The imports of pulses declined by 10% and stood at 3.66 million tonnes (MT) in 2013-14 compared to 4.02 MT of import in 2012-13, as per information provided by Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs Raosaheb Patil Danve. This decline in import is on account of higher domestic production.
The production of pulses rose by 7.29% to 19.57 MT from 18.24 MT in 2012-13 as per the third advance estimate for the year 2013-14. The minister added that as per Planning Commission’s 12th five year plan (2012-17), the projected demand in the terminal year 2016-17 for pulses is estimated at 22 MT.
In order to contain price rise in essential commodities including pulses various steps have been initiated by the government. The government has banned export of pulses except Kabuli chana and organic pulses and lentils up to 10,000 tonnes per annum, imposed stock limits from time to time for a period up to September 30 and suspended futures traing in rice, urad and tur.