Pulse imports into India from major exporting countries such as Canada, the US and others run the risk of disruption two months from now — from April to be precise — if the Indian plant quarantine (PQ) department has its way.

In a meeting on January 30 with agricultural counsellors and trade commissioners from as many as 20 exporting countries, the PQ officials categorically stated that the facility of allowing imported pulse cargo to be treated with methyl bromide (MBR) on arrival at the Indian port will not be extended beyond March 31.

In other words, any cargo coming without MBR fumigation from port of loading will be rejected by the Indian PQ department on arrival.

Many developed countries that export pulses have banned the use of MBR, a fumigant that is effective against quarantine pests. According to PQ officials, countries that have banned use of MBR have taken suo motu action, which contravenes the Montreal Protocol to which they are signatories.

As many as 64 countries have banned the use of MBR because it depletes the ozone layer. By allowing MBR fumigant on its shores, India has actually been hurting its own ozone layer, something best avoided henceforth, goes the PQ argument. As an alternative to MBR, the PQ department is willing to examine other fumigants; but exporting countries have to submit technical efficacy data and effectiveness of eradicating pests and insects across all the four stages of development from eggs to adult. Pre-shipment inspection of cargo is also a method likely to be considered.

It is now up to the National Plant Protection Organisations of the exporting countries that have banned MBR to provide acceptable alternative fumigants or methods of pre-shipment inspection.

The facility of MBR fumigation at the discharge port in India has been going on for well over ten years; but India had no choice because of domestic shortages and increasing reliance on imports to meet the pulses supply shortfall. According to a senior government official who sought anonymity, this year India is in a much stronger position to set the long-pending PQ anomaly right as its domestic production has rebounded to record levels.

After harvesting 8.7 million tonnes (mt) in kharif season, India is poised to harvest about 13 mt in the rabi season, subject to normal weather. If realised, India’s domestic production will decisively breach the 2016-17 target of 20.7 mt and reach a new high of nearly 22 mt.

The writer is a global agri-business and commodities specialist. Views are personal.

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