India's Protein Quest: Balancing Demand and Domestic Pulse Production

India's increasing demand for protein-rich diets has spurred a rise in pulse consumption, yet the country remains reliant on imports. Despite production gains, the demand still outpaces supply. Experts call for innovative policy restructuring to promote self-sufficiency and diversify crop cultivation.

India's insatiable appetite for protein-rich diets has resulted in a surge in pulse consumption. However, the country remains heavily dependent on imports to satisfy its domestic needs. Despite being a top producer, India's pulse production has not matched the mounting demand, leading to a continued rise in imports from countries like Myanmar, Australia, Russia, Canada, and several African nations.

Despite an increase in pulse production from 16.3 million tonnes in 2015-16 to 24.5 million tonnes in 2023-24, India's demand has escalated to 27 million tonnes. Various government measures aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, or Atmanirbharta, in pulses have fallen short, as imports hit 4.7 million tonnes in 2023-24, with notable rises in shipments of masur and yellow peas.

India primarily consumes chana, masur, urad, kabuli chana, and tur, with a production shortfall in tur, urad, and masur. The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) foresees pulse imports reaching 4-4.5 million tonnes this financial year to bridge the demand-supply gap. In the past three years, imports have ranged from 2.4 million to 2.7 million tonnes annually.

Experts advocate for long-term policy measures and incentives to boost self-sufficiency in pulse production. Ashok Gulati, a leading agriculture economist, warned that if current policies remain unchanged, India might need to import 8-10 million tonnes of pulses by 2030. Gulati emphasized that a crop-neutral incentive structure, akin to support for paddy and wheat, is crucial for achieving self-sufficiency.

Innovation in policy formulation is vital to support pulses, oilseeds, millets, and even kharif maize production. Current policies favor paddy and wheat, attracting significant subsidies and assured procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), leaving pulse farmers at the mercy of market dynamics. Gulati suggested extending similar incentives to pulse farmers, especially in paddy-dominated states like Punjab and Haryana.

Diversifying cultivation from paddy-wheat cycles to pulses and oilseeds could also lower India's hefty fertilizer subsidy costs. Despite the better financial returns from paddy and wheat, sustained policy support is necessary for a successful transition to pulse cultivation.

Industry bodies like the IPGA have highlighted the adverse impact of frequent policy changes, with as many as 13 notifications since 2023 alone, on market stability and planning. IPGA Chairman Bimal Kothari stressed the need for policy clarity and long-term visibility to address growing protein demand sustainably.

The government has made some timely interventions, such as exempting duty on chana, but more comprehensive measures are needed. The pulse market in India, valued at Rs 2.5 lakh crore, demands a well-rounded approach encompassing production incentives, pricing support, and stable policy frameworks to achieve self-sufficiency.

(With inputs from agencies.)