List of Top 10 Pulses Producing Countries in the World

Top 10 pulses producing countries in the World: As per the Directorate of Pulses Development of India, the country is the global producer of pulses in the whole world. Last year in 2023, India’s pulse production reached 28 million metric tons. For this development, India established its dominance in the world’s pulse market.

In this article, we are going to discuss the top 10 pulses-producing countries in the World, with the major pulses, and their export value.

Pulses Producing Countries in the World – Overview

India has become self-sufficient and a top producer of chickpeas (chana) and most other pulse crops. World Pulses Day is celebrated every year on February 10th. It started with the UN’s International Year of Pulses in 2016. It is important to note that India not only leads the production of pulses but is also the country ranked as the second-largest consumer (27%) and importer (14%) of world-class pulses. Indian farmers played a major role in achieving this position and over the past decade, pulse production also achieved a remarkable growth of 60% with a production of 171 lakh tonnes of pulses in 2014. It is expected that India is going to grow and produce around 270 lakh tonnes of pulses in 2024.

List of Top 10 Pulses Producing Countries in the World

Now we are going to discuss the top 10 pulses producing countries in the World as mentioned below.

Country	Current Production (million metric tons)	Major Pulses	Pulses Export Value (As Per FY)
India	28	Various, incl. chickpeas, pigeon peas, lentils	54 billion INR
Myanmar	5.5 – 6	Various, incl. mung beans, pigeon peas, black gram	1.47 billion USD
Canada	5.1	Lentils, peas, chickpeas	175 million USD
China	5	Soybeans, peas, lentils	102.41 million USD
Russia	4.1	Lentils, peas, chickpeas	0.7 billion Euros
Nigeria	4	Cowpeas, pigeon peas	279.64 billion NGN
Niger	3.5	Cowpeas	219.99 billion NGN
Ethiopia	3.47	Chickpeas, lentils	137 million USD
Brazil	2.9	Beans, soybeans	113 million USD
USA	2	Lentils, peas	983.2 million USD

1. India – 28 Million Metric Tons

• India stands out as a global leader in pulses production and consumption.
• Over the past two decades, India has more than doubled its pulse production.
• In 2002, India recorded a minimum production of around 11.13 million metric tonnes.
• In the current financial year, pulse production has surged to a remarkable 26.96 million metric tonnes.
• Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are the top states contributing to pulse production in India.
• India produces a variety of pulses in large quantities including Bengal Gram, Pigeon Peas, Black Eyed Peas, Black Matpe, Green Beans, Chickpeas, Red Kidney Bean, Lentils, and White Peas.
• Chances are, if you live in India, you’ve likely consumed most, if not all, of these pulses before.

2. Myanmar – 5.5 – 6 Million Metric Tons

• In 2020-21, Myanmar exported over 2 million tonnes of pulses due to high demand from other countries.
• Despite being relatively small compared to other producers, Myanmar produced over 7 million metric tonnes of pulses in 2021.
• For the fiscal year 2022, Myanmar is expected to exceed production estimates, reaching around 7.4 to 7.5 million tonnes.

3. Canada – 5.1 Million Metric Tons

• A decade ago, Canada’s pulse production was below 2 million tonnes, with only around 1.5 million metric tonnes in 2011.
• Local farmers in Canada responded to high demand for pulses by increasing production rates.
• Consequently, Canada has risen to become the world’s 3rd largest pulse producer.
• The pulse-producing industry in Canada is flourishing due to growing awareness of sustainable food and crops.
• Last year, Canada produced a remarkable 6.7 million metric tonnes of pulses.
• With continued growth in the farming sector, Canada has the potential to surpass Myanmar and become the 2nd largest pulses producer globally in the next five years.

4. China – 5 Million Metric Tons

• In the 1960s, China was the 2nd largest pulses producer globally.
• Decline occurred due to factors like limited harvesting areas, pulse price hikes, and unfavorable weather.
• Over the last two decades, China’s pulse production has been relatively stable, ranging between 4 to 5 million tonnes annually.
• In 2021, China produced over 4.5 million tonnes of pulses, specifically 4.67 million tonnes.
• China’s communist government regulates pulse production, but there’s potential for future increases due to high demand for sustainable foods and crops.

5. Russia – 4.1 Million Metric Tons

• In the late 1960s, the USSR ranked as the world’s 2nd largest pulses producer.
• After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Russia emerged, maintaining steady grain and pulse production.
• However, over time, the pulse harvesting industry in Russia experienced a gradual decline.
• Presently, Russia holds the 10th position among the world’s largest pulse producers.
• Previously, Russia used to export nearly half of its production, but in 2022, heavy sanctions led to a significant decrease in exports.
• In the 2021-22 period, Russia’s total pulse production amounted to approximately 2.3 million metric tonnes.

6. Nigeria – 4 Million Metric Tons

• In 2011-12, Nigeria ranked 4th globally in pulse production, hitting a high of 5.3 million tonnes.
• However, in 2021-22, Nigeria’s pulse production dropped to just 3.26 million metric tonnes.
• Despite the decline, there’s optimism for future growth as Nigeria aims to boost production and expand grain cultivation.
• A significant portion of Nigeria’s pulse harvest is exported abroad, contributing to the nation’s GDP.

