To rein in prices and bridge the demand-supply gap, India may have to import 10 million tonnes of pulses, according to the industry chamber Assocham.

“Considering deficit in rainfall for 2015-16, it is expected that the production of pulses for the year would decrease slightly to 17 million tonnes against 17.2 million tonnes recorded in 2014-15.

“Further with the rise in demand, it is expected that a total of 10.1 million tonnes of pulses might have to be imported,” according to a paper brought out by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).

The paper noted that most States producing pulses have witnessed weather-related issues affecting production.

 “Maharashtra is the largest kharif pulses producer in the country followed by Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh…These five States together account for about 70 per cent of the country’s total kharif pulse production,” said the paper. The chamber said meeting domestic demand for pulses was greater than facing the challenge of footing an increased import bill, adding that the biggest challenge for the country is efficient distribution of available pulses across regions. “While we are coping with the difficult situation this year, we cannot afford to continue with it since shooting prices of essential food items create adverse eco system and negative discourse,” said the chamber’s Secretary-General DS Rawat. 

It urged the government to draw up an action plan to incentivise farmers to cultivate more pulses by providing seeds and technical support. 

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