Pulses Import Value Down 35% in FY26 on Lower Volumes and Prices

Friday, April 17, 2026

India’s spending on pulses imports fell by about 35 percent to $3.57 billion in 2025-26 due to both lower import volumes and a decline in prices across major pulse varieties. This reduction reflects decreased domestic demand amid higher stock levels and global suppliers like Australia holding back sales, which could influence future import policies and market dynamics.

India’s pulses import bill for the financial year 2025-26 fell sharply, driven by both lower import volumes and declining prices across major pulse varieties, government data and industry experts indicated. The value of pulses imports dropped by roughly 35 percent to $3.57 billion, compared to a record $5.44 billion in the previous fiscal year.

In rupee terms, the import expenditure decreased by over 31 percent to ₹31,793 crore from ₹46,427 crore a year earlier. Total pulses import volumes for the year are estimated to range between 5.6 and 5.7 million tonnes, down from a peak of 7.3 million tonnes in 2024-25, according to trade association figures.

Satish Upadhyay, Secretary of the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), cited both the reduced quantities and weaker prices as key factors behind the decline. Prices for key pulses including gram (chana), yellow peas, lentils, and pigeon peas fell by an average of about 10 percent during the year.

Yellow peas, which commanded prices around $380 to $400 per tonne in 2024-25, decreased to roughly $320 to $330 per tonne in 2025-26. This decline occurred despite a 30 percent import duty on yellow peas imposed by the government during the fiscal year. Pigeon pea prices also dipped from approximately $1,000-$1,100 to $700-$850 per tonne. Similarly, gram prices fell from an average of $650 per tonne to a range of $470-$520.

Import volumes of specific pulses showed significant reductions. Chana imports dropped by about half to 1.4-1.5 million tonnes, yellow pea volumes were halved compared to the previous year, and lentil imports contracted as well, Upadhyay noted.

Rahul Chauhan of IGrain India added that except for pigeon peas and black matpe (urad), import volumes for most pulses declined, reflecting elevated domestic stock levels carried from the previous year. He also pointed to Australia, a major supplier of chana, where production increases have been accompanied by growers’ reluctance to sell below $575 per tonne, leading to a slowdown in shipments to India.

Overall, the combination of reduced import volumes and softening international prices contributed to the notable drop in India’s pulses import bill for 2025-26.