Pulses – National Conference in Sehore to Boost Self-Sufficiency
Pulses – Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to lead a significant national-level conference on pulses in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, underscoring the Centre’s renewed focus on strengthening domestic production and reducing import dependence.
The one-day National Pulses Conference will take place at the Food Legumes Research Platform in Amlaha, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will attend the gathering as the special guest, alongside Agriculture Ministers from several key pulses-producing states.
Focus on Strengthening Domestic Production
The conference comes at a time when India is working to enhance its capacity in pulses cultivation, despite being the world’s largest producer. Representatives from states such as Odisha, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have confirmed their participation, reflecting the coordinated effort required to meet national targets.
Discussions will revolve around the National Mission for Pulses Self-Reliance. Officials said the agenda includes raising overall output, improving crop productivity, upgrading seed quality, and expanding value addition opportunities. Increasing farmers’ income and ensuring better price realisation are also central themes of the deliberations.
Broad Participation from Stakeholders
The event is expected to bring together scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, policymakers, industry leaders, seed producers, farmer producer organisations and cultivators from various regions. By assembling stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, the government aims to develop a practical and time-bound roadmap.
Experts will present data on yield improvements and climate-resilient crop varieties, while farmers are expected to share on-ground challenges related to inputs, irrigation, procurement and market access. Officials indicated that such direct engagement would help refine implementation strategies at both the central and state levels.
Inauguration of Advanced Research Facilities
During the visit, Chouhan and Yadav will jointly inaugurate newly established laboratories and training centres at the Food Legumes Research Platform, a leading institution dedicated to pulses research. The upgraded infrastructure is designed to support advanced breeding programmes and faster dissemination of improved seed varieties.
The Union Minister is also scheduled to inspect ongoing field trials at the research site. He will interact with farmers to gather feedback on productivity issues, pest management and access to high-quality seeds.
Launch of Pulses Mission Digital Portal
A major announcement expected at the conference is the introduction of a dedicated Pulses Mission portal. The digital platform will enable real-time monitoring of production, procurement and distribution under the national mission. Officials believe that improved data tracking will help streamline supply chains and minimise gaps between production and market demand.
In addition, new high-yielding varieties of pigeon pea, chickpea and lentil developed by research institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will be formally released. Progressive farmers attending the event will receive these improved seeds to promote wider adoption.
Target of Self-Sufficiency by 2027
India continues to import a considerable quantity of pulses to meet domestic consumption needs. The current mission seeks to eliminate this gap by 2027 through expansion of cultivation areas, higher productivity and stronger procurement systems.
According to officials, the initiative aligns with the broader vision of building a self-reliant agricultural sector and ensuring protein security for the population. The Sehore conference is expected to conclude with a coordinated action plan involving both central and state governments, laying out specific milestones for achieving self-sufficiency in pulses within the next few years.