7. Niger – 3.5 Million Metric Tons

• Niger produced nearly 3 (2.98) million metric tonnes of pulses in 2021.
• The production may increase due to recent growth in grain cultivation hectares.
• Niger might soon surpass Nigeria to become the 5th largest pulses producer globally.
• Despite local demand, Niger exports a significant portion of its pulse production to other countries.

8. Ethiopia – 3.47 Million Metric Tons

• Russia, Brazil, the USA, and Ethiopia have similar pulse production levels annually.
• Rankings among these countries may change yearly due to fluctuations in production.
• Ethiopia was ranked 6th in global pulse production last year.
• It dropped to 7th this year due to a slight decrease in production.
• In 2021-22, Ethiopia produced approximately 2.8 million metric tons of pulses.
• Around 300 thousand metric tons were exported to meet demand or support global supply.7. Niger – 3.5 Million Metric Tons.

9. Brazil – 2.9 Million Metric Tons

• In the early 2000s this country ranked as the third largest pulses producer in the world.
• Brazil’s pulse production has remained relatively stable.
• It is ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 million metric tonnes annually for the past two decades.
• Last year, Brazil achieved a remarkable production of 2.7 million metric tonnes in just one fiscal year.
• This level of production is noteworthy considering Brazil’s prominent industries include Iron Ore, Soybeans, and Crude Petroleum.

10. USA – 2 Million Metric Tons

• The USA experienced the growing demand for grains and pulses in recent years.
• The country has lower per capita consumption as compared to countries like Niger, Nigeria, India, Brazil, and the UAE.
• To meet this uprising demand, the country maintains a domestic pulses production industry for a long time.
• The USA produces over 2 million metric tonnes of pulses annually.
• It maintains the consistency in its output.
• In 2021-22, the USA’s pulses production stood at around 2.44 million metric tonnes.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM) of India – Pulses

The NFSM-Pulses initiative is led by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It operates in 28 States and 2 Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

• Assistance provided to farmers through States/UTs for various interventions.
• Cluster demonstrations conducted on improved package of practices.
• Cropping system demonstrations organized.
• Seed production and distribution of high-yielding varieties/hybrids.
• Provision of improved farm machinery and tools.
• Distribution of efficient water application tools.
• Implementation of plant protection measures.
• Nutrient management and soil ameliorants promoted.
• Provision of processing and post-harvest equipment.
• Cropping system-based trainings offered.
• Distribution of seed mini-kits containing newer pulse varieties.
• Technological demonstrations conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
• Establishment of 150 Seed Hubs for Pulses, significantly increasing availability of quality pulse seeds.
• These Seed Hubs collectively produced over 1 lakh quintals of quality pulse seeds since inception in 2016-17.

ICAR’s Role in Research and Variety Development in India

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is instrumental in boosting the productivity of pulse crops through dedicated research and development endeavors. The ICAR’s key focus areas include:

• Conducting basic and strategic research on pulses.
• Collaborating on applied research with State Agricultural Universities.
• Developing high-yielding varieties and production packages tailored to specific locations.

From 2014 to 2023, a remarkable total of 343 high-yielding varieties and hybrids of pulses have received official recognition for commercial cultivation nationwide, highlighting the significant progress in pulse crop development efforts.

Pulse Production in India

• India holds the title of being the world’s leading producer, consumer, and importer of pulses, constituting 25% of global production, consuming 27% of the world’s pulses, and importing 14%.
• Pulses cover approximately 20% of the total foodgrains area and contribute about 7-10% to the country’s total foodgrains production.
• While pulses are cultivated in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute over 60% to the total production.
• The top five pulses-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

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Summary – Top 10 Pulses Producing Countries in the World

India leads the world as the largest producer of pulses, with a production of 28 million metric tons, dominating the global pulse market. This achievement is attributed to India’s significant growth in pulse production over the past decade, reaching 171 lakh tonnes in 2014 and an expected 270 lakh tonnes in 2024. Pulses are vital for India’s agricultural landscape, covering 20% of the total foodgrains area and contributing 7-10% to the country’s total foodgrains production. Key states driving India’s pulse production include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. Other top pulse-producing countries include Myanmar, Canada, China, Russia, Nigeria, Niger, Ethiopia, Brazil, and the USA. These countries contribute significantly to global pulse production, with India also being the second-largest consumer and importer of pulses worldwide. Additionally, initiatives like India’s National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and the research efforts of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) play crucial roles in boosting pulse productivity and variety development in the country.

FAQs – Top 10 Pulses Producing Countries in the World

Which country is largest producer of pulses in world?

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world. Pulses are 20 to 25 percent protein by weight which is double the protein content of wheat and three times that of rice.

What is the rank of India in pulse production?

India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.

Which countries produce tur dal?

India is the world largest producer, harvested about 3.02 Million tons per year other major producing areas are Africa and Southeast Asia (Myanmar).

Who is the largest exporter of toor dal?

India exports most of it’s Toor dal to United States, Canada and Singaporeand is the largest exporter of Toor dal in the World.

Which country is the largest producer of moong dal?

India is the major producer of green gram in the world and grown in almost all the States. It is grown in about 36 lakh hectares with the total production of about 17 lakh tonnes of grain with a productivity of about 500 kg/ha.

Who are the top 3 producers of pulses in the world?

China, Australia and South Africa, in descending order, are the largest producer in the given list of countries producing Pulses after India.