Challenge of Ensuring Adequate Pulse Supplies May Intensify
29-Jul-2026 07:36 PM
New Delhi. The sown area for Kharif pulse crops is lagging significantly behind last year's figures. Specifically, there has been a decline in the acreage of Arhar (Tur), Moong, and Moth, whereas the sown area for Urad has increased. By July 24 of this year, the total sown area for pulses reached 84.57 lakh hectares, which is 6.89 lakh hectares less than the 91.46 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. In the preceding week, the pulse acreage stood at 69 lakh hectares—12 lakh hectares lower than the 81 lakh hectares recorded the previous year. Although there has been some progress in sowing, concerns regarding overall production persist. A drop in production would increase reliance on imports and could lead to a corresponding rise in prices.
Industry observers and trade analysts state that it is premature to estimate the extent or nature of the impact this decline in sown area will have on pulse production. The sowing campaign for pulse crops has not yet concluded, and current weather and monsoon conditions remain favorable. According to data up to July 24, the sown area for Arhar fell from 35.27 lakh hectares to 31.17 lakh hectares, Moth dropped from 7.68 lakh hectares to 5.08 lakh hectares, and Moong declined from 28.39 lakh hectares to 26.89 lakh hectares; conversely, Urad acreage rose from 17.27 lakh hectares to 18.67 lakh hectares. The acreage for Kulthi also increased, while the sown area for other pulses saw a slight decline.
Monsoon rainfall currently remains 16 percent below the long-term average, and the Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall for the August-September period as well. This can affect the growth, yield rates, and overall production of pulse crops. India is the world's leading producer of pulses, yet it still requires large-scale imports because total production falls short of domestic demand and requirements. With the exception of moong (green gram), India imports vast quantities of most major pulses, including arhar (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), chana (chickpea), masoor (lentil), rajma (kidney bean), and lobia (black-eyed pea).