Assam’s agriculture sector is expected to receive a major boost with the implementation of the Rashtriya Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, a central government initiative aimed at increasing the production of pulses across the country. State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said the programme will help farmers improve their income, strengthen local production, and create better market opportunities for pulse growers in the state.
Speaking after discussions with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during his recent visit to Guwahati, Bora expressed confidence that the mission would bring practical benefits to farmers. He said detailed talks were held on how the scheme would be implemented in Assam and how infrastructure and support systems could be strengthened to ensure farmers receive maximum advantage from the programme.
Bora said that the mission will not only encourage farmers to grow more pulses but will also help them with processing facilities. According to him, the government plans to provide mills and related support so that farmers can process their produce locally instead of depending on outside markets. This step is expected to reduce transportation costs, create local employment, and ensure better prices for farmers. He added that the initiative is part of the government’s larger effort to modernise agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
The Rashtriya Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2025 with a financial outlay of about Rs 11,440 crore. The main aim of the mission is to increase domestic pulse production so that India can reduce its dependence on imports. Officials believe that strengthening pulse production within the country will not only ensure food security but also stabilise prices in the long run. Assam and other northeastern states have been identified as important regions where production can be expanded because of suitable climate conditions and growing interest among farmers.
Minister Bora said the state government will work closely with the Centre to ensure that farmers receive seeds, training, technical guidance, and market support under the scheme. He also pointed out that agriculture in Assam has been gradually diversifying in recent years, with more farmers showing interest in pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture crops. The new mission, he said, will accelerate this trend and open new income opportunities for small and marginal farmers who form a large part of the state’s farming community.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during his visit to Assam, also stressed the importance of strengthening agriculture in the Northeast. He said the Union Budget has placed strong emphasis on the development of northeastern states and aims to provide a clear roadmap for their long-term growth. According to Chouhan, agriculture will play a central role in this development process, and special attention is being given to schemes that improve productivity, storage, and market access.