Import of pulses doubled in 2023-24, may increase in the current financial year also due to decrease in production in the country

Despite several measures taken by the government to encourage farmers, India's dependence on imported pulses remains. We still have to import large quantities of pulse products to meet domestic needs. According to estimated data, the import of pulses almost doubled in the financial year 2023-24 and reached $3.74 billion. Although official figures are still to come, shipments show that about 45 lakh tonnes of pulses were imported. Last year this figure was 24.5 lakh tonnes.

Sources associated with the government told ANI that the Center is negotiating long-term agreements with new markets like Brazil and Argentina to meet the demand for pulses in the domestic market and keep the prices stable. 20,000 tonnes of urad is to be imported from Brazil while negotiations for the import of pigeon peas from Argentina are almost at the final stage. The government has also approached Mozambique, Tanzania and Myanmar for the import of pulses. An increase in imports of pulses in recent times will increase supply in the domestic market, which may stabilize prices.

Yellow pea imports were previously duty-free until June, according to the government. Pigeon peas and urad have been declared tax-free for importation until March 31, 2025, concurrently. The government is very concerned that the prices of pulses do not rise because the country's general election process has begun. A limit on the stock of pulses on April 15 (Monday) has been set to regulate prices. Also, the federal government has requested that the states refrain from hoarding.

The reason for the government's concern is that despite taking several steps to encourage farmers, the production of pulses has decreased in the last two to three years. According to the estimates of the Agriculture Ministry, the production of pulses this year could be 234 lakh tonnes. Last year 261 lakh tonnes of pulses were produced.