Imports of Pulses Rise 125% as Domestic Production Falls

A total of 194,000 tons of different kinds of pulses were imported in the last Iranian year (March 2021-22), registering a 125% rise compared with the previous year, according to the secretary of Iran’s Pulses Union.
“Domestic demand for pulses stands at 700,000-750,000 tons per year. Last year, more than 500,000 tons of pulses were produced domestically, which shows a decline compared with the year before,” Abdi Eftekhari was also quoted as saying by IRNA. 
The official noted that drought and the conversion of pulse farms to grain fields over the past few years are among the main reasons why Iran’s production of pulses has decreased.
He estimated that this year (started March 21), 250,000-300,000 tons will need to be imported.
“Global prices have also gone up mainly because of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which are considered two big suppliers internationally,” he said.
Eftekhari noted that the prolonged economic sanctions imposed on Iran have also raised prices of all kinds of pulses dramatically.
“In the domestic market, we saw prices go up by 70-100% for each kilo of pulses. Recently, the High Economic Council approved a 9% value-added tax on pulses, which means that in the near future, prices will increase even further.”