News Capsule: El Niño Threat to Kharif Pulse Production
22-Apr-2026 10:08 AM
News Capsule: El Niño Threat to Kharif Pulse Production
★ India, the hub of the global pulses market, may face significant risk in the 2026/27 season. In recent years, the pulses area has declined to around 277 lakh hectares, while production has fallen from 273 lakh tonnes (2021/22) to about 260 lakh tonnes (2025/26).
★ Due to this decline, imports have risen sharply—from 25 lakh tonnes to 72 lakh tonnes in 2024/25. Imports for 2025/26 are estimated at around 58 lakh tonnes.
★ There is a risk of El Niño during the 2026 Kharif season, which could lead to below-normal rainfall (around 92% of normal) and dry conditions. This may directly impact key crops such as pigeon pea (tur), urad, and moong.
★ To ensure availability, the government has eased import policies. However, if the El Niño impact turns severe, production may decline further, food inflation could rise, and imports may become more expensive.
★ Overall, the Kharif pulses crop this year will largely depend on the monsoon and the impact of El Niño.