India’s pulses import almost doubled in 2023-24, it may rise further this year
India’s reliance on pulses imports has increased, nearly doubling in the 2023-24 fiscal year to USD 3.74 billion. The surge in imports, estimated to be over 45 lakh tonnes, is aimed at meeting domestic demand and controlling prices. To address this, the government is exploring new markets like Brazil and Argentina for long-term contracts.
Despite various incentives, including duty-free imports and higher MSP, domestic pulses production has declined in recent years due to factors like erratic climate conditions. This has led to concerns about inflation, with pulses inflation at 17% in March.5
Despite several measures, including various incentives to farmers, India is still dependent on imports of pulses for its domestic requirements.
Pulses imports have almost doubled in 2023-24 to USD 3.74 billion.
However, the official figure is yet to be disclosed, and estimates suggest shipments have crossed 45 lakh tonnes in the just-concluded financial year 2023-24 as against 24.5 lakh tonnes a year ago.