New Delhi: Despite a record level of pulse sowing during the kharif season, experts believe that India is unlikely to achieve its goal of self-sufficiency in pulses by 2027.
The current yield is insufficient to meet the growing demand, and concerns are rising that excessive rainfall in September may damage crops and impact pulse production estimates, according to Bimal Kothari, chairman of the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA).
While the El Niño phenomenon has ended, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the La Niña effect, characterized by the cooling of the central Pacific Ocean, will become more prominent in September. The IMD has forecasted an unusually wet September, particularly in northern India.
Kothari pointed out that India’s pulse yield is around one tonne per hectare, significantly lower than Canada’s yield of four tonnes per hectare, a key masur-importing nation.
Rise in Pulse Imports
Data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs shows a sharp increase in pulse imports, which surged by 44% in 2023 to 2.99 million tonnes (mt). As of July this year, imports stood at 201,908 mt.
The government aims to eliminate its dependence on imported pulses by 2027, a target highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget speech. She emphasized the need to boost the production, storage, and marketing of pulses and oilseeds to achieve self-sufficiency.
India imports tur from Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, and Myanmar; urad from Myanmar and Brazil; and masur from Canada, Australia, Russia, and Turkey.
“Excessive rainfall could harm standing crops. If the IMD’s predictions hold true, it will likely reduce pulse yields,” said Siraj Hussain, former agriculture secretary.
The Directorate of Pulses Development indicates that the major kharif pulse-producing states are Rajasthan (20% of total production), Maharashtra (18%), Madhya Pradesh (16%), and Karnataka (15%). Uttar Pradesh contributes 7% to India’s total kharif pulse production, followed by Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Telangana, each with 5% or less.
Increasing Demand for Pulses
“By 2030, India will need 40 million tonnes of pulses due to its growing population, but our production is lagging, dropping to 24 million tonnes last year. The government must implement corrective measures, such as promoting crop diversification from rainfed to irrigated areas and increasing subsidies for pulse farmers,” Kothari said.
India’s annual pulse consumption is estimated at 22 to 25 million tonnes, highlighting their cultural and dietary significance in dishes like dal, sambar, and curries.
However, K.G. Ramesh, former DG of IMD, disagreed with other experts, stating, “September rains will not negatively impact pulses. Production is expected to exceed last year’s figures, and we anticipate a good harvest.”
The government’s initiative to procure all pulses at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is motivating farmers, as reflected in the increased sowing trends. This year, pulse sowing has risen by 8.47%, reaching 12.51 million hectares compared to 11.66 million hectares last year.
Sowing Trends
As of August 30, the area sown with tur has grown by 5% to 4.5 million hectares, up from 4 million hectares last year. Moong sowing has also increased by 4% to 3.4 million hectares, compared to 3 million hectares last year.
However, the area under monsoon urad has decreased by 2% to 2.9 million hectares, down from 3.1 million hectares last year.
Inquiries sent to the ministries of agriculture and consumer affairs remained unanswered at the time of publication.
