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
Pulse Imports to Surge as India Boosts Overseas Purchases
Canada’s pulse growers are heading into a promising period, supported by rising demand in their largest export market, according to a senior executive at a leading agricultural commodity trading company.
“The outlook is fantastic,” Garima Jain, CEO of Torq India, told delegates at the 2026 Pulse & Special Crops Conference.
“Trust Indian growth and trust the Indian consumer,” she said.
India currently consumes around 30 million tonnes of pulses each year, with annual demand projected to climb to about 45 million tonnes by 2035.
Why India’s Pulse Demand Matters
India is emerging as an increasingly important growth market for Canadian pulse producers, with imports expected to rise sharply as domestic demand for plant-based protein expands.
“As we grow, our imports are going to increase,” Jain said, adding that India’s “protein journey” has significant potential.
India currently imports around 6 million tonnes of pulses a year, but Jain expects that figure to climb to 10–12 million tonnes over the coming years.
“The tables are turning,” she said.
India’s current pulse import basket spans several origins and varieties, including:
Jain said India is also undergoing a shift in how it approaches agricultural policy. Rather than focusing primarily on managing supply shortages, the country is increasingly responding to rising consumer demand.
For Canadian pulse growers, she said, that changing dynamic could create significant opportunities as India’s appetite for pulses and protein continues to expand. Jain urges Canadian farmers to continue growing pulses.
India’s Pulse Demand Could Open New Door for Canadian Growers
Canada and India are in talks to deepen bilateral trade through the proposed Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Reports have suggested that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Canada in December, potentially providing an opportunity for the two countries to advance or sign the agreement.
For Canadian pulse growers, the negotiations come as India remains a major market, but import tariffs continue to shape trade flows. India currently imposes a 30% duty on peas and a 10% tariff on lentils, applicable to imports from all origins.
Garima Jain, CEO of Torq India, said India is unlikely to make major changes to its pulse import policy until there is greater clarity on the outlook for the upcoming rabi crop, which is planted during the winter season.
The near-term supply picture is already a concern. India’s kharif pulse crop, which is now entering the harvest period, could come in below expectations after the southwest monsoon recorded rainfall around 15% below normal, according to Jain.
Against that backdrop, there could be pressure on policymakers to ease import restrictions rather than tighten them, particularly if additional supplies are needed to contain food prices.
“Let the trade breathe. Don’t take sudden adverse measures,” Jain said, urging Indian policymakers to avoid steps that could restrict supplies.
She said the government could instead consider lowering import duties to encourage additional shipments of Canadian yellow peas, particularly given the weaker monsoon and the resulting supply concerns.
Pulse prices in India have already been moving higher, supported by tightening domestic supplies, strong demand and logistical disruptions in the Black Sea region. With yellow peas among the more affordable pulse options for consumers, raising import duties could further increase prices.
Jain therefore sees scope for Canadian exporters to benefit from India’s evolving supply-demand situation. She expects the market could offer a significant opportunity for Canadian pulse producers over the next year, although the scale of that opportunity will depend heavily on how the upcoming rabi harvest performs.
