India''s pulses import almost doubled in 2023-24, it may rise further this year.

Overview of Pulses Imports:

• India''s pulses imports in fiscal 2024 surged by a staggering 84% compared to the previous year.
• Total imports reached 4.65 million metric tons, marking the highest volume since fiscal year 2018.
• Import value also saw a significant increase, rising by 93% to $3.75 billion.

Reasons behind Surge in Imports:

• Production Decline:
• Lower domestic production of pulses compelled India to boost imports to meet demand.
• The Ministry of Agriculture estimates pulses production in 2023-24 to be 234 lakh tonnes, which is lower than the previous year''s production of 261 lakh tonnes.
• The pulses sowing area has decreased by 16% from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
• Policy Adjustments:
• The Indian government allowed duty-free imports of specific pulses such as red lentils and yellow peas further fueled the surge in imports.
• Import taxes were removed as a strategy to reduce market prices ahead of upcoming elections
• Pulses inflation stood at 17% in March 2024.

Key Import Trends:

• Red lentil imports, particularly from Canada, more than doubled, surpassing 1.2 million tons.
• Yellow peas imports from Russia and Turkey witnessed a notable increase after duty-free imports were permitted.
• Black gram imports also saw a surge during the period.

Impact on Global Market:

• India''s increased imports have supported global pulses prices.
• Exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, and Myanmar have benefited from reduced stocks due to India''s higher demand.
• Mitigating Production Shortfalls:
• To compensate for production shortfalls, India also imported pigeon peas and chickpeas from various countries.

Historical Import Partners:

• Traditionally, India imports pulses from countries like Canada, Myanmar, Australia, Mozambique, Brazil, Tanzania, etc.

India’s Status with respect to Pulses:

• India is the world''s biggest importer, producer and consumer of protein-rich pulses.
• India accounts for 35% of the global acreage and 25% of the world''s production.
• The country also consumes 27% of the world''s pulses and imports 14%.
• Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are the top five states in India for producing pulses.

Why does India import pulses?

• High Domestic Demand: India is the largest consumer of pulses in the world.
• Pulses are a staple part of the Indian diet, serving as a primary source of protein, especially in vegetarian diets.
• Insufficient Production: Despite being one of the largest producers of pulses, India''s production does not meet its domestic demand.
• Price Stability: Importing pulses helps stabilize prices in the domestic market.
• During years of low yield due to poor weather conditions or other agricultural problems, prices of pulses can skyrocket.
• Variety and Quality: Imports also provide access to different varieties of pulses that may not be domestically produced in India.

Pulses:

• Pulses are the dry seeds of leguminous plants, like lentils, chickpeas, dry peas, and beans.
• They are a vital source of protein and amino acids for people around the world.
• Pulses are grown in India during the Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid seasons of the agricultural year.
• Kharif: Pigeon peas and other pulses are grown during this season.
• Rabi: Chickpeas, lentils, lathyrus, field peas, and kidney beans are grown during this season.
• Rabi pulses account for more than 60% of the total production.
• Zaid: Cow peas are grown during this season.
• The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses enhance soil fertility, leading to increased productivity of farmland.

Initiatives taken to promote Pulses:

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): It aims to increase pulse production through productivity enhancement and area expansion.
• This program also includes restoring soil fertility, creating employment opportunities, and improving farm economy.
• Rashtirya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): States can promote pulses with approval from the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC).
• Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PMAASHA) Scheme: It aims to ensure MSP for farmers.
• It includes procurement of Pulses and Copra under the Price Support Scheme.