Structured Pulse Procurement Launched in Bihar under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission

The Government of India has launched the first-ever structured pulse procurement system in Bihar under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission, marking a major step toward strengthening Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based procurement and achieving self-reliance in pulse production.

Background and Context

India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet continues to rely on imports due to a mismatch between demand and domestic production. To address this gap and ensure nutritional security and farmer income stability, the government launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31). The Bihar initiative represents a ground-level implementation of this mission, focusing on organised procurement and improved supply chain mechanisms.

Key Features of the Initiative

Under this initiative, the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) has started organised procurement of masoor (lentil) in Bihar for the first time. The programme is supported by:

Scientific storage facilities through WDRA-approved warehouses

Collaboration with the Central Warehousing Corporation

Participation of PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations)

The initiative introduces a structured and institutionalised procurement mechanism, unlike earlier fragmented approaches.

Key Achievements (Data-Based)

Procurement target: 32,000 metric tonnes (Masoor)

Procurement achieved: 100.4 metric tonnes

59 farmers onboarded

16 PACS/FPOs registered

Institutional Framework

NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India) and

NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India)

play a central role in procurement operations under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.

NAFED is also expected to expand procurement operations through its cooperative network in Bihar.

Objectives of the Initiative

Ensure remunerative prices to farmers through MSP

Promote self-sufficiency (Atmanirbharta) in pulses production

Strengthen procurement infrastructure and storage systems

Integrate farmers into formal agricultural markets

Reduce dependence on pulse imports

About Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Launched: 2025

Duration: 2025–26 to 2030–31

Outlay: ₹11,440 crore

Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

Focus Crops: Tur (Arhar), Urad, Masoor

The mission aims to:

Increase domestic production

Promote climate-resilient seeds

Expand cultivation area

Strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and procurement

Link with PM-AASHA Scheme

The procurement is carried out under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) component of PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan), which ensures MSP-based procurement of agricultural produce to protect farmers from price fluctuations.

Significance for Agriculture and Economy

Farmer Welfare: Assured MSP improves income stability

Food Security: Ensures availability of protein-rich pulses

Import Reduction: Helps reduce dependency on imported pulses

Cooperative Strengthening: Enhances role of PACS, FPOs, NCCF, and NAFED

Digital Agriculture: Integration with digital platforms improves transparency and efficiency

Challenges and Way Forward

Limited awareness among farmers about procurement mechanisms

Need for expansion of procurement centres and infrastructure

Ensuring timely payments and logistics efficiency

Scaling the model to other pulse-producing states

Conclusion

The launch of structured pulse procurement in Bihar marks a significant reform in agricultural marketing, aligning procurement systems with the broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It strengthens MSP operations, enhances farmer participation, and contributes to India’s long-term goal of self-sufficiency in pulses.