India Set for Sharp Surge in Urad Dal Imports in April 2025

17-May-2025 01:24 PM

India Set for Sharp Surge in Urad Dal Imports in April 2025
★ India is likely to witness a sharp surge in Urad (Black Matpe) imports in April 2025, with expected volumes reaching 89,212 metric tons — nearly 61% higher than April 2024.
To put things in perspective:
★  In April 2023, India imported only around 25,000 metric tons of Urad.
★  In April 2024, the figure rose to about 55,000 metric tons.
★  But in April 2025, the number is expected to jump to 89,000 metric tons — a dramatic spike that has caught the attention of market watchers.
Looking at full-year imports:
★  In FY 2023-24, India imported a total of 6.24 lakh metric tons.
★  In FY 2024-25, this grew to 8.27 lakh metric tons.
★  And now, with April 2025 alone showing such strong import expectations, the country could be heading toward a new annual record in Urad imports.
★ The surge is largely attributed to strong supply from Myanmar, where a record 900,000 metric tons of Urad production has been reported this season. Improved availability from Myanmar is encouraging Indian importers to place larger orders early in the fiscal year.
★ For Indian consumers, this could mean some relief in prices — at least in the short term. But for domestic farmers and millers, the rise in imports might pose a serious challenge. If the high pace of imports continues, it may put downward pressure on domestic prices.
★ Policymakers may need to strike a balance between protecting consumer interests and safeguarding the livelihood of Indian Urad producers. With the import wave gaining strength, Urad is once again becoming a focal point in India's pulses market.