India’s Pulse Imports Experience Slight Decline in First Half of the Year

India’s pulse imports recorded a minor decline in the first half of calendar 2026, totaling 31.80 lakh tonnes, reflecting a 1.46% decrease compared to 32.27 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period in 2025. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in chana and urad imports, with chana seeing a 45% reduction attributed to lower domestic prices and surging international prices. Conversely, imports for tur (pigeon peas), masoor (lentils), and yellow peas experienced notable increases; tur imports surged by 43.34% to over 5.05 lakh tonnes, with Mozambique emerging as the largest supplier, while masoor imports increased by 51.58% from the previous year.

For the common citizen, this data indicates a mixed impact on the availability and pricing of pulses in the domestic market. The sharp decline in chana imports may lead to increased prices for this pulse, impacting consumers directly as it is a staple source of protein in Indian households. However, the rise in imports of tur and masoor could help stabilize prices due to greater availability. Overall, the fluctuation in import volumes points to the ongoing volatility in agricultural commodities, emphasizing the need for consumers to stay alert to changes in pricing.

Looking ahead, the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may need to consider strategic interventions to ensure a stable supply of essential pulses. Potential steps could include negotiating trade agreements with key producing countries and enhancing domestic production capabilities through subsidies and support for local farmers. The focus on increasing imports from African nations signals a pivot in sourcing strategies, but long-term food security will rely on balancing these imports with domestic agricultural robustness, possibly leading to policy adjustments in the agricultural sector over the coming years.

Source: The Hindu

(Expert Note: This report was independently prepared by the Wealthova Economy team.)