India's Pulses Import Declines Amidst Bumper Domestic Production

India's import of pulses is projected to decrease to 40-45 lakh tonnes this fiscal, down from 47.38 lakh tonnes the previous year. This decline is attributed to favorable monsoon rains boosting domestic production. The IPGA calls for a long-term policy for the pulses market and import duties on yellow peas.

India's import of pulses is anticipated to drop to 40-45 lakh tonnes this fiscal year, down from 47.38 lakh tonnes in the prior year, due to favorable monsoon conditions likely boosting domestic yields and decreasing retail prices, stated IPGA Chairman Bimal Kothari on Friday.

The India Pulses & Grains Association (IPGA) has also urged the government to establish a long-term policy for the Rs 2.5 lakh crore pulses market, citing that inconsistent policies adversely impact all stakeholders. Additionally, the association is advocating for the imposition of import duties on yellow peas.

'Pulses imports are estimated to be 40-45 lakh tonnes this fiscal,' Kothari announced at the 'Bharat Dalhan Seminar 2024' in the national capital. He attributed the expected decline in imports to improved domestic production and higher imports in the previous fiscal year.

Kothari highlighted that last fiscal, the nation imported 16 lakh tonnes of masoor dal but only requires 10 lakh tonnes this year. He mentioned that yellow peas imports could also see a decline from the 2023-24 levels.

'This year's better monsoon rains have led to increased pulses acreage during the Kharif season, and domestic production is expected to rise,' Kothari noted.

Kothari also commented on wholesale market prices, stating they have decreased over the past month and are expected to decline further. Specifically, Tur prices have dropped by Rs 20 per kg in the last month.

'Pulses prices will not increase this year and are likely to keep falling,' added Kothari.

Last month, the government informed Parliament that India's import of pulses surged 90% annually to 47.38 lakh tonnes during 2023-24 to meet domestic demand. Imports stood at 24.66 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 26.99 lakh tonnes in 2021-22, and 24.96 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.

In the current fiscal year, India has imported 11.32 lakh tonnes of pulses during the April-May period. Pulses production has grown from 163.23 lakh tonnes in 2015-16 to 244.93 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, as per third advance estimates.

(With inputs from agencies.)