India’s growing pulse consumption and concerns over domestic production could push annual imports to 10-12 million tonnes (MT) over the next few years, nearly double the current level of around 6 MT, according to Garima Jain, CEO of Torq India. She said the country’s rising demand for protein would create significant opportunities for global pulse exporters, particularly Canada.
Speaking at the 2026 Pulse & Special Crops Conference in Halifax, Canada, Jain said India currently consumes around 30 MT of pulses annually, a volume that could increase to 45 MT by 2035. “As we grow, our imports are going to increase,” she said, adding that India’s “protein journey” would be significant.
Canada is already an important supplier to India, particularly of lentils and yellow peas. India currently imports around 1.5 MT of beans, mainly from Africa, 1 MT of black matpe from Brazil and Myanmar, 1.25 MT of chickpeas from Australia, 1 MT of red lentils from Canada and Australia, and about 1.2 MT of yellow peas, with Canada being a major supplier.
Jain said India is gradually shifting from a policy approach focused primarily on managing supply shortages to one increasingly shaped by demand. According to a report published in The Western Producer, she advised Canadian farmers to continue expanding pulse production to take advantage of the expected growth in the Indian market.
Imports Already Rising Sharply
The latest trade data also points to stronger overseas dependence. India’s pulse imports rose 62% year-on-year to 1.7 MT during April-July of FY27. Import value increased 32% to $0.97 billion during the period, as traders stepped up purchases amid concerns over domestic production.
Lentil imports recorded the sharpest increase, rising 227% to 0.57 MT. Yellow pea imports increased 91% to 0.52 MT, while tur imports rose 7% to 0.31 MT. Urad imports, however, declined 20% to 0.18 MT.
Traders expect imports to moderate in the coming months as global prices of yellow peas and lentils have risen. Supply disruptions from Russia, linked to logistics problems arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, are also affecting availability.
Crop Outlook Key to Import Policy
India currently imposes a 30% tariff on peas and 10% on lentils. Jain said the government may wait for a clearer assessment of the upcoming rabi crop before making changes to import policy.
The kharif pulse crop could face pressure following a southwest monsoon that was 15% below normal, potentially increasing the need for imports. Jain said the government could consider easing tariffs if supplies tighten and prices rise, particularly for yellow peas, which are among the least expensive pulses.
India and Canada are also negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which could have implications for future pulse trade.