Centre Raises Pulse Seed Subsidy To 100% For Tur, Urad, Lentil Farmers

The Centre has increased the subsidy on certified pulse seeds to 100% for tur, urad, and lentil farmers, following efforts by Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne.

The revised guidelines, issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on August 28, 2026, state that farmers will receive up to 100% subsidy on certified seeds of tur, urad, and lentil, with a maximum of ₹12,000 per quintal.

For gram and other pulses, the subsidy has been fixed at 75% or a maximum of ₹6,000 per quintal, whichever is lower. Earlier, the subsidy for certified seeds of pulses other than gram was 50% or up to ₹6,000 per quintal, while the maximum subsidy for gram was ₹4,000 per quintal.

The Centre has also enhanced assistance for varieties that are more than five but less than 10 years old. Farmers cultivating tur, urad, and lentil will receive 75% subsidy or up to ₹9,000 per quintal, while gram and other pulses will receive 50% or up to ₹4,000 per quintal.

Minister Bharne had written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 8, seeking an increase in the subsidy from 50% to 100%. He pointed out that the higher cost borne by farmers under the earlier subsidy structure was discouraging the use of certified seeds.

The wider use of quality certified seeds is expected to help increase the seed replacement rate, productivity, and overall pulse production in Maharashtra. Minister Bharne urged farmers sowing gram during the upcoming rabi season to make maximum use of the enhanced subsidy and certified seeds made available under the mission.

The revised provisions will be applicable from August 28, 2026, under the guidelines for the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses for 2026-27 to 2030-31.

This move is expected to benefit farmers in Maharashtra and other parts of the country, promoting the use of certified seeds and increasing pulse production. The increased subsidy will help reduce the financial burden on farmers and encourage them to use high-quality seeds, leading to better crop yields and improved livelihoods.

In the long run, this initiative is likely to contribute to India's goal of becoming self-sufficient in pulse production, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing food security. By supporting farmers and promoting the use of certified seeds, the government aims to boost the agricultural sector and improve the overall economy.

The impact of this decision will be closely monitored, and its effects on the agricultural sector and the economy will be assessed in the coming months. As the mission progresses, it is expected to bring about positive changes in the lives of farmers and contribute to the growth of the country's agricultural sector.

The Centre's decision to increase the subsidy on certified pulse seeds is a significant step towards achieving the goal of Aatmanirbharta in pulses. It is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of farmers, the agricultural sector, and the economy as a whole.

The move is also expected to increase the production of pulses in the country, reducing the dependence on imports and making India self-sufficient in pulse production. This will not only benefit the farmers but also contribute to the country's food security and economic growth.

In conclusion, the Centre's decision to increase the subsidy on certified pulse seeds is a welcome move that is expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector and the economy. It is a significant step towards achieving the goal of Aatmanirbharta in pulses and promoting the use of certified seeds among farmers.