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Mumbai, 28 April (Commoditiescontrol):The India Pulses & Grains Association (IPGA) has urged the Indian government to consider replacing tur dal with other pulses in the government's mid-day meal project as Tur prices continue to rise. Tur production is expected to be lower this crop year due to unseasonal rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka. As a result, the Tur prices have risen by 10% in a month.
Last fiscal year, India imported 900,000 tonnes of tur (pigeon peas) to meet domestic demand and to increase overseas supplies; the Centre has extended the time limit for import of tur and urad pulses under the 'free category' until March 31, 2024. IPGA has requested that the government float tenders for five lakh tonnes of other pulses, such as lentils, masoor, and chana, to be used in mid-day meals instead of tur dal. This move could help soften the prices of tur dal.
According to the second advance estimate for food grain production for the 2022-23 crop year, Tur production is estimated to be 3.66 million tonnes, a decline of 13% from the previous year. India imports tur pulses from Myanmar and East African nations such as Tanzania, Mozambique, and Sudan.
While discussing the current situation, Bimal Kothari, chairman of IPGA, mentioned that India's pulses production in FY23 has been around 27 million tonnes, and there is a huge scope for increasing pulses exports from India. Therefore, IPGA has asked the government for cash incentives and fresh subsidies to increase exports of pulses from 5 lakh tonnes in FY23 to 10 lakh tonnes in FY24.
However, the pulses industry is concerned about the possibility of an El Nino in the country, which could affect Kharif pulses production. Although the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a normal monsoon, the chances of an El Nino have not been ruled out. Kothari is hopeful that the monsoon will be good and kharif pulses production will not be affected.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-9820130172)
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