India's Pulses Procurement Targets for Rabi 2025

The India's pulses procurement by government has set ambitious targets during the 2025 rabi marketing season, aiming to purchase over 3,207 million tonnes (MT) of pulses at the minimum support price (MSP) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).

Chickpea Procurement Begins for Rabi 2025

Chickpea procurement, an essential component of pulses procurement, has already started in Telangana at a minimum support price (MSP) of USD 0,72 per kg. Major procurement activities will soon commence in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh by late March or early April.

India’s chickpea production for the 2024-25 rabi season is projected at 11,54 million tonnes, slightly higher than the previous year’s 11,49 million tonnes. Despite stable production, prices remain pressured by increased imports of yellow peas and subdued domestic demand.

Impact of Yellow Pea Imports on Domestic Pulses Market

The continued import of yellow peas from Australia and Tanzania, totaling more than 3 million tonnes since December 2023, has put additional pressure on chickpea prices. To balance market conditions, the government extended the duty-free import window for yellow peas until May 31, 2025.

Lentil Procurement Targets for Rabi 2025

The government plans to procure approximately 0,728 million tonnes of lentils under the PSS, primarily from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh will initiate lentil procurement later this month.

Lentil production for the 2024-25 season is estimated at 1,82 million tonnes, up slightly from last year's 1,79 million tonnes. However, despite this increase, market prices remain soft due to lower-than-anticipated export demand.

Farmers Demand Expanded Government Pulses Procurement Efforts

Farmers across major pulse-growing states have urged the government to intensify procurement efforts to stabilize market prices. They advocate increased involvement from agencies like NAFED to provide effective market interventions and financial relief to struggling farmers. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, in particular, have requested central government assistance to scale up procurement operations, ensuring fair returns and financial stability for pulse growers.