We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
Pulses import expenditure significantly decreased on strong production
Official sources stated that India’s demand for imported pulses has seen a substantial reduction in the past fiscal year, as evidenced by a notable drop in incoming shipments due to abundant harvests and strategic government measures. Being the largest consumer and producer of pulses globally, any changes in India’s import patterns can have far-reaching effects on international agricultural markets and influence domestic food inflation.
As per the data presented by the Department of Commerce, the country’s pulse imports fell by 34 percent to 3.63 billion dollars in the financial year 2025-26, a decrease from a record high of 5.54 billion dollars in the previous year. In terms of volume, shipments declined by 12 percent to 6 million tonne (mt), down from 7.34 mt in 2024-25, Trade experts attribute this significant drop to a mix of reduced demand and strong production from Indian agriculture.
Declining international prices have also contributed to limiting India’s import expenditures. A global surplus has led to reduced costs for essential varieties. For example, yellow peas, mainly imported from Canada and Australia, were priced at approximately 300 dollars per tonne in FY26, a decrease from 400 dollars the previous year. Similarly, Bengal gram prices have decreased, falling to 530 dollars from last year’s range of 650 to 670 dollars per tonne.
The mix of pulses entering India has also changed. Imports of yellow peas and lentils decreased by 47 percent and 6 percent respectively, amounting to 1.11 mt and 1.14 mt. Conversely, imports of black matpe and pigeon pea increased by 25 percent and 18 percent, reaching 1 mt and 1.48 mt, respectively. This transition reflects both evolving domestic consumption trends and specific trade policies.
India has established strategic alliances with key pulse-exporting nations, such as Canada, Russia, Brazil, Myanmar, and various African countries. Agreements with Myanmar, Malawi, and Mozambique guarantee a consistent supply of tur and urad. These agreements are essential, as India continues to import between 18 and 20 percent of its annual pulse consumption.
Official data shows that for the 2025-26 crop years, India’s total pulse production is projected to be 23.86 mt. Gram dominates the crop composition with a 45 percent share, followed by moong (15 percent), pigeon pea (14 percent), and black matpe (8 percent). Nevertheless, the sector’s heavy dependence on the southwest monsoon renders it susceptible to climatic fluctuations. The possibility of below-average rainfall in the upcoming season could adversely affect yields and potentially lead to increased imports.
Meanwhile, Satish Upadhyay, Secretary of the India Pulses and Grains Association, stated that the current fiscal year’s imports have not been affected by geopolitical issues, but future acquisitions will rely on the performance of domestic production, particularly if a weak monsoon occurs. Although we currently possess sufficient government stocks as a safeguard, the import needs for FY27 will largely depend on the impact of the monsoon on domestic production.
