Australia will retain top position in gram exports

14-Oct-2024 05:21 PM

Melbourne. Globally, about 160 lakh tonnes of gram (including Kabuli) is produced annually, in which India alone contributes between 110-120 lakh tonnes i.e. close to 70 percent. However, during the current year, the production in India was to be between 100-110 lakh tonnes.

Australia ranks second in the production of gram and first in exports. Apart from this, it is also produced in many other countries including Canada. Russia has re-entered the export market of gram, while it is also exported from some African countries.

According to a leading analyst, a customs duty of 66 percent was applicable on the import of Desi gram in India for the last few years, due to which it was being imported in very limited quantity there.

In these years, Australia got some other markets including Pakistan and Bangladesh. In May 2024, the Government of India imposed a duty on the import of Desi gram.

But its time limit has been kept till 31 October only. While till now the gram crop in Australia remains in the harvesting-readiness stage. If its period is extended, Australian farmers and exporters will get a lot of relief.

At present, the price of gram in India is running at a new record level and till the arrival of new goods does not start strongly (in March-April - 2025), there will be a need for heavy import of this important pulse. Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are also major buyers of Australian gram.

There has been a good increase in the sowing area of ​​​​gram in Australia this year, but the weather was not completely favorable.

Despite this, it will remain the largest exporter of this pulse and it will not have any problem in maintaining this position.