- Masur and yellow pea imports surged 227% and 91%, respectively.
- Higher prices and logistics disruptions could slow imports in the coming months.
India’s pulse imports surged 62% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.7 million tonnes (mnt) during April-July FY27, driven by concerns over lower domestic output amid the El Nino threat. Import value increased 32% y-o-y to $0.97 billion during the period, suggesting that global pulse prices remained relatively subdued despite stronger Indian demand.
Masur and yellow pea imports rise sharply
Masur and yellow pea imports recorded the strongest growth during the first four months of FY27. Masur imports surged 227% y-o-y to 0.57 Mnt, while yellow pea imports increased 91% to 0.52 mnt. Tur imports rose 7% to 0.31 mnt, whereas urad imports declined 20% to 0.18 mnt during the same period.
India imports around 18-20% of its annual pulse consumption, including tur, urad, masur, yellow peas and Bengal gram. Major suppliers include Canada, Russia, Brazil, Myanmar and African countries.
Supply disruptions may slow imports
Traders expect pulse imports to moderate in the coming months as prices of yellow peas and lentils from Canada have increased sharply. Supplies from Russia have also faced logistical disruptions, with several vessels carrying yellow peas and lentils reportedly delayed at ports amid disruptions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The pace of imports will also depend on the performance of India’s kharif and rabi crops. Kharif pulse sowing has been completed at 11.84 million hectares, up 1.42% y-o-y. Winter rainfall and temperature conditions will remain important for the sowing and yield prospects of chana and masur.
Domestic supply remains important
India’s pulse imports declined 34% y-o-y to $3.63 billion in FY26, compared with a record $5.54 billion in FY25, as sluggish demand and stronger domestic crop availability reduced import requirements. Meanwhile, the government has indicated that pulses from its buffer stocks could be released in a calibrated manner if prices rise in the short term. Buffer stocks are currently around 4.5 mnt. Tur accounted for the largest share of India’s total pulse imports of around 6 Mnt in FY26 at 25%, followed by lentils at 19%, yellow peas at 18% and urad at 16%.
Outlook
Pulse import demand is likely to remain dependent on domestic crop prospects, global prices and overseas supply availability. While weather concerns supported higher imports during April-July, rising prices and logistical disruptions could moderate purchases in the coming months. The rabi crop outlook and government buffer-stock releases will remain key factors influencing domestic pulse availability and prices.
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