Lentil imports decline sharply in India: FY 2025-26 begins with a steep drop

17-May-2025 12:51 PM

Lentil imports decline sharply in India: FY 2025-26 begins with a steep drop
★ India has witnessed a significant decline in lentil (masoor) imports at the start of the financial year 2025-26. According to estimates, lentil imports for April 2025 may be limited to just 36,007 metric tons, which is 28,575 tons (about 44%) lower than the same month in 2024.
★ Sharp decline compared to previous years
Lentil Imports in April (in metric tons):
FY 2023-24: 66,447
FY 2024-25: 64,583
FY 2025-26: 36,007 (estimated)
★ In the past two years, April imports hovered around 64,000–66,000 MT. However, this year, the numbers may drop significantly to 36,000 MT.
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Full-year comparison:
Fiscal Year – Total Lentil Imports (MT):
FY 2023-24: 1,676,095
FY 2024-25: 1,214,848
FY 2025-26: 36,007 (so far)
★ India imported nearly 1.68 million tons of lentils in FY 2023-24. This fell to 1.21 million tons in FY 2024-25, and the beginning of FY 2025-26 indicates an even steeper fall.

What’s driving the decline?
★ Better domestic production: Reports suggest higher lentil output in India this year, reducing the urgency for imports.
★ Sowing begins in Australia and Canada: With the new crop planting underway and old stocks already depleted, exports from these countries may decline.
★ Possible price hike in India: A slowdown in global supply before the arrival of the new crop from key exporters like Australia and Canada could lead to rising lentil prices in India in the coming months.

★ While better domestic production offers some relief, the dip in global availability and the ongoing decline in imports may lead to pressure on prices. The coming months will be crucial for both policymakers and traders as they navigate the balance between demand, local harvests, and global supply.