Bhopal, May 5 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a massive investment of Rs 2,442 crore to promote pulse production in the state, marking a decisive step toward reducing India’s dependence on imports, government officials said.

Announcing the decision, state MSME Minister Chetanya Kumar Kashyap said the initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to boost domestic pulse production and ensure food security.

The investment will be made in coming five years, the Minister added.

At present, India imports nearly 60 to 65 per cent of the pulses consumed domestically, a figure that underscores the urgent need for self-reliance in this sector.

To address this challenge, the state government has launched the “Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses”, under which Madhya Pradesh will play a leading role.

The sanctioned amount represents the estimated expenditure over the next five years, during which a comprehensive set of measures will be implemented to strengthen pulse production.

The mission will focus on improving the quality of pulses, certifying seeds, grading and labelling them, and establishing production and processing units.

In addition, farmer training programmes and incentive schemes will be rolled out to encourage greater participation and adoption of modern practices.

Minister Kashyap emphasised that while Madhya Pradesh already holds a prominent position in pulse production nationally, the state is determined to meet the higher expectations set by this mission.

The initiative is also aligned with the “Agriculture Welfare Year”, ensuring that pulse production receives special attention as part of broader agricultural reforms.

By combining investment, innovation, and farmer support, the mission aims to transform Madhya Pradesh into a hub of pulse production, reducing reliance on imports and contributing to national food security.

Officials say that the mission will not only enhance productivity but also create new opportunities for farmers and agro-industries.

With its ambitious scope and clear objectives, the programme is expected to set a benchmark for other states, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s role as a leader in agricultural development.

The state Cabinet’s decision is being hailed as a landmark move that blends economic foresight with welfare-driven governance, promising long-term benefits for both farmers and consumers.

–IANS

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