Government has been considering continuation of zero duty status on imports of pulses due to lower output expectations against growing consumer demand, a top consumer affairs ministry official said. There is zero duty on import of pulses till March 31.
India imports about 3-4 million tonnes (mt) of pulses annually to meet domestic demand. India produces about 19 mt of pulses.
According to industry estimates, import of pulses is expected to be over 4 mt in 2014-15 as against 3.8 mt in the previous year.