Pulses production is likely to drop marginally in the current season ending June. Output is seen at about 17 million tonnes, against initial estimates of 18.5 million tonnes.
“There might be a 7-8 per cent dip in pulses production on account of lower production in rabi and kharif crops this season,” said Mr Anurag Tulshan, coordinator, eastern and north-eastern region, India Pulses and Grains Association.
Prices are likely to either remain range-bound or inch up marginally, he told newspersons on the sidelines of a conference to announce this year's annual global pulses convention here on Thursday.
The International Pulse Trade and Industry Confederation (CICILS-IPTIC) is organising the convention in Dubai.
Rabi crop accounts for 60-70 per cent of pulses production, while kharif makes up the rest.
The country consumes about 21 million tonnes of pulses a year. The shortfall is offset by imports of about 3 million tonnes.
Sops for farmers
The output in 2012-13 is also likely to remain flat as farmers have been disincentivised to grow pulses at present, said Mr Sudhakar Tomar, honorary convenor, CICILS-IPTIC.
“One way of increasing production is to motivate farmers by improving marketability. The Government should explore the possibility of pulses procurement — similar to wheat and rice — for eventual sale through the public distribution system. The Government should also announce a minimum support price for the procurement,” Mr Tomar said.
Export of processed pulses
Mr Tulshan called for export of processed pulses that have a market in Africa and West Asian countries.
“The industry should be allowed to do value-addition to imported raw pulses in order to cater to the demand from these countries. We can export value-added pulses to countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Africa,” Mr Tulshan said.
Currently, only exports of Kabuli chana (chick pea) are allowed. “We export close to two lakh tonnes of Kabuli chana to West Asian countries in a year. The market is pegged at around Rs 1,000 crore. Introduction of other varieties of pulses for exports will help boost the industry,” he said.