India Poised for Record Growth in Pulse Production by 2034: OECD-FAO Outlook
22 July 2025, New Delhi: India is expected to witness a significant surge in pulse production over the next decade, according to the latest OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034. The report projects an increase of nearly 8 million tonnes in pulse output in India by 2034. Currently, the country produces over 25.2 million tonnes annually, and this figure is set to rise steadily.
India to Drive Global Pulse Growth
The global pulse output is expected to increase by 26 million tonnes by 2034, with Asia accounting for nearly 40%of this growth. India, as the world’s largest producer of pulses, will play a leading role in driving this expansion.
Hybrid Seeds and Government Policies Boosting Production
India’s growing pulse output is attributed to proactive government initiatives, including the promotion of high-yielding hybrid seed varieties, increased mechanization, and better price assurance through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism. While procurement programmes for pulses remain less extensive compared to wheat and rice, both the Central and select state governments continue to scale up procurement operations for pulses.
Intercropping Gaining Popularity Among Smallholders
The report highlights the increasing adoption of intercropping practices, especially in Asia and Africa, as a key driver of pulse yield improvement. Smallholder farmers are increasingly planting pulses alongside cereals to enhance land use efficiency and crop diversity. However, the report also notes that despite positive trends, the pace of growth in pulse productivity will still lag behind cereals and oilseeds due to limited research and institutional support in the pulses sector.
Global Demand for Pulses on the Rise
Consumption patterns are expected to shift further in favour of pulses. By 2034, per capita annual consumption is projected to rise to 8.6 kilograms, driven by growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses and changing dietary preferences.
Global Trade Expansion
Over the past decade, global pulse trade has expanded from 14 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, and is forecast to reach 23 million tonnes by 2034. Canada will remain the largest exporter, with shipments projected to grow from 4.9 to 5.7 million tonnes, followed by Australia and Russia.
Price Trends and Farmer Gains
Pulse prices are likely to soften slightly in 2025 but could witness modest increases in the following years. However, in real terms, prices are expected to trend lower. Still, Indian farmers stand to benefit from the overall rise in production, improved access to markets, and enhanced returns due to government support schemes.
Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition
The anticipated boom in pulse production will not only enhance farmer incomes and reduce import dependency, but also improve nutritional intake across the population. This growth is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the years to come.
Also Read: Sona Machinery Expands Its Presence in Nepal With a Turnkey Rice Mill and Parboiling Dryer Plant
📢 If You’re in Agriculture, Make Sure the Right People Hear Your Story.
From product launches to strategic announcements, Global Agriculture offers unmatched visibility across international agri-business markets. Connect with us at pr@global-agriculture.com to explore editorial and advertising opportunities that reach the right audience, worldwide.
