India's FY24 pulses imports hit 6-year high as red lentil purchases jump

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This happened due to lower production that prompted India to import red lentils and yellow peas.

Why does India import pulses?
- To ensure stable supplies in domestic market and keep prices under check.
  - Pulses inflation was at 17% in March 2024.
- Shortfall in domestic output following deficit rainfall in growing areas.
  - Ministry of Agriculture estimates pulses production in 2023-24 will be at 234 lakh tonnes, lower than last year production (261 lakh tonnes).
- Pulses sowing area has reduced by 16% from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

India’s Status with respect to Pulses
- India is largest producer, consumer and importer of Pulses in world.
- India imported 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in FY2023-24.
- Major producing states: Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, etc.
- Major import countries: Canada, Australia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Brazil etc.

About Pulses
- Type of leguminous crop that are harvested for dry seed. E.g. Chickpeas, pigeon peas etc.
- Grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of total production.

Significance of Pulses
- Major sources of protein.
- Nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility, which increases productivity of farmland.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme to ensure Minimum Support Price to farmers.
- Under it, procurement of Pulses and Copra shall be done under Price Support Scheme.

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