Key Points
- Pulses imports soared by 73% to $2.18 billion from April to September FY25.
- September imports alone were up 34.79% from last year.
- Tur and urad imports are climbing, but lentil imports might see a decline.
- The government removed import limits to keep prices stable and supplies flowing.
- Total pulses imports in FY24 nearly doubled to $3.74 billion.
Looma News
India is really stepping up its pulses trade, with a massive 73% jump in imports just in the first half of this financial year, reaching about $2.18 billion. This spike is mainly due to increased demand and some production issues from weird weather. In September alone, imports surged by 34.79% compared to the same month last year, showing how critical this situation has become.
Why the Spike?
The main players driving this increase are tur and urad, which have seen big jumps in import volumes. Rahul Chauhan from iGrain India highlights a serious shortage of tur because local production has been on the decline, while demand keeps rising. So, to fill that gap, India is importing more than ever.
What’s Happening with Lentils?
Interestingly, lentil imports might actually drop this year. Estimates suggest they’ll fall to about 3.85 lakh tonnes, down from 8.02 lakh tonnes last year. This is good news for local farmers, thanks to a boost in domestic production!
The Government’s Role
The Indian government has been proactive by removing import restrictions to help stabilize supplies and control prices. With ongoing demand and fluctuating local output, these imports are crucial for keeping the market in check. It’s a mix of challenges and strategies aimed at balancing supply and demand.
Looking ahead, pulses imports are likely to keep rising, especially with ongoing contracts for yellow peas and extended import windows.
