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Indian buyers expect no disruption in Canadian lentil, potash supplies

Oct 22, 2024

Indian buyers are confident that Canadian lentil and potash supplies will remain consistent, despite the diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. Orders for upcoming shipments are on track, and trade officials have not reported any disruptions. Canada is a key supplier of these essential commodities, which are crucial for India's agriculture and food sectors.

Indian buyers do not expect supplies of Canadian lentils and potash to be affected by the diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa, trade, industry and government officials said.

Ties between India and Canada deteriorated sharply after New Delhi and Ottawa ordered six diplomats to leave in tit-for-tat moves over Ottawa's allegations that New Delhi was targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil.


 

    
Source: The Economic Times



India, Myanmar completes first transaction exceeding Rs 1 crore through Punjab National Bank

Jul 03, 2024

India and Myanmar pioneered a new bilateral trade payment system as the Yangon office of Punjab National Bank on Tuesday completed the first transaction exceeding Rs 1 crore for a shipment of pulses under the Rupee-Kyat Settlement Mechanism.

The initiative aims to streamline trade transactions between India and Myanmar, enhancing efficiency by eliminating complexities associated with exchange rates through direct payment in local currencies.

The Central Bank of Myanmar introduced guidelines for payment procedures via the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) on January 26 this year. The mechanism covers both sea and border trade, encompassing transactions for goods and services.

    
Source: MSN



Agriculture experts see a shift to mustard, lentils

Oct 25, 2022

Farmers will prefer to grow wheat, mustard and lentils (masur) for the 2023-24 rabi marketing season as prices of these crops were higher than their minimum support price (MSP) last year, said agriculture experts.
 
"In Punjab and Haryana, farmers in the irrigated belt will choose to sow wheat while those that fall in the rainfed area will go for mustard," said Rahul Chauhan, director of agri research firm IGrain India.
 
While farmers in the eastern areas of Uttar Pradesh may opt for mustard, the western region of the state will likely choose wheat. Madhya Pradesh farmers may also prefer to sow mustard and wheat.
 
The government has increased the MSP of these crops - ?110 per quintal for wheat, ?500 per quintal for lentils and ?400 for mustard seeds - incentivising farmers to grow these. The maximum rate of return at the current MSP is 104% for rapeseed and mustard, followed by 100% for wheat and 85% for lentils, a government statement said Tuesday.
 
The larger increase in the MSP of mustard and rapeseed could also help in the diversion of some wheat to these oilseeds, said experts. "The governmen gave handsome increases for mustard and rapeseed and masoor. We can expect some wheat area to be diverted to these crops," former agriculture secretary Siraj Hussain said, adding that the government should ensure that the landed cost of imported masoor and substitute edible oil was not less than MSP-derived prices.
 
Chana (gram) is expected to be the crop of choice in Gujarat, although the area covered could be less than last year as chana prices have been low. The government also has a huge stock of chana which it has sold to several states at discounted prices.
 
In Maharashtra, farmers are expected to plant chana. The area under cotton and maize may also increase. In Karnataka, urad and moong are expected to be the crops of choice. Sowing of rabi (winter) crops begins in October, immediately after the harvest of kharif (summer) crops.
 
Around 4,32,000 hectares have already been planted with oilseeds like rapeseed, mustard and taramira in Rajasthan, data from the Ministry of Agriculture showed.
 
    
Source: The Economic Times



US Senator urges India to remove tariffs, barriers to trade on pulse crops.

Dec 06, 2021

A senior US Senator in a meeting this week urged Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to remove tariffs and barriers to trade on pulse crops.
 
Republican Senator Steve Daines represents the State of Montana in the US Senate. Montana is a leading pulse-growing State of the United States and certain tariffs imposed by India, Daines says, has been hurting farmers from his State.
 
'With Montana being the number one producer of pulse crops in the nation, and India being the largest consumer of pulse crops in the world, it’s a critical market to open for Montana,' he said.
 
