New Delhi  - Despite several measures, including various incentives to farmers, India is still dependent on imports of pulses for its domestic requirements.

Pulses imports have almost doubled in 2023-24 to USD 3.74 billion.

However, the official figure is yet to be disclosed, and estimates suggest shipments have crossed 45 lakh tonnes in the just-concluded financial year 2023-24 as against 24.5 lakh tonnes a year ago.

Government sources said that to meet domestic demand and keep prices in check, government is negotiating with new markets like Brazil and Argentina for long-term contracts for pulses imports.

Over 20,000 tonnes of urad will be imported from Brazil and negotiations are almost at the final stage to import arhar from Argentina.

The government has also contracted with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Myanmar to import pulses.

The surge in imports in recent months is to boost domestic supply and keep prices in check.

Earlier, the government has allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas till June of this year and duty-free import of arhar and urad till March 31, 2025.