Pulses Imports and India–U.S. Trade Concerns

Reports that a proposed India–U.S. trade arrangement could involve India purchasing pulses from American suppliers triggered concern among Indian farmers, as it may increase imports and depress domestic prices.

Key Highlights

• India manages pulse demand through:
  • Import policy
  • Price stabilisation measures
  • Conditional Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement
• Domestic production: ~2.5 crore tonnes annually
• Estimated demand: ~3 crore tonnes
• Imports fill the supply gap
• Pulses:
  • Provide about 25% of non-cereal protein intake
  • Support nearly 5 crore farmers and their families

Farmer Concerns

• Imports can reduce prices for domestic farmers.
• MSP procurement for pulses is weak compared to rice and wheat.
• Government procurement under the Price Support Scheme (2019–24):
  • Only 2.9% to 12.4% of production
• Many states lack sufficient procurement centres.
• Pulses are largely rain-fed crops with lower yields than global competitors.

Result: Farmers underinvest in pulses, leading to continued import dependence.

Government Initiative

Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses (October 2025)

• Outlay: ₹11,440 crore
• Target cultivation: 310 lakh hectares
• Production target: 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31
• Aim: Reduce import dependence and boost domestic output

However, farmers remain sceptical due to poor implementation of past commitments.

Structural Issues Identified

• Weak procurement infrastructure
• Lack of assured MSP support
• Low productivity in rain-fed areas
• Market incentives favour other crops
• Continued reliance on imports → food security vulnerability