'We must level the playing field and increase access to the Indian market for Montana’s pulse crop farmers. Developing these relationships with India’s top trade officials and India's pulse crop importers will go a long way towards ensuring Montana is at the top of the discussion during the trade forum later this month and helping remove the tariffs and trade barriers Montana farmers currently face,' Daines said.
 
India visit
 
Visiting India ahead of the US-India Trade Policy Forum scheduled later this month, Daines also hand delivered letters from the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, the Montana Grain Growers Association, and the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council to Goyal, urging the removal of tariffs and barriers to trade on Montana pulse crops.
 
Daines then visited the Naya Bazaar in Old Delhi and met with some of India’s pulse crop importers. He shared more lentil crunchers from Farver Farms as a representation of the quality crops Montana farmers have to offer.
 
During the trip, Daines also met with leaders and students from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and toured some of their labs. Daines discussed the need for American and Indian technology and innovation sectors to find areas of collaboration to counter China’s influence.
 
In February 2020, then US President Donald Trump personally delivered a letter from Daines to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for favourable pulse crop provisions in any trade deal with India, a media release said.
    
Source: thehindubusinessline



Centre may lift ban on export of edible oil, pulses

Dec 31, 2014

he agriculture ministry plans to lift ban on exports of pulses and edible oils, and seek cabinet approval for imposing 10% import duty on chana, to help protect farmers' interest, government officials said. "The farmer should get an opportunity to sell to whosoever gives him a good price. With this aim, we are proposing to lift export ban on pulses and edible oil," said an official from the agriculture ministry

India -the biggest producer of pulses at 19 million tonne and its biggest importer at 3.5-4 million tonne -banned exports of pulses in June 2006 and has been extending the ban since then. Only kabuli chana and organic pulses and lentils, with a ceiling of 10,000 tonne per annum, are allowed to be exported. Similarly, export of edible oil in bulk has not been allowed since 2008. It is permitted in small packs of up to 5 kg with minimum export of price of $1,100 a tonne. Industry insiders said lifting of export ban would be a boon to farmers and industry players, without making a big impact on consumers. Pravin Dongre, chairman of Indian Pulses and Grains Association, said: "If exports are allowed, farmers will get a better realisation for their produce, there will be more investment in the sector, and it will be huge game changer for the pulses industry." He also said a 10% import duty on chana would ensure remunerative prices to farmers and push planting of the crop. Many national brands from Tata to Adani are present in branded pulses retail. Chana in Naya Bazar wholesale market of New Delhi is priced about `. 37 a kg. Dongre said the new crop will arrive from February, adding that a marginal increase in prices will not make a huge impact on consumers. BV Mehta, executive director at Solvent Extractors' Association of India, too, said that export of 50,000 tonne edible oil, out of the 19 million tonne produced in the country, would hardly make a difference to consumer prices. "Export in bulk should be opened. There is huge demand for groundnut oil in China and rice bran oil in Japan and Thailand," he said. Groundnut oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, coconut oil and ricebran oil are also much in demand by the non-resident Indians living abroad. India is the top importer of vegetable oils, but, Mehta pointed out, only 10,000 tonne of edible oil is exported from the country annually. A government official said: "We can continue to import cheap palm oil, but let the high cost groundnut and other oils be allowed to be exported to help farmers." The Central Board of Excise and Customs recently increased customs duty on crude oil to 7.5% from 2.5% earlier, and duty on refined edible oil to 15% from 10%, through a notification.

 

India -the biggest producer of pulses at 19 million tonne and its biggest importer at 3.5-4 million tonne -banned exports of pulses in June 2006 and has been extending the ban since then. Only kabuli chana and organic pulses and lentils, with a ceiling of 10,000 tonne per annum, are allowed to be exported. Similarly, export of edible oil in bulk has not been allowed since 2008. It is permitted in small packs of up to 5 kg with minimum export of price of $1,100 a tonne. Industry insiders said l ..

India -the biggest producer of pulses at 19 million tonne and its biggest importer at 3.5-4 million tonne -banned exports of pulses in June 2006 and has been extending the ban since then. Only kabuli chana and organic pulses and lentils, with a ceiling of 10,000 tonne per annum, are allowed to be exported. Similarly, export of edible oil in bulk has not been allowed since 2008. It is permitted in small packs of up to 5 kg with minimum export of price of $1,100 a tonne. Industry insiders said l ..

