Decline in Pulse Imports in India (1 million ton= 10 lakh tons)
17-Sep-2025 09:40 AM
Decline in Pulse Imports in India (1 million ton= 10 lakh tons)
★ According to the latest data, India’s total pulse imports in 2024-25 reached 6.932 million tonnes. During April–July 2025, total imports stood at 0.997 million tonnes, which is about 0.805 million tonnes lower compared to 1.802 million tonnes in the same period last year.
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Major Pulse Imports (April–July 2025 vs. 2024)
★ Desi Chana imports were 0.27 lakh tonnes, down 0.31 lakh tonnes year-on-year.
★ Urad imports reached 0.23 million tonnes, down 0.26 million tonnes from the same period last year.
★ Masoor imports saw a sharp decline, dropping to 0.176 million tonnes — 0.105 million tonnes lower compared to last year.
★ Yellow pea imports witnessed the biggest drop, falling by 0.93 million tonnes to 0.273 million tonnes.
★ Unlike other pulses, Tur imports increased by 0.016 million tonnes year-on-year to reach 0.291 million tonnes.
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Overall imports declined by 45%.
★ Last fiscal year, pulse imports had reached record levels.
★ Such a large quantity of imports led to stock depletion in lentil, chana, and pea-producing countries, while increased availability in India caused a sharp drop in prices.
★ Imports were made at higher prices, but as domestic prices crashed, not only importers but also traders, millers, stockists, and farmers suffered losses.
★ The fall in prices is clearly impacting kharif sowing. If import policies are not revised soon, the situation could become more serious.
★ The government needs to intervene immediately, or else in the upcoming rabi season, farmers may switch from sowing chana, masoor, and peas to wheat, maize, spices, and mustard