India’s dependence on Canada for lentil imports has significantly reduced, with Australia taking the lead. This shift is driven by increased Australian production and India’s push for self-sufficiency in pulses. The development comes amidst diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, but trade experts believe the pulse trade will remain unaffected.
In a bid to boost pulse production and reduce import dependency, India has launched a pilot project for assured buyback farming of pulses in tribal areas of Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu. The initiative, undertaken by the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF), aims to incentivize farmers through guaranteed purchase of their produce at a fixed price.
Despite record-breaking sowing during the kharif season, India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in pulses by 2027 is facing hurdles due to concerns over yield and the impact of potential excessive rainfall in September. Experts predict that increased rainfall could affect crop production, while the nation’s pulse yield remains significantly lower than major importing countries.
Concerned about rising pulse prices, the Indian government is dispatching officials to assess stockpiles and potential hoarding. The crackdown will focus on major pulse-producing states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The government suspects that traders are hoarding pulses in anticipation of further price increases. The move aligns with efforts to boost pulse supply and stabilize prices, including duty-free imports of yellow peas. Despite imports, prices of chana and urad remain high, prompting the government’s investigation into supply chain disruptions or market manipulation.
