For millions of Pakistani households living below the poverty line, struggling with food inflation, malnutrition and limited dietary diversity, pulses remain an affordable source of protein and nutritional security.
Despite their significance, the country relies heavily on imported pulses, with nearly 80 per cent of consumption being met through imports. That cost the economy close to $1 billion in FY2025. This heavy reliance on imports not only drains the country’s foreign exchange but also reflects policy and structural weaknesses in the agricultural system.
Pakistan was not always dependent on pulse imports. Until the late 1980s, the country met domestic demand and exported an excess to international markets. Over time, a combination of policy decisions, outdated agricultural research and climatic conditions transformed the country from a pulses exporter to a major importer.
The key breakthrough occurred in the mid-2000s when the government, concerned about a sharp rise in pulses exports between 2004 and 2006, introduced a 35 per cent export tax on pulses. The policy was intended to control domestic prices and ensure that domestic consumers had access to affordable food. Soon after, the tax was replaced by a complete export ban intended to stabilise local markets, but the long-term consequences proved counterproductive.
As a result, instead of a reduction in domestic prices, pulse prices increased significantly. The farmer, with no cultivation incentive and no opportunity to avail of export benefits, gradually shifted away from these low-profit crops toward more profitable commercial crops. Resulting decline in pulse cultivation across Pakistan.
At the moment, the country’s annual demand is around 1.5-1.62 million tons, and domestic production only contributes a fraction. In 2011-12, the country’s production was nearly 700,000 tons due to favourable climatic conditions in the rain-fed agricultural zones of Chakwal, Attock, Fateh Jang, Layyah and Thal. Production has since dropped sharply to approximately 250,000 tons annually. To bridge this gap, the country now imports nearly one million tons of pulses annually, making it heavily dependent on international markets.
The consequence of this growing reliance on imports extends beyond the agricultural sector. It places significant pressure on the country’s fragile foreign exchange reserves. In the current scenario, when Pakistan is struggling to manage external debt and rising fuel import bills, spending nearly $1 billion yearly on pluses represents a major economic burden.
Likewise, the dependence on the international market exposes local consumers to global price fluctuations. Any disruption to the global supply chain due to geopolitical tensions or climate-related production shocks can quickly lead to high prices in domestic markets. The resulting price increase in pulses will have serious implications for the food and nutritional security of low-income households.
Several structural factors have also contributed to the decline in local production. The first and foremost factor is limited progress in agricultural research and seed development. The country is struggling to develop heat-tolerant, climate-resilient pulse varieties that can withstand its increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
The Federal Seed Corporation and other research institutes have not yet succeeded in introducing high-yield varieties that can thrive under rising temperatures and irregular rainfall. Second, climate change has complicated the situation, as pulse cultivation often occurs in rain-fed regions where timely rainfall is critical for productivity. For instance, in the Thal region, adequate rainfall can increase the yield by 35 per cent. The climate scenario also makes farmers reluctant to cultivate pulses.
Third, the key challenge lies in the country’s import management system. Import permits are easy to obtain with minimal regulatory oversight, encouraging traders to enter the import business and leading to large imports into the country, which further discourages local producers.
Despite these challenges, there are clear opportunities to revive pulse production in Pakistan. Agricultural researchers have already developed new varieties such as Bittal-21 and Bittal-2022, which are better suited to local climatic conditions. Expanding the adoption of these improved varieties could increase yields and make pulse farming more attractive to growers. Equally important is the need for a more balanced trade policy.
While protecting domestic consumers is a legitimate concern, blanket export bans can distort farmers’ incentives and discourage production. Policymakers should consider mechanisms that allow controlled exports while maintaining an adequate domestic supply. Such measures could restore profitability for farmers without compromising food affordability. In addition, targeted support programmes could encourage farmers in rain-fed regions to return to pulse cultivation. These may include the provision of improved seeds at controlled rates, access to climate-resilient farming techniques, better extension services and, where feasible, improved irrigation infrastructure.
Raising farmer awareness about modern cultivation methods can also play a crucial role in improving productivity. Institutional coordination is another key element. Stronger collaboration between agricultural research institutes, universities and the private sector can accelerate the development of better seed varieties and modern farming technologies. Investments in agricultural innovation is essential if Pakistan hopes to adapt its food systems to the realities of climate change.
Finally, policymakers must recognise that pulses are not merely another agricultural commodity. They represent an essential component of Pakistan’s nutritional security, environmental sustainability and economic resilience. Reviving domestic pulses production will require long-term planning and policy consistency rather than short-term market interventions.
The writers are from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad (SDPI), Pakistan. They can be reached at: [email protected] and [email protected]
These views are their own and do not necessarily represent the organisation’s official position.
