Of late, there has been a global shift towards plant-based proteins and sustainable food. With more and more people growing conscious of the fact of harmful effects of processed food, the insistence and move towards organic ways of farming, focus on a plant-based diet, and the ned to source grains, cereals and pulses sustainably has garnered the support of international environment thought leaders, institutions and the public in general.
That said, pulses are a key solution to a high-protein, low-fat fact eco-friendly source of food. Today’s stressful lifestyles, the move towards slowing down the pace, and more and more of the younger generation making conscious efforts to invest in their health, the role of pulses has gained more significance in people’s lives.
The Inda pulses market is on the steady rise, with the country being the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world. Global demand for pulses is on the rise, which augurs favorably for India in terms of production and exports.
Reasons For the Global Demand for Pulses
Across the world, health-conscious consumers are driving the popularity of lentils, chickpeas, and mung beans, to name a few. Instagram reels and online recipes are full of innovations using “healthy” and nutrient-rich ingredients for a range of dishes – be it breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner. The emphasis on home-cooked meals with young chefs sharing every trick and tip in the cookery book for consumers to fix themselves a healthy meal, and in the process, fix their health, is steadily on the rise.
Moreover, pulses are rich in fibre, iron, and protein – ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets. With more and more people opting for a no-meat diet across the world, the demand for pulses as a healthy, organic option for food is fast catching on.
To add to this, pulses have a low environmental footprint and require fewer resources as compared to meat production. Sustainable farming methods used in growing pulses add to its advantage as a sustainable plant protein and healthy plant-based food.
India – Gaining A Head Start in the Global Pulses Industry
India, being an agricultural country at its core, it has to its advantage proven and established farming practices and seamless supply chains that ensure a solid ecosystem from growing, processing and distribution of pulses.
When it comes to pulses and its production, India definitely is way ahead of its global competitors.
India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, with a total production of 244.93 lakh tonnes in FY2024. This represents a significant increase from 163.23 lakh tonnes in 2015-16. Gram and pigeon pea are the leading pulses, accounting for almost 75% of India’s pulse production. To begin with, India is the producer of a wide variety of pulses – from Channa, Tur, Moong to Urad and Masoor, these pulses are grown in diverse climates across the country. Large-scale pulse processing, warehousing, and packaging facilities have grown and strengthened over the years in this country.
Export Growth and Market Trends
India’s pulses market has grown exponentially due to successful bilateral trade agreements and demand for Indian pulses from the Middle East, the USA, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Recognizing the potential of the “mighty Indian pulses”, the government of India has implemented schemes such as the Agri Export Policy, which offers exclusive incentives for exporters. In addition, by focusing on quality certifications and emphasizing organic production through sustainable farming methods, Indian pulses are on par with global standards.
Sustainability: The New Currency in Agri Trade
Today, with the world giving a nod to sustainable, planet-friendly initiatives, pulses have a natural advantage. Did you know that pulses improve the fertility of the soil through nitrogen fixation? What does this mean for sustainability? Because of this, pulses require less water and fertilizers, making them climate resistant. Pulse production supports India’s goals under UN SDGs and climate action commitments. By following sustainable agriculture and growing eco-friendly crops, India’s production of pulses ticks every box on reducing the carbon footprint and working towards a green planet.
Challenges And Opportunities
Challenges
1. Price Volatility
India’s pulse market often experiences significant price fluctuations due to unpredictable weather, crop failures, sudden changes in government policy (import/export bans, MSP adjustments), and global supply-demand dynamics. These price swings:
- Affect farmer incomes and discourage long-term investments in pulse farming.
- Make it difficult for traders and retailers to plan procurement and pricing.
- Cause retail price spikes, affecting consumers.
2. Global Competition (Australia, Canada)
India faces stiff competition from countries like Australia and Canada, which:
- Have mechanized farming, better quality control, and consistent supply chains.
- Offer competitively priced pulses with better shelf life and appearance.
- Are gaining market share in international trade and, at times, in India’s own import volumes. This makes it difficult for Indian exporters and domestic producers to match pricing and quality on a global scale.
3. Need for Better Post-Harvest Infrastructure
Poor post-harvest practices and inadequate infrastructure contribute to:
- Significant losses in quality due to poor drying, grading, or storage.
- Pest infestations and contamination in traditional godowns.
- Lack of access to processing units in rural areas leads to delays in market access. Upgrading infrastructure is essential to ensure competitiveness and reduce wastage.
Opportunities
1. Growing Demand for Ready-to-Cook Pulse-Based Meals
With urban lifestyles becoming busier and health awareness on the rise, there’s a surge in demand for:
- Convenient, protein-rich foods like dal mixes, sprouted pulses, pulse-based soups, and flours.
- Pulses being integrated into modern food formats such as snacks, energy bars, and meal kits. Indian brands can innovate and capture this demand through domestic and export-ready SKUs.
2. Private Label Exports from India
India, being one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses, can:
- Leverage its large-scale production for private label packaging and exports.
- Offer contract manufacturing to international brands seeking cost-effective sourcing.
- Build trust through competitive pricing and customization, especially in ethnic markets abroad (Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, etc.).
3. Tech-Driven Traceability and Quality Control
Startups and agri-tech firms are now providing:
- End-to-end traceability from farm to shelf via blockchain and QR-coded supply chains.
- AI/ML tools for grading, pest control, and yield prediction.
- Platforms for quality certification, helping farmers and exporters meet global standards. These innovations can boost export credibility and increase transparency and trust in Indian pulses.
Conclusion
With all things favourable in terms of natural climate, proven farming methodologies, sustainable approach, quality, mature supply chain, and favourable government export policies, India is poised to become a global leader in plant-based proteins. While there still exists a need for modernization of supply chain, warehousing, and making the ecosystem more integrated and well-oiled, companies can leverage the current scenario by investing in processing plants and partnering with global food brands, for instance. With rising health and environmental consciousness, pulses are now not just a staple but a sustainable global commodity that points to a brilliant future.