 

    
Source: The Economic times



Government extends ban on export of pulses

Apr 02, 2014

India has extended a ban on export of pulses until further orders to support supplies at home and keep a lid on local prices, a government statement said.

The world's biggest producer and consumer of pulses initially banned exports of the commodity in June 2006. It has been extending the ban since then.

But the ban is not applicable on export of kabuli chana, a premium grade of chickpea, and 10,000 tonnes of organic pulses and lentils a year, said the statement posted on a government website.

India annually consumes over 21 million tonnes of pulses but produces only 17-18 million tonnes. The gap is met through imports from Australia, Canada and Myanmar.
 

    
Source: Economic Times



India permits 291 tonnes of pulses export to Maldives till 2016-17

Mar 31, 2014

India has permitted exports of about 291 tonnes of pulses, the shipment of which is banned, to Maldives till 2016-17 through public sector undertaking.

"Export of pulses to Maldives has been permitted for the years 2014-15 to 2016-17," Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a notification. Although exports of pulses are banned, the Indian government ships the commodity to the neighbouring country on diplomatic grounds, a source said.

Pulses exports are banned since June 2006 to augment the domestic supply and check prices. India is the largest consumer of the foodgrain. The country imports pulses to meet the domestic production shortfall of 3-4 million tonnes. For 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, the government has allowed exports of 87.85 tonnes, 96.63 tonnes and 106.29 tonnes respectively to Maldives.

As per the government estimate, the country is expected to produce 19.8 million tonnes (MT) of pulses this year, which includes 9.8 MT of chana crop, while trade figures says only 6.5 MT of chana crop this year. Official figures show that India imported around 1.4 MT of pulses between April to September 2013.
 

    
Source: Economic Times



‘Open’ export window for pulses

Feb 19, 2014

The world agricultural markets — grains, oilseeds, sugar and others reeling under a strong rebound in production and markedly softer prices — are likely to face further downward price pressures, thanks to record harvests expected in India. A recent media headline described Sharad Pawar as the World’s happiest Agriculture Minister; and why not?
Chana, the champion

Much more than rice and wheat, the interesting success story is that of pulses whose production is set to record a new high of 19.8 million tonnes (mt) this year (2013-14), markedly higher than the record 18.4 mt last year. Of this, gram or chana harvest is pegged at 9.8 mt, much higher than the season’s target of 8.7 mt and surpassing even last year’s record 8.8 mt harvest.

Rabi pulses acreage has hit a new high of 16.2 million hectares (mh) this year, nearly a million hectares higher than the previous year. Gram or chana planted is at an all-time high of 10.2 mh (9.5 mh). Chana accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the country’s total pulses production. Weather conditions have been near ideal in the last two months and chana yields are now a little over 900 kg/hectare, gradually inching towards the one-tonne-a-hectare mark.
Pulse imports

Market arrivals in some centres have commenced and will gather momentum in the coming days. With a huge rebound in pulses production in the last two years, supplies are aplenty, augmented by imports. But clearly, pulses imports have slowed. Pulses suppliers to India – decidedly the world’s largest producer, importer and consumer – are a worried lot today. Already decelerating, pulses imports into the country are set to slow down even further in the months ahead when domestic arrival pressure builds up.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2013-14, pulses arrivals from abroad aggregated 2 mt; for the whole year, imports are projected at 2.6 mt, sharply down from 3.8 mt last year, according to Commerce Ministry data. Anecdotal evidence suggests a distinct lack of interest among Indian importers following a sense of caution, thanks to the recent currency volatility and threat of a fiscal impost. Amid the euphoria over record harvest, it is time to ensure the marketability of the record pulses crop. Logically, storage and similar administrative restrictions on pulses must be withdrawn so that dal mills and traders are able to build inventory.
Time for exports

It is equally important to open the export front. Pulses export (except for kabuli chick pea) has remained banned for nearly seven years. It is time to lift the ban and allow free exports. There needs be no apprehension of excessive exports because the world market is awash with pulses.

