Huge imports of urad and desi gram continue in January too

11-Feb-2025 07:42 PM

The import of urad and desi gram into India has remained significant in January 2025, with large quantities continuing despite a more stable domestic supply and a softening of prices. The figures for this month highlight some interesting trends.

For urad, India imported a total of 74,520 tonnes, with Myanmar being the largest supplier (67,325 tonnes). Smaller quantities were imported from Brazil (6,820 tonnes) and Thailand (375 tonnes).

Notably, Chennai port saw the highest amount of urad imports (66,777 tonnes), with significant shipments also arriving at Kolkata (5,000 tonnes), JNPT (218 tonnes), and Mundra (125 tonnes).

On the other hand, Desi Chana imports saw a notable rise to 816,897 tonnes in January 2025, mainly sourced from Australia.

Australia’s excellent production this season has fueled the increase in imports, which are allowed duty-free until March 31, 2025.

Out of the total import volume, 514,935 tonnes came from Australia, while Tanzania contributed 1,962 tonnes.

Major ports handling Desi Chana included Mundra (3,26,272 tonnes) and JNPT (116,051 tonnes), with other significant quantities arriving at Gangavaram, Hazira, Kakinada, Tuticorin, and Chennai.

The government’s decision to allow duty-free imports until the end of March 2025 has allowed Indian importers to capitalize on the opportunity, resulting in a substantial influx of both urad and desi gram.