Pulse Imports to Drop 30% This Year Amid Rupee Weakness, Duty Hike

• India expects a 30% decrease in pulse imports this year, totaling 5 million tonnes, down from 7.3 million tonnes last year.
• Reasons for the decline include significant carry-forward stock, a weakening rupee making imports more expensive, and a 30% duty imposed on yellow peas.
• The value of pulse imports decreased by over 33% from April to December, with yellow pea imports specifically falling due to the duty.
• Rabi crop sowing has seen a positive increase, with total sown area reaching 66.048 million hectares.
• Pulse crop area increased by 0.361 million hectares, and oilseed sowing is up by 1.025 million hectares compared to the normal area, driven by mustard and rapeseed.

Why It Matters: India anticipates a significant drop in pulse imports due to currency, duties, and increased domestic Rabi sowing.