India, Feb. 3 -- Amid the clamour over how Budget 2025-26 has, yet again, let us down, there are some schemes that, if implemented well, could not only improve public health but also benefit the environment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a few schemes promoting good, nutritious food, though she did not mention these side effects or perks.

One such initiative is the proposal for self-sufficiency in pulse production. Pulses, rich in protein, are an essential part of a balanced diet. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aims to promote crops such as toor (pigeon pea), urad (black gram) and masoor (red lentil) over the next six years. Since the plan involves procuring all the produce from farmers, it is expected that the...