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The Cabinet has approved a long-term contract for import of pulses from Mozambique, which is expected to double annual inflows from the country to 2 lakh tonnes over the next five years. The imports will help India meet part of its domestic shortfall and stabilise prices.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Mozambique provides for import of pulses either through private channels or government-to-government sales through State agencies nominated by the two countries, an official release said.
“The MoU aims at promoting the production of pigeon pea or tur and other pulses in Mozambique by encouraging progressive increase in the trading of these pulses,” the release added. The MoU includes targets for exports of tur and other pulses from Mozambique to India for five financial years and aims at doubling the trade from 100,000 tonnes in 2016-17 to 200,000 tonnes in 2020-21.
Supply gap India imported 5.79 million tonnes of pulses to meet its domestic requirements in 2015-16 with production estimated at 17 million tonnes. Despite the imports, total availability of pulses in the country was less than the demand, resulting in prices spiralling.
The signing of this MoU with Mozambique may also lead to similar arrangements with other countries.
India buys tur and green gram from Myanmar and Mozambique, chickpea from Australia and Russia, and yellow peas and lentils from Canada.
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