The Hindu Business Line : Centre extends ban on export of pulses

The ban, which was to be in force till December 26, was imposed in view of spurt in domestic prices. "There is a shortage of pulses in the country. The best way is to increase availability and for that, the Centre should import quickly," said Mr K.C. Bharatiya, President, Pulses Importers Association.

Welcoming the extension of the ban, he said the Centre should instruct the nominated agencies for pulses import, National Cooperative Agricultural Marketing Federation (Nafed) and State Trading Corporation (STC), for expediting imports.

The pulses that are immediately required are black matpe (urad), arhar (pigeon pea), and moong (lentils). Meanwhile, over 100 containers of chickpea (kabuli chana) held up in the western ports could be released for shipments soon. These containers have been held up in view of the notification issued by the Centre banning export of pulses covering chickpea.

However, with the Centre now issuing a clarification that exports based on letter of credits opened before June 22 would be allowed, these containers, meant mainly for West Asia, would be transported to their destinations.

Prices of pulses, which plunged after the ban on exports, are currently witnessing a mixed trend. While prices of urad (black matpe), gram (chana) and guarseed (cluster beans) are showing signs of rising from last week that of other pulses have declined marginally. (See Table)

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