MYANMAR’S pulses export is targeted to exceed 1.8 million tonnes in the current financial year 2025-2026, generating income of US$1.5 billion, according to Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association.
Myanmar delivered 2.14 million tonnes of various pulses to international markets in the previous financial year 2024- 2025, bagging $1.82 million.
At present, sluggish foreign demand has resulted in a downward trajectory.
Myanmar mainly exports black gram, green gram and pigeon peas to foreign markets. Of them, black gram and pigeon peas are primarily shipped to India, while green gram is exported to China and Europe.
India has a growing demand and consumption requirements for black gram and pigeon peas. According to a Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and India signed on 18 June 2021, India will import 250,000 tonnes of black grams and 100,000 tonnes of pigeon peas (tur) from Myanmar for five consecutive years from the 2021-2022 financial year to 2025- 2026 FY. This G-to-G pact will not affect the pulses’ annual quota set by India. Myanmar’s exporters are also entitled to deliver the pulses to India under that yearly quota.
The Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association stated that black grams, which India primarily purchases, are commonly found only in Myanmar, whereas pigeon peas, green gram and chickpeas are grown in African countries and Australia. — NN/KK
