India's pulse imports dropped by a significant 31.52 per cent in 2025-26, falling from ₹46,427.60 crore to ₹31,793.59 crore, as domestic production surged under the government's Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, according to an official factsheet released on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Total pulse output climbed to 274.09 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 from 256.83 lakh tonnes the previous year, marking measurable progress in the Centre's push for self-sufficiency in the protein-rich crop.

Production and Cultivation Gains

The area under pulse cultivation expanded from 277.20 lakh hectares in 2024-25 to 286.46 lakh hectares in 2025-26, while national productivity improved from 926 kg per hectare to 957 kg per hectare over the same period. The scheme, which marks its first anniversary on 11 October 2026, was launched with a total outlay of ₹11,440 crore and targets pulse production of nearly 350 lakh tonnes with a yield of 1,130 kg per hectare by 2030-31.

The major pulse-growing states driving these numbers include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Exports Rise as Imports Shrink

While imports declined sharply, pulse exports moved in the opposite direction, rising 13.4 per cent from $855 million in 2024-25 to $969.53 million in 2025-26. Total export volume reached 10.01 lakh tonnes during the year, with China, the UAE, Bangladesh, the USA, and Sri Lanka emerging as the principal destinations. The simultaneous drop in imports and rise in exports signals a structural shift in India's pulse trade balance, moving the country closer to net-sufficiency.

Key Strategic Measures Under the Mission

The scheme is being implemented through a cluster-based approach covering 489 districts nationwide, with a focus on intensifying production of tur, urad, and masoor. Farmers have received 87.5 lakh free seed kits and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds are being distributed over six years. Climate-resilient seed varieties and improved seed quality are central to the strategy.

Assured procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for tur, urad, and masoor is being carried out through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCCF) and NAFED from willing and registered farmers, providing an important price backstop for growers.

Why Pulse Self-Sufficiency Matters for India

India is the world's largest producer of pulses, yet has historically relied on imports to bridge demand gaps — making price volatility a recurring concern for consumers. Pulses contain 20–25 per cent protein, more than double that of wheat and nearly three times that of rice, making them a cornerstone of nutritional security, especially for lower-income households. Reducing the import bill by over ₹14,000 crore in a single year eases pressure on the current account and on retail dal prices.

This comes amid a broader government push to cut dependence on agri-imports across commodities, from edible oils to pulses. Notably, this is the first full-year data point for the Mission, and the trajectory — if sustained — positions India to meet its 2030-31 targets ahead of schedule. The next milestone will be whether productivity gains continue into the upcoming rabi season.