Expectation of heavy imports and better production may lead to softening of pulses prices
09-Sep-2024 05:31 PM
New Delhi. With a good increase in the sowing area of Kharif pulses crops, especially Arhar (Tuvar) and Moong, and the possibility of heavy imports from Myanmar, Africa, Australia, Canada and Russia, etc., the supply and availability of pulses in the domestic sector is expected to improve and prices may soften somewhat.
In any case, during the last few weeks, only the price of Desi gram has increased, while the prices of other pulses have either softened or remained stable.
According to official sources, there is a possibility of increase in the production of Kharif pulses, while there are indications of increase in imports from Africa and Myanmar. During the last two weeks, the prices of Tuvar, Urad and Masoor etc.
have been largely put on hold on farming. It is noteworthy that the retail inflation rate in pulses has been running in double digits since June 2023 because the production of major pulses like tuvar, urad and gram decreased in the 2023-24 season.
According to senior official sources, the import of Desi gram (Bengal gram) from Australia is likely to jump to between 10-15 lakh tonnes by December 2024, but this is possible only if the government extends the period of its duty-free import.
At present, Desi gram has been exempted from import duty till 31 October 2024, while its previous outstanding stock is very less left in Australia and new goods can start arriving from mid-October. In May 2024, the government withdrew the 66 percent customs duty imposed on the import of gram.
Gram alone contributes close to 50 percent to the total production of pulses in the country. According to government data, domestic production of gram fell by 5.62 percent to 115.70 lakh tonnes during the 2023-24 season as compared to 2022-23, while the industry-trade sector believes that the actual production did not exceed 90 lakh tonnes.
According to official sources, about 21 lakh tonnes of yellow peas have already been imported in the country, which is being used as an alternative to gram.
A good stock of gram is still present from domestic production, which is gradually coming into the market. Storage limit is applicable on Tuvar and Gram till 30 September.