ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s pulse imports have hit an all-time high, crossing 1.32 million tonnes during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025, costing the country over $918 million. With May figures reaching 1.4 million tonnes ($970 million), experts warn that imports may break all previous records by the end of the fiscal year.
The sharp rise in imports is mainly due to a widening gap between demand and local production. Despite needing 700,000 to 900,000 tonnes of gram pulses annually, Pakistan’s local yields continue to fall short. As a result, traders consistently import 600,000 to 700,000 tonnes each year to meet market demand.
According to the FY25 Economic Survey, gram production declined by 16.6%, alongside decreased output of moong and mash pulses. This drop in production has driven Pakistan’s food import bill to $7.6 billion, with pulses now ranking second only to palm oil in cost. Meanwhile, prices of masoor have declined, but moong and mash have become more expensive in local markets.
Experts have criticized the absence of a strong trade policy, urging the government to limit import permits and invest in improving local crop output. Rauf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association, emphasized the importance of monitoring crop size and aligning imports accordingly to avoid market distortion.
Moreover, exports of pulses to countries like Afghanistan and Iran are adding pressure on domestic supply. Muzamil Chappal, Chairman of the Cereal Association of Pakistan, suspects the government is underreporting crop data from Sindh and Balochistan, further complicating the situation. He also warned that falling global prices are tempting more traders to rely on imports.
With the pulse import bill likely to cross $1 billion soon, industry leaders and economists alike are calling for urgent reforms. A clear national strategy is needed to boost local production, protect foreign reserves, and ensure long-term food security.