New Delhi [India], Despite several measures including various incentives to farmers, India is still dependent on import of pulses for its domestic requirements. Imports of pulses are set to almost double to US$3.74 billion in 2023-24, however, the official data is yet to come. The disclosure, and estimates, show that shipments have crossed 45 lakh tonnes in the recently concluded financial year 2023-24, compared to 24.5 lakh tonnes a year ago. Government sources told ANI that to meet domestic demand and keep prices under control, the government is in talks with new markets. Like the long-term contract between Brazil and Argentina for import of pulses, more than 20,000 tonnes of urad will be imported from Brazil and negotiations for import of pigeon pea from Argentina are almost in the final stages.The government has also signed contracts with Mozambique, Tanzania and Myanmar for import of pulses. In recent months imports have been aimed at boosting domestic supply and keeping prices under control. Earlier, the government has allowed duty-free import of yellow peas till June this year and duty-free import of pigeon pea and urad till March 31, 2025. Inflation on pulses is a big problem. It is a matter of great concern for the government when the election process is going on.Recent data shows that pulses inflation was 17 per cent in March this year and 19 per cent in February. To keep prices under control, the government has imposed stock limits on pulses on Monday, April 15, and asked states to remain vigilant against hoarding. But what is a matter of concern is that despite various incentives like guaranteed procurement and higher MSP by the government, domestic production of pulses has declined in the last 2-3 years. The Agriculture Ministry estimates the production of pulses to be 234 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. Last year, the production was 261 lakh tonnes. In 2019-20, domestic pulses production was 230.25 lakh tonnes, but due to various incentives of the government in 2020-21. After, the production increased to 254.63 lakh tonnes, in 2021-22 it increased to 273.02 lakh tonnes, but decreased to 260.58 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. Kharif production this year (FY24) is expected to decline from 76.21 lakh tonnes to 71.18 lakh tonnes.Urad production is expected to decline from 17.6 lakh tonnes to 15.15 lakh tonnes, while moong production is expected to decline from 17.18 lakh tonnes to 14.05 lakh tonnes. Experts say the decline in domestic production is also due to erratic climatic conditions in major producers. But it is also a matter of concern that after seeing the upward trend, the sowing of pulses has also reduced in the last 3-4 years, from 307.31 lakh hectares in 2021-22 to 257.85 lakh hectares in 2023-24. In two years, sowing area has declined by 16 percent and production by nearly 14 percent. The Reserve Bank of India has also pointed out that food price pressures are posing challenges in bringing down inflation to the 4 per cent target, including the price of pulses.India is a large consumer and producer of pulses and it meets a part of its consumption requirements through imports. Gram, lentils, urad, chickpea and pigeon pea are mainly consumed in India.