India’s Pulse Imports to Decline in FY25 Amidst Increased Domestic Production
Introduction: India’s Push Towards Self-Sufficiency in Pulses
With a favorable monsoon and an increase in pulses cultivation, India is poised to reduce its reliance on pulse imports in the fiscal year 2024-25. The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has projected a 5-15% decline in imports, signaling a significant shift towards self-sufficiency. This development follows a period of heightened imports and rising prices due to lower domestic production earlier this year.
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Increased Domestic Production Bolsters Confidence
The area under pulses cultivation during the 2024-25 kharif season has seen a 3% year-on-year increase, reaching 90.46 million hectares, up from 87.9 million hectares in the previous year. Notably, pulses have experienced an 11% rise in acreage, expanding to 11.06 million hectares, which accounts for 81.3% of the normal sown area. This increase is expected to contribute to a significant boost in domestic production, thereby reducing the need for imports.
Decline in Pulse Imports: A Closer Look
The IPGA has estimated that India’s pulse imports will drop to 4-4.5 million tonnes in FY25, down from 4.74 million tonnes in 2023-24. This anticipated decline is attributed to better-than-expected monsoon showers and improved sowing patterns, which are likely to result in a bumper crop.
The government’s focus on making India self-sufficient in pulses by December 2027 also plays a crucial role in this expected reduction in imports.
Price Stabilization and Government Initiatives
In response to the expected increase in domestic production, pulse prices are likely to stabilize. The price of tur (pigeon pea), currently at ₹167 per kg, is expected to drop to ₹120 per kg by early next year. Similarly, prices of masur (lentil) and urad (black gram) are also projected to decrease with the arrival of fresh produce in December.
The government has been proactive in addressing the volatility in pulse prices. Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare indicated that pulse prices could decrease by as much as 28% by January 2025, thanks to better yield and improved supply.
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Long-Term Outlook: Moving Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Union Budget for 2024-25 reiterated the government’s commitment to making India self-reliant in pulses. With strategic policy initiatives and a focus on increasing domestic production, India is well on its way to achieving this goal. The newly installed government has placed reducing pulse imports and stabilizing food prices at the forefront of its 100-day agenda.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for India’s Pulses Market
As India continues to bolster its domestic production of pulses, the country is set to witness a decline in imports, paving the way for a more self-sufficient agricultural economy. With the right policies and favorable climatic conditions, India could potentially end its reliance on pulse imports by the end of this decade, marking a significant achievement in its journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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