68 per cent, respectively. Seed requirements have been estimated at 3,035 quintals for tur, 2 quintals for moong and 25 quintals for urad. The emphasis on quality seed, scientific crop management and farmer training reflects a broader effort to enhance farm incomes, strengthen pulse production and contribute to long-term food and nutritional security.