Pulses production in India

Pulses production in India

News: Recently, the shortfall in pulse production has spurred inflation. The government must ease restrictions, and allow imports.

What is the impact of below normal monsoon on Pulses?
• Reduced Sowing of Key Pulses - The sowing of key kharif season pulses like arhar, urad, and moong has reduced by 8.6% compared to the previous year.
• Diminished Crop Prospects - Low prospects for a robust crop have led to a notable surge in pulse prices over the last two months.
• Surge in Pulse Prices - Arhar prices rose from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,500 per quintal, impacting moong and chana prices as well.

Price surge above MSP Levels
• Prices for Arhar, Moong, and Chana now exceed their official minimum support prices (MSP), causing financial strain.
• International Pulse Price Impact - The situation is aggravated by soaring international pulse prices, with India being a major producer, consumer, and importer.
• Landed prices for masoor, the primary imported pulse, have significantly risen, surpassing the MSP.

What needs to be done?
• Strategic Use of Stocks- Judicious utilization of government-held chana stocks through open market operations, possibly limiting bids to actual users/dal millers.
• Revising Import Restrictions - Propose revising restrictions on imported stocks, allowing holdings beyond 30 days, and enabling imports of yellow/white peas without excessive duties or price constraints.
• Facilitating Yellow/White Peas Imports to facilitate price stabilization