India’s pulses exports rise 45% in April-July, led by stronger global demand

Pulses exports rose 45% year-on-year in value to $452.27 million in April-July, while volumes grew 59% to 4.94 lakh tonnes. GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal has entered the Maldives, underscoring premium export potential even as India remains a major pulses importer.

— Source publishedFri, 25 Sept, 2026, 20:56 IST·First seen Fri, 25 Sept, 2026, 21:01 IST·Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

Indian pulses exports are rising sharply, with April-July value up 45% year-on-year. GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal entered the Maldives, while China led purchases

Key facts

  • April-July exports rose 45% year-on-year in value to $452.27 million from $311.08 million
  • April-July export volume rose 59% to 4.94 lakh tonnes from 3.10 lakh tonnes
  • FY2025-26 exports crossed 1 million tonnes and approached $1 billion
  • 1 MT of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal was exported to the Maldives
  • India imports around 6 million tonnes of pulses and exports around 1 million tonnes

What changed

Indian pulses exports are rising sharply, with April-July value up 45% year-on-year. GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal entered the Maldives, while China led purchases in FY2025-26. Trade body IPGA seeks favourable export incentives amid India’s continuing reliance on pulse imports.

Why this matters

Rising pulses exports and the Maldives entry of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal signal an opportunity for retailers to build premium, origin-led private-label assortments while protecting domestic supply availability.

What to watch

  • August-October pulse export volume and value growth versus the April-July pace.
  • Kharif sowing, monsoon distribution, crop-condition reports and tur production estimates.
  • Domestic mandi and wholesale prices for tur, moong, urad and chana.
  • Government changes to export restrictions, minimum export prices, stock limits, import duties or procurement programs.
  • Repeat orders and new market approvals for Gulbarga Tur Dal in Maldives, GCC and diaspora retail channels.