India's Lentil Imports Surge in April 2025

25-Jun-2025 10:07 AM

India's Lentil Imports Surge in April 2025
★ In April 2025, India imported 1,29,850 metric tons of lentils (masoor), more than double the 64,583 tons imported in April 2024. For May, imports are expected to reach 7,956 tons, taking the total projected imports for April–May FY 2025–26 to 1,37,806 metric tons.
April–May Lentil Imports (Metric Tons):
FY 2025–26: 1,37,806 (estimated)
FY 2024–25: 1,13,679
FY 2023–24: 1,28,446
FY 2022–23: 20,547
FY 2021–22: 10,129
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Year-wise Total Imports (Metric Tons):
FY 2024–25: 12.19 lakh tons
FY 2023–24: 16.76 lakh tons (record)
FY 2022–23: 8.58 lakh tons
FY 2021–22: 6.67 lakh tons
FY 2020–21: 11.16 lakh tons
FY 2019–20: 8.54 lakh tons
★ In FY 2024–25, two major supplying countries—Canada (6.26 lakh tons) and Australia (4.69 lakh tons)—accounted for the bulk of India’s lentil imports. Other notable sources included the USA, UAE, Singapore, Turkey, and Algeria.
★ Domestic production in India has been satisfactory this year, and increased imports have ensured strong availability of lentils across the country.
★ Meanwhile, lentil sowing in Canada and Australia is nearing completion, and output is expected to rise. The new crop from these regions is anticipated to start arriving from September onwards.
★ Given the upcoming consumption season, demand is expected to rise, which may provide price support to the lentil market in the coming months.