India, the world's largest importer of pulses, is also a significant exporter, with exports increasing notably in the past year and remaining strong in 2023. While pea exports saw the most significant increase, there was also a rise in chickpea and lentil exports. Desi chickpeas were exported to neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal, and kabuli chickpeas were in demand from traditional importers. Lentil exports also witnessed significant growth to 65 KMT from less than 10 KMT in 2021. Currently, India continues to export peas, chickpeas, and lentils primarily to South Asian nations. With the harvest of lentils, desi chickpeas, kabuli chickpeas, and other Rabi crops, India is well-positioned to remain a supplier to its South Asian neighbours. Chickpea production is estimated to be between 12.5 and 13 MMT, with 450 KMT of kabuli/white. Lentil production is projected to be between 1.60 and 1.65 MMT.
|
Indian Pulses Export |
|||
in KMT |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Chickpeas |
123.69 |
176.04 |
94.03 |
235.04 |
Peas |
2.20 |
8.12 |
33.42 |
170.00 |
Other Pulses |
34.03 |
21.93 |
57.92 |
76.21 |
Lentils |
19.06 |
18.27 |
9.89 |
65.14 |
Mung & Urad |
21.81 |
25.92 |
79.72 |
40.95 |
Pigeon peas |
8.78 |
19.20 |
32.50 |
25.32 |
Cow peas |
4.60 |
5.75 |
24.28 |
13.66 |
Kidney beans |
3.26 |
5.80 |
8.63 |
11.19 |
Other beans |
3.00 |
12.54 |
2.91 |
2.28 |
Broad beans |
0.83 |
1.19 |
2.03 |
1.28 |
Red beans |
0.16 |
0.29 |
0.27 |
0.77 |
Bambara beans |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.03 |
All Pulses |
221.42 |
295.03 |
346.48 |
641.87 |