The expenditure on the import of pulses has crossed $ 5 billion

19-Mar-2025 11:20 AM

India's Pulses Import Expenditure Crosses $5 Billion

Key Highlights:

• India's pulses import bill surged past $5.03 billion in FY 2024-25 (April-February), marking a 58.75% increase from $3.17 billion in the same period of FY 2023-24.
• This exceeds the previous record of $4.24 billion in FY 2016-17.
• In Indian currency, ₹42,629 crore was spent on imports, a 62% rise from ₹26,318 crore in FY 2023-24.

Record Import Quantities (April 2024 – February 2025)

• Total imports: 62.52 lakh tonnes (I Grain India estimate)
• Highest-ever imports of key pulses:
  • Desi Gram (Chana): 11.46 lakh tonnes
  • Arhar (Tur): 11.64 lakh tonnes
  • Yellow Peas: 20.59 lakh tonnes
  • Lentils (Masoor): 11.46 lakh tonnes
  • Urad (Black Gram): 7.39 lakh tonnes

Why the Surge?

• Tur imports (a high-priced pulse) were at record levels.
• Desi gram and yellow peas imports rose significantly.
• Declining domestic production forced higher imports.

Industry Impact & Outlook

• Rising import dependency could influence domestic prices.
• The government may consider trade policy measures to balance demand and supply.
• High import costs may increase pressure on food inflation.