Heavy rainfall hampering crop yields and lowering expectations for pulse production
India, a country known for its rich agricultural diversity, has been facing a plateau in its pulses output in recent years, a situation that is concerning given the rising population and endemic protein deficiency.
The decreasing pulses output has been a cause for concern, particularly as India is the world's largest pulses consumer and producer. The production of most pulse varieties is concentrated in a few states, while their main markets are distant, leading to logistical challenges.
Agriculture scientists are working to address the vulnerability of pulses to water retention, as erratic or late monsoon surges have become common. One such pulse, Tur (pigeon pea), has not been significantly affected yet, but could be if there is a late burst of rain in Karnataka. On the other hand, excessive rain and late monsoon bursts have caused damage to the yields and quality of urad (black matpe) and moong (green gram) in key growing states.
The production of pulses decreased from 27.3 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 25.2 million tonnes in 2024-25. In an effort to counteract this trend, the government has increased support prices for pulses. However, the preference for maize in rainfed regions has stalled initial interest in growing pulses.
Maize, on the other hand, is emerging as the preferred dryland food crop in India due to its assured demand due to its varied industrial uses. Tur is in demand everywhere, but is cultivated largely in Karnataka, while Urad is primarily grown in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, but its demand lies in the southern states.
In an effort to boost pulses production, the FY26 Budget aims to increase production through a procurement drive. However, procurement agencies are uncertain about handling pulses stocks. The lack of market information can contribute to poor farmgate realizations for pulses producers.
India imported a record 7.34 million tonnes of pulses in the fiscal year 2024-25, and while no exact figure is given for FY26 imports, ongoing discussions about import duties and market conditions suggest imports will be measured to stabilize prices without discouraging domestic sowing.
Pulses have a lower shelf life and are prone to pest attacks compared to foodgrains, adding to the challenges faced by producers. It is a nutritional imperative that India's pulses output exceeds 30 million tonnes soon to meet the nation's protein needs.
In conclusion, while there are challenges in increasing pulses production in India, the government and agriculture scientists are working to address these issues and boost production to meet the nation's protein needs.
