Improved Domestic Stock Availability Expected to Reduce Pulse Imports

20-Dec-2025 12:42 PM

New Delhi. While India's total pulse imports surged to an all-time high of 73.40 lakh tonnes during the financial year 2024-25, total imports in the current financial year 2025-26 are expected to decline by approximately 45 percent to around 40 lakh tonnes.

This is due to high levels of carryover stock from the previous year and expectations of better domestic production. The supply situation for pulses remains comfortable. International pulse prices are also soft.

According to preliminary data, pulse imports into the country during the first seven months of the current financial year, from April to October 2025, declined to 23.70 lakh tonnes, a 33 percent decrease compared to 35.40 lakh tonnes imported during the same period last year.

A leading trade organization, the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), believes that India's total pulse imports this year could be around 40 lakh tonnes. Significant stocks of pulses are still available due to last year's record imports.

Kharif pulses are being supplied in good quantities, while harvesting of Rabi crops will begin in February-March. If Rabi pulse production is good, there will be no complications in the supply and availability situation.

Due to the decline in global market prices, the cost of pulse imports is also falling rapidly. During the first seven months of the current financial year, the expenditure on pulse imports decreased to $1.56 billion, a 45 percent reduction compared to $2.83 billion spent during the same period last year.

Due to large production in exporting countries and weak demand in importing countries, global pulse prices have fallen significantly compared to 2024. This could lead to a 30 to 40 percent reduction in India's total pulse import expenditure for the entire financial year.