- India’s pulse imports increased dramatically in fiscal 2024, rising 84% year on year to their highest level in six years.
- Lower production levels caused India to allow duty-free imports of red lentils (Masoor) and yellow peas (Tur/Arhar), which fueled the rise in imports.
Pulses Cultivation in India
| Details | |
| Seasons | Cultivated during both the ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ seasons. Rabi pulses account for more than 60% of production.Kharif Season Pulses:Pigeon Peas (Arhar/Toor/Red Gram)Green Beans (Moong Beans)Black Matpe (Urad/Mah/Black Gram)Black Eyed Peas (Lobia)Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana)Red Kidney Beans (Rajmash)Rabi Season Pulses:Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea/Desi Chana)Lentils (Masoor)White Peas (Matar) |
| Production (2023) | Approximately 27.5 million metric tonnesReported as 7.6 quintals per hectare |
| Area under Cultivation | Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains in India. |
| Top Producing States | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka |
| Government Initiatives | National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Pulses, Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme |
| Research and Development | Conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities |
| Goal | Aim for self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027 |
Pulses Import: Figures and Value
- India imported 4.65 million metric tonnes of pulses in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, the highest number since fiscal 2018.
- In terms of value, imports increased by 93% to $3.75 billion during the same time.
The Global Impact of Higher Imports
- The increase in imports by India, the world’s largest importer, producer, and consumer of protein-rich pulses, has pushed up global prices.
- It has also helped to reduce inventories in exporting countries like Canada, Australia, and Myanmar.
Significance of Pulses Consumption
- Nutritional Value:
- Pulses are referred to as ‘poor man’s protein.
- They contain 20-25% protein by weight, which is double the protein available in wheat and three times that of rice.
- The WHO recommends 80 grammes of pulses per day in the diet.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Pulses have minimal carbon and water footprints, making them essential for sustainable farming.
- The water footprint for producing one kilogramme of meat is five times that of pulses.
- Pulses emit 0.5 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogramme, whereas beef emits 9.5 kg CO2 equivalent.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/indias-fy24-pulses-imports-hit-6-year-high-as-red-lentil-purchases-jump/article68081047.ece#:~:text=India's%20pulses%20imports%20in%20fiscal,industry%20officials%20said%20on%20Thursday.