India has restarted the import of Tur dal (Pigeon pea) from Mozambique after it was disrupted by an “anti-India” group.
Current State of Pulses Import in India
- India imported 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in the fiscal year 2023-24 (up from 2.53 million tons in 2022-23), the highest since 2018-19.
- In value terms, imports of pulses jumped 93% to USD 3.75 billion.
- In 2023-24, India imported 7.71 lakh tons of Tur/Pigeon pea, with 2.64 lakh tons (one-third) from Mozambique. Malawi is also a major supplier of tur to India.
- Mozambique has an MoU with India to supply 2 lakh tons of Tur/Pigeon peas until 2025-26, providing assured market access. Similarly, an MoU with Malawi ensures an annual supply of 0.50 lakh tons to India.
- Red lentil imports, particularly from Canada, doubled to 1.2 million tons.
- Yellow peas are imported from Russia and Turkey.
- The South Asian nations including India, usually import pulses from Canada, Myanmar, Australia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Status of Pulse Production in India
- India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
- Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains and contribute around 7-10% of the total food grain production in the country.
- Gram is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40% in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20% and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong at around 8-10 % each.
- Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of the total production.
- The top 5 pulses-producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
Key Facts About Tur dal (Pigeon Pea)
- It is a vital legume crop and protein source in India.
- It thrives in tropical and semi-arid regions.
Climatic Requirements
- Rainfall: Needs 600-650 mm annually, with moist conditions early on and dry conditions during flowering and pod development.
- Temperature: Grows best at 26°C to 30°C in the rainy season and 17°C to 22°C post-rainy season.
- Soil: Prefers sandy loam or loam, though it can adapt to various soil types.
- It is sensitive to low radiation during pod development, leading to poor pod formation if flowering occurs in monsoon or cloudy conditions.
- Key diseases include Wilt, Sterility Mosaic Disease, Phytophthora Blight, Alternaria Blight, and Powdery Mildew.
- Top Producer States (2019): Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP.