Archive · 11 Oct 2026
India’s Pulse Imports Fall as Domestic Production Rises
India grew more pulses in 2025-26 than in the year before.
It also spent less on importing pulses, while selling more pulses to other countries.
More land was used to grow pulses, and the average amount harvested from each hectare improved.
The government launched a mission to help farmers grow more pulses in India.
The mission focuses on tur, urad and masoor.
It includes free seed kits, certified seeds and government purchasing support for registered farmers.
The government hopes production will reach nearly 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31.
The plan is intended to reduce reliance on imports and support farmers and food security.
India’s pulse production increased to 274.09 lakh tonnes in FY26, up from 256.83 lakh tonnes the previous year.
Pulse import value fell 31.52% to Rs 31,793.59 crore, while exports rose 13.4% to $969.53 million.
Pulse cultivation expanded to 286.46 lakh hectares, and average productivity rose to 957 kg per hectare.
The Rs 11,440 crore Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched on October 11, 2025, to strengthen domestic production and reduce import dependence.
The mission targets nearly 350 lakh tonnes of production by 2030-31 and includes seed distribution and procurement support for tur, urad and masoor.
- Who
- The Indian government and pulse farmers.
- What
- Pulse production increased and imports fell under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.
- When
- The reported production and trade figures are for 2025-26; the mission was launched on October 11, 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The mission aims to strengthen domestic pulse production, reduce import dependence, support farmer incomes and improve food security.
- Pulse production
- 274.09 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, compared with 256.83 lakh tonnes in the previous financial year.
- Pulse import value
- Rs 31,793.59 crore in 2025-26, down from Rs 46,427.60 crore in 2024-25.
- Pulse exports
- $969.53 million, up 13.4% from $855 million; export volume reached 10.01 lakh tonnes.
- Cultivation area
- 286.46 lakh hectares in 2025-26, compared with 277.20 lakh hectares.
- Average productivity
- 957 kg per hectare, up from 926 kg per hectare.
- Mission allocation
- Rs 11,440 crore.
- Production target
- Nearly 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, with productivity targeted at 1,130 kg per hectare.