India is negotiating with Myanmar and other countries in order to eventually create a buffer stock of pulses of up to eight lakh tonnes (LT). This step is been taken in view of the prevailing shortage of pulses and their rising prices. As per information provided by Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the government will initially have 1 LT of buffer stock both by procuring from farmers and by importing.
The government will sign an agreement soon with Myanmar whereby it will have a government-to-government import of pulses. The centre is also having pulses-related talks with countries like Mozambique, Malawi.
India produces 17 LT of pulses annually, as against the requirement of 23 LT, and the country has been importing pulses for decades.