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India’s Pulses Exports Surge Five-Fold Over Past Decade
India grows and eats more pulses than any other country.
It also imports pulses, but its exports have been growing quickly.
During April-July, India exported more pulses and earned more money than during the same period last year.
Exports were worth $452.27 million and weighed more than 4.94 lakh tonnes.
A special tur dal from Karnataka, marked with a geographical indication, was recently sent to the Maldives.
Buyers in countries including China, the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh want Indian pulses.
Farmers can receive more money when premium pulses are sold abroad.
Trade representatives want the government to create policies that encourage more exports.
India’s pulses exports rose 45% in value to $452.27 million during April-July, from $311.08 million a year earlier.
Export volumes increased 59% to more than 4.94 lakh tonnes from 3.10 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period.
Overall pulses exports exceeded one million tonnes and approached $1 billion during financial year 2025-26.
One tonne of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal from Karnataka was exported to the Maldives.
China was the largest buyer of Indian pulses during 2025-26, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
- Who
- Indian pulse farmers, exporters and buyers in countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and the Maldives are involved; Piyush Goyal highlighted the Gulbarga shipment.
- What
- India’s pulses exports have grown five-fold over the past decade, with strong increases in value and volume during April-July.
- Where
- Exports originated from India, including Karnataka, and reached markets such as the Maldives, China, the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.
- When
- The latest comparison covers April-July of the current financial year; overall exports exceeded one million tonnes during financial year 2025-26. The report was published September 25, 2026.
- Why
- Overseas demand is increasing, while premium and GI-tagged products can help farmers obtain higher prices and partially offset the foreign-exchange cost of pulse imports.
Key facts
- April-July export value
- $452.27 million, up 45% from $311.08 million
- April-July export volume
- More than 4.94 lakh tonnes, up 59% from 3.10 lakh tonnes
- Decade-long growth
- Pulses exports increased five-fold in both value and volume
- Financial year 2025-26
- Exports exceeded one million tonnes and approached $1 billion
- GI-tagged shipment
- One tonne of Gulbarga Tur Dal was exported to the Maldives
- Farmer price benefit
- Producers of the premium product can receive more than 30% higher prices in international markets
- Largest buyer
- China was the largest buyer of Indian pulses during 2025-26
Quotes
Bimal Kothari
Chairman of the India Pulses and Grains Association
“We are doing great in export of pulses. India can become a good exporter of pulses in the years to come and we need a favourable policy from the government in terms of incentivising the exports.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Gulbarga Tur Dal heads to the Maldives. 1 MT of the GI-tagged premium pulse from Karnataka, known for its exceptional taste, has been exported to the Maldives.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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