Mumbai

Imports of around 25 lakh tonnes of pulses by private traders will boost the domestic availability and help bringing down the prices, industry body India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has said.

“Private importers have contracted 25 lakh tonnes of pulses, which will arrive between October 15 and January 31, 2016. Out of these 25 lakh tonnes, 2.5 lakh tonnes have already arrived at Mumbai port in the last seven days.

“We expect the prices of pulses to drop appreciably in a next few weeks on the back of large quantities of pulses scheduled to arrive at Indian ports,” IPGA Chairman Pravin Dongre told reporters here.

The prices of pulses have been ruling as high as Rs 210 per kg in the retail market.

However, when asked about the skyrocketing prices of tur dal, Dongre said, the situation will ease but not drastically.

“The global production of tur has been affected due to poor weather conditions globally affecting the availability that resulted in increase in global prices to USD 1,500-1,600 per tonne of African tur. Last year the prices were ruling at at USD 750 per tonne. Similarly, in India we are concerned about the tur crop, which will be harvested in December, due to deficient rainfall,” he added.

Out of 25 lakh tonnes of pulses: there are 10 lakh tonnes of matar, 5 lakh tonnes masoor, 5 lakh tonnes channa and 5 lakh tonnes miscellaneous, including 1.5 lakh tonne tur, he added.

Dongre also urged the Centre to withdraw the stock limit exemption for imported pulses as large amount of stocks that are due to arrive at Indian ports.

“The stock limit will hinder the smooth flow of supply hampering the imports leading to severe scarcity of pulses in the country. It will also damage the reputation of Indian traders globally due to cancellation of import orders,” he added.

IPGA, the apex body for the pulses and grains industry in India, also appealed to all state governments to give importers, millers, wholesalers and retailers at least 60 to 90 days to liquidate currently held stocks and achieve the mandated stock limits.

PTI