India’s mung bean exports/
From domestic staple to an emerging global contender

• Production has expanded from just over 2.1 million tons in 2017 to approximately 3.8 million tons in 2025, widening the gap between output and domestic consumption.
• Although theoretical surplus exceeds 1 million tons, realistically exportable volumes are currently estimated at 300,000–500,000 tons annually.
• Exports between January and October jumped from 15,000 tons in 2024 to 75,000 tons in 2025, with China accounting for roughly 60% of shipments.

For decades, India’s mung bean sector has been defined primarily by domestic demand. Mung beans are deeply embedded in Indian diets, used extensively in dals, snacks, and health foods across the country. However, recent production trends, alongside steadily expanding participation in international trade, suggest that India is beginning to transition from a largely inward-focused producer to a meaningful participant in the global mung bean trade.

Production data over the past decade illustrates a clear structural shift. India’s mung bean output has expanded steadily, rising from just over 2.1 million tons in 2017 to approximately 3.8 million tons in 2025. While domestic consumption has also grown during this period, it has remained relatively stable within a band of roughly 2.5–2.8 million tons annually. This widening gap between production and consumption has created additional flexibility for exporters and opened space for mung beans to become a more prominent component of India’s export portfolio.