Import of lentils and peas from Australia and Russia likely to increase

22-Oct-2024 05:08 PM

New Delhi. Due to the growing dispute with Canada, the import of lentils and yellow peas from there to India is likely to decrease and as an alternative source, the import of lentils from Australia and yellow peas from Russia can be increased.

The period of duty-free import of yellow peas has been extended till 31 December 2024, while duty-free import of lentils can be done till 31 March 2025.

At present, there is a good stock of both these pulses in the domestic sector, so despite the reduction in imports from Canada, there is no possibility of any significant adverse effect on its supply-availability and price.

It is understood that the Central Government has a stock of more than 8 lakh tonnes of lentils, which can be released in the domestic market if required.

The lentil sowing season has formally started. The government has made a good increase in its minimum support price, which may encourage farmers in top producing states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to increase the sowing area of ​​this important pulse.

It is time to harvest the new lentil crop in Australia, but the production picture there is not completely clear. Different estimates of lentil production are coming out, while Indian traders have started importing it for delivery in the coming months.

As far as peas are concerned, its sowing also starts along with lentils and Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are its two major producing states. In Russia, due to bad weather, the production of peas has decreased a bit,

but still there is a huge stock of it there, which can easily meet the demand and need of other countries including India and China. Canada may have to look for new markets for the export of lentils and peas.