The government has directed state-run MMTC to import more pulses in order to improve domestic availability and check prices. The prices of pulses are still ruling high at around Rs 180 per kg and there is fear that it might flare up again in 2016 due to little improvement in domestic output as compared to 2015.
The state-run corporation has invited global bids for import of 5,000 tonnes of pigeon peas of the latest crop from Myanmar, Malawi, Mozambique or any other origin. Both technical and price bids should be submitted by January 18 and the tenders will remain valid till January 22.
The production of pulses in the 2015-16 crop year (July-June) is expected to be much below the earlier estimate of around 18 million tonnes (MT) due to poor sowing of rabi crops. The production in 2014-15 stood at 17.38 MT.