8 months ago
India's Pulses Lost to Pests Due to Poor Storage
A big study in India found that a lot of pulses, which are important for protein, are being lost because they are not stored properly.
The study looked at many warehouses and found that pests and bad storage conditions are causing problems.
The government is trying to fix this by making better rules for storing pulses and increasing production.
They want to make sure that pulses last longer and are safer to eat.
The study also found that using the right bags and keeping the warehouses clean can help a lot.
The government is spending a lot of money to make India self-sufficient in pulses by 2030.
A government-commissioned study revealed significant gaps in India's pulse storage practices, leading to 9% annual losses due to pests and poor warehousing.
The study examined over 500 stacks of pulses across 101 warehouses, highlighting the need for uniform scientific protocols in storage and milling.
Fungal growth and lump formation were observed within three to four months when black gram and green gram dal were stored in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags at high moisture levels.
The government launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses in October 2025, aiming to achieve self-reliance by raising domestic production to 35 million tonnes by 2030-31.
The study recommended using polypropylene bags or laminated plastic packaging with airtight sealing to minimize insect damage and improve storage conditions.
- Who
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research—Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (ICAR–CIPHET) for the Department of Consumer Affairs
- What
- A study on India’s pulses stocks revealed serious gaps in storage practices, leading to significant losses due to pests and poor warehousing.
- Where
- The study examined more than 500 stacks of pulses across 101 warehouses in major producing states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The study was conducted over a 12-month period, with findings reviewed by Mint. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched in October 2025.
- Why
- To establish national norms for shelf life, safe storage, and milling outturn, and to reduce wastage and import dependence.
Key facts
- Study Conducted By
- ICAR–CIPHET for the Department of Consumer Affairs
- Pulses Examined
- Pigeon pea, chickpea, black gram, green gram, lentil
- National Norms Aim
- Shelf life, safe storage, milling outturn
- Pulses Lost Annually
- 9%
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- ₹11,440 crore outlay over five years
- Target Production by 2030-31
- 35 million tonnes
- Pulse Imports in FY25
- 6.7 million tonnes
- Fumigation Recommended
- Aluminium phosphide at prescribed doses
Quotes
Amith Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of StarAgri
Co-founder and CEO of StarAgri, an agri-supply chain and warehousing company
“One of the big reasons pulses get damaged in storage is that we use the same approach for very different commodities. Each variety reacts differently to moisture and ventilation, so uniform stacking leads to avoidable losses.”
livemint.com
“Real-time digital stock visibility and regular physical checks can help prevent pilferage and adulteration. But India’s stacking standards were created years ago and haven’t kept pace with today’s scale. We need modern, commodity-specific guidelines backed by intelligent storage technology to meaningfully reduce wastage.”
livemint.com
An official involved in the process
An official involved in the government-commissioned study on India's pulses stocks
“We have taken note of the study’s findings and are exploring the development of unified standards for pulse storage, along with measures to increase domestic production.”
livemint.com
B.B. Singh, former assistant director general (pulses), ICAR
Former assistant director general (pulses) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
“Going forward, national standards for the storage of pulses will be essential to minimise post-harvest losses, preserve quality and improve food safety across the supply chain. Clear and uniform storage norms can help address moisture control, pest management and quality deterioration, while also supporting more efficient movement, better inventory management and stronger market confidence in pulses.”
livemint.com
Sources
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