India may need to import 10 MMT pulses in 2015-16
India may need to import more than 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) of pulses to meet the domestic consumption demand during the current financial year as the production is expected to go down due to shortage of rain, an industry body has said. “Considering deficit in rainfall for 2015-16, it is expected that the production of pulses for the year would decrease slightly to 17 MMT against 17.2 MMT recorded in 2014-15,” said the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) in its study. The five major pulse producing states—Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh— contributes around 70% of the country's total Kharif pulse production. But all these states witnessed shortage or rain fall during the sowing period this season. At the same time, the demand for the protein-rich food grain it is expected to increase, pushing the need to import. According to ASSOCHAM, meeting domestic demand for pulses is going beyond the challenge of footing increased import bill and the efficient distribution of available stocks will be the biggest challenge ahead for the policy makers. “This would remain a challenge for the central and state governments to ensure significant improvement in the pricing situation and the inefficient supply systems coupled with inherent weaknesses in regional markets are expected to further contribute to problem in the country,” it said. Besides, from the long term perspective, excessive imports would affect India’s efforts towards achieving self sufficiency, ensuring rural livelihood and ensuring country’s nutritional security. “Therefore, the government must prepare an implementable action plan to incentivise farmers to cultivate more pulses by providing seeds and technical support, noted the ASSOCHAM. According to the Retailers’ Association, short supply of pulses in the market has compelled small traders to procure through new methods like buying either directly from farmers or through authorised consolidators. The government has taken a number of steps to balance the demand and supply of pulses in the market. So far, the government has placed three separate orders to import 10,000 tonnes of pulses.
November 02, 2015 | 1:25pm IST.
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