Pulses import to fall by 20% in FY18 on better domestic output

Huge orders placed by importers last year had to be honoured even after crop improved, post drought

After a record high of 5.67 million tonnes in 2016-17, representing a 19.9 per cent increase over the previous year, import of pulses is expected to decline this year, by up to 20 per cent.

In FY17, the domestic output of pulses stood at 22.14 million tonnes, against a normal annual consumption of 24 million tonnes. However, 2015-16 was a drought year and the output was only 16.35 million tonnes. Pravin Dongre, chairman, India Pulses and Grains Association (Ipga), said: "Last year, importers had placed huge orders at the beginning of the sowing season which they then had to honour (even