India's Pulses Imports Could Increase In FY25, As Climate Concerns Impact Domestic Production

The official imports figure is yet to be disclosed and estimates stated that the inflow of goods could have potentially surpassed 45 lakh tonne in FY24, against 24.5 lakh tonne a year earlier

India’s pulses imports might increase further in the 2024-25 fiscal year (FY25) after jumping almost double in the previous fiscal year, media reports said on Wednesday. 

According to a report by ANI citing sources, the government is holding negotiations with new markets such as Brazil and Argentina to secure long-term contracts for imports of pulses. Notably, the government has been providing several incentives to farmers, however, the country remains dependent on imports for catering to the domestic need for pulses.

The import of the produce stood at $3.74 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year (FY24), increasing by almost double, the report said. The official imports figure is yet to be disclosed and estimates stated that the inflow of goods could have potentially surpassed 45 lakh tonne in FY24, against 24.5 lakh tonne a year earlier. 

The government is also in touch with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Myanmar for pulses imports. About 20,000 tonne of urad is set to be brought in from Brazil and discussions with Argentina to import arhar are expected to be brought to a close soon. 

The recent jump in imports has been undertaken to keep a tab on prices and maintain a sufficient domestic supply. The government earlier permitted duty-free imports of yellow peas till June 2024 and duty-free imports of arhar and urad till the end of FY25. 

Latest data suggests that inflation in pulses stood at 17 per cent in March 2024 and 19 per cent in the preceding month of February. The government has also set stock limits on pulses on Monday and urged states to keep a check against hoarding. 

Price of pulses remains a major concern for the government with elections currently going on. However, concerns regarding a declining production of pulses despite measures such as higher MSP and guaranteed purchase, continue to haunt the authorities. 

The agriculture ministry said that pulses production in the country is expected to touch 234 lakh tonne in FY24, while the production in the preceding fiscal year stood at 261 lakh tonne. Domestic pulses production in 2019-20 was 230.25 lakh tonne, but it increased to 254.63 lakh tonne in 2020-21 as a result of various incentives provided by the government. Experts attribute the declining production figures to an erratic climate in major producing states.