India’s pulse imports have declined sharply in FY26 after reaching record highs in the previous fiscal, driven by improved domestic production and adequate carry-forward stocks. Provisional data for April–January shows import values falling by around 35%, with volumes also contracting significantly. The correction reflects a shift in supply dynamics, as higher domestic availability reduces reliance on imports. At the same time, softer global prices have eased procurement costs, although policy measures and commodity-specific demand continue to shape import trends. The evolving pattern underscores India’s ongoing effort to balance food security with reduced import dependence.
India’s pulse imports have witnessed a sharp decline in FY26 after reaching a record high in FY25, driven by adequate ‘carry-forward stocks,’ and robust domestic crop production. Provisional trade data indicate a sharp contraction in pulse imports during April–January FY26, with the value falling to US$ 2.97 billion—down 35% from US$ 4.6 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
In volume terms, during April-January 2025–26, imports fell by over 18% to 4.9 million tonnes (MT), compared to 6.01 MT a year earlier. India imported a record 7.3 MT of pulses in FY25.
As per the India Pulses and Grains Association, overall imports for FY26 are projected to remain just above 5.2 MT.
In February 2026, India’s pulse imports stood at US$ 303.93 million, down significantly from US$ 494.14 million recorded in February 2025, according to trade data released by government.
Global price drop and domestic gains drive import decline
The decline is largely attributed to adequate carry-forward stocks and robust domestic production, which reduced the need for large-scale imports.
Another key factor behind the decline is the significant drop in global pulse prices. Import costs have fallen by 30-40% due to higher global output and reduced imports.
For instance, yellow pea prices have dropped to around US$ 300 per tonne from US$ 400 a year earlier, while Bengal gram prices declined to US$ 520 per tonne from US$ 700. This price correction has made imports cheaper but also reflects better domestic availability.
In terms of specific commodities, during April-January, FY ’26, imports of yellow peas and masur (lentils) saw steep declines of 49% and 24% to about 1 million tonne and 0.96 million tonne, respectively, compared to the same period in FY25. In contrast, imports of urad and arhar (pigeon pea) increased by 35% and 15%, reaching 0.9 million tonnes and 1.3 million tonnes, respectively, during the first ten months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year.
India’s pulse imports during February-March, FY ’26 were estimated at 0.2–0.3 million tonnes, sourced from countries such as Canada, Australia, and parts of Africa.
As per the data, pulse production for the 2024–25 crop year is estimated at 25.68 MT, with chana accounting for the largest share at 45%, followed by moong (15%), tur (14%), and urad (8%).
Pulses account for roughly a quarter of non-cereal protein intake in India and support five crore farmers and their families. The country continues to rely on imports for 18–20% of its annual pulse (tur, urad, masoor (lentils), yellow peas and Bengal gram) consumption, sourcing primarily from countries such as Canada, Russia, Myanmar, Brazil, and Africa.
Source: Department of Commerce (Values in US$ million)
A year-on-year comparison of pulse imports between 2023–24 and 2024–25 highlights a divergent growth trend, with strong expansion in select commodities alongside notable declines in others.
During 2024-25, imports of desi chana (Bengal gram) recorded the most dramatic increase, rising nearly ninefold (899.6%), indicating supply constraints or stock accumulation. Pigeon peas (arhar) and urad also saw robust growth of 61.7% and 36%, respectively, underscoring continued domestic shortages. Yellow peas’ import increased by 66.9%, reflecting their growing importance as an affordable alternative. Moderate gains were also observed in cow peas and other dried legumes.
On the other hand, several key pulses registered decline during the period. Lentil (masur) imports fell by 28.8%, while green peas dropped sharply by 71.3%. Imports of moong-related beans, broad beans, and other chana also contracted significantly, suggesting improved domestic supply or changing consumption patterns. Kabuli chana and kidney beans remained broadly stable with marginal decreases.
Although certain categories such as Bambara beans and residual “other” items show extremely high growth rates, these are largely due to a low base effect and have minimal impact on the overall trend.
It is to be noted that in FY ’25, yellow peas constituted the largest share of imports at 29.5%, followed by gram (22%), tur (16.7%), lentils (16.6%), and urad (11.2%).
Policy measures are shaping import trends significantly. The government is likely to extend duty-free imports of tur and urad beyond March 2026, while maintaining import duties of 30% on yellow peas and 10% on lentils for another year. These duties are subject to periodic revisions.
Over the period, India’s import dependence has risen from 9% in 2020–21 to 23.1% in 2024–25, though higher imports have helped moderate pulse inflation. To address structural dependence on imports, the government has launched initiatives aimed at achieving self-reliance in pulses, including minimum support price (MSP)-backed procurement and expansion of cultivation in non-traditional regions. These efforts are expected to strengthen domestic production and reduce vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
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