India’s Pulses Import - Record Chickpeas and Pigeon Peas Purchases

India's pulses import bill crossed USD 5.03 billion in the 2024-25 financial year due to unprecedented imports of chickpeas and pigeon peas (tur). As the largest global consumer of pulses, India's growing reliance on imports is a direct result of lower domestic production combined with government policies encouraging duty-free imports.

Sharp Rise in Import Spending

According to the Commerce Ministry's quick estimates, India spent USD 5.03 billion on pulses between April 2024 and February 2025, marking a substantial increase of nearly 59% from USD 3.17 billion during the same months in the previous year. In comparison, total imports were USD 3.74 billion in 2023-24, with the earlier peak being USD 4.24 billion in 2016-17.

Estimated Imports (April-Feb 2025)

Duty-Free Imports Impacting Domestic Markets

Due to lower local production last year, the Indian government removed import duties on tur, urad, chickpeas, and yellow peas, significantly driving up imports. The duty-free import periods are scheduled to end as follows:

• Chickpeas – March 31, 2025
• Yellow Peas – Extended to May 31, 2025
• Tur & Urad – Valid until March 31, 2026

Concerns About Price Pressure

The surge in cheap imports has pushed domestic prices downward, sparking concern among farmers and traders. Bimal Kothari, Chairman of the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), argued that importing large quantities, particularly of yellow peas, was excessive. He believes local market prices could have been stabilized without flooding the market. "The excessive imports of inexpensive pulses have negatively affected Indian farmers and local businesses, benefiting only international exporters," Kothari said.

Domestic Pulse Production and Future Challenges

With the domestic rabi harvest currently underway, policymakers face the challenge of maintaining an adequate supply without undermining farmers through continued high imports. Decisions regarding import duties and exemptions in the next few months will significantly influence market stability and domestic pulse prices.