Given the limited absorption capacity of the overseas market, India may be able to ship out about three lakh to five lakh tonnes in the coming months. Keeping the export and import window for pulses open simultaneously will make for a really progressive foreign trade policy.

India’s record pulses crop, slowing import and prospects of exports, is sure to dominate the conversation during the upcoming Pulses Conclave organised by India Pulses and Grains Association in Goa from February 19-21.

Sharad Pawar, as the chief guest of the conclave, is sure to be delighted to inaugurate the mega event on pulses, and is likely to make some important announcements, it is widely believed.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



FM rewards farmers with more credit

Feb 18, 2014

Encouraged by the performance of India’s agriculture sector in 2013-14, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the government will continue with the interest subvention scheme on farm loans and also raised the agriculture credit disbursal target by Rs 100,000 crore to Rs 800,000 crore in 2014-15. Expected agricultural growth of almost 4.6 per cent in 2013-14 against 1.4 per cent in 2012-13 will play a big role in helping the government reach the GDP target of 4.9 per cent in 2013-14, he said.  

Presenting the interim Budget of 2014-15, Chidambaram recalled the yeoman’s service rendered by the country’s farmers in delivering record production during most of UPA’s 10-year rule. He said 10 years ago, India produced 213 million tonnes of foodgrain; in 2013-14 it is projected to touch an all-time high of 263 million tonnes.  

On interest subvention, the finance minister said the government intends to continue with the scheme first introduced in 2006-07. Under the scheme, the government provides a subvention of 2 per cent and an incentive of 3 per cent for prompt payment, thus reducing the effective rate of interest on farm loans to 4 per cent. “So far, Rs 23,924 crore has been released under the scheme. I propose to continue the scheme in 2014-15,” Chidambaram said.

He said the country is proud of the performance of the agriculture sector. Foodgrain production in 2012-13 was 255.36 million tonnes and the estimate for the current year is 263 million tonnes. Production estimates of sugarcane, cotton, pulses and oil seeds all point to new highs.

Chidambaram also recalled how a bumper harvest has prompted a surge in India’s agriculture exports. Agriculture exports in 2012-13 stood at $41 billion, while imports were pegged at $20 billion. For 2013-14, Chidambaram estimated exports to cross Rs 45 billion, almost 9.5 per cent more than last year.

Some experts do not share the optimism of the finance minister. “Our calculation shows that the surplus (difference between agriculture export and import) is likely to widen in 2013-14 in comparison to the previous year. Exports in 2013-14 would be lower than the finance minister’s estimate of $45 billion, while imports will also be lower at around $18 billion,” eminent agricultural economist and chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices Ashok Gulati told Business Standard.

    
Source: business-standard.com



AgriMin seeks ease of export curbs on pulses, groundnut oil and onions as prices fall

Feb 10, 2014

With groundnut oil prices falling in recent months, the agriculture ministry has written to the commerce department to lift a five-year ban on bulk exports of the commodity. At present, edible oils, including groundnut, can be exported but only in small packages of five kg.

Officials said the ministry had also sought lifting of the ban on pulse export and abolishing the existing minimum export price (MEP) of onions in view of the sharp fall in wholesale market rates.

Export of all variety of pulses, except kabuli chana, was banned in 2006. It has been extended from time-to-time up to March. The onion MEP was slashed to $150 a tonne in December 2013 from $350 a tonne.

"In pulses, the commerce ministry should not renew the ban when its term expires as prices have dropped below the minimum support price (MSP) in some places," said a senior official.

He said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had written to Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Finance Minister P Chidambaram twice, seeking to abolish the MEP in onions. Even last month, the Department of Agriculture had pressed for abolishing the MEP on onions.

"Basically, what we are saying is that prices in these three commodities have either fallen below MSP or are ruling far below their cost of production causing hardship to farmers. Hence, some avenue should be opened immediately or else the growers will suffer," the official said.

In groundnut oil, officials said prices have dropped to their four-year low due to bumper harvest and weak demand.

In February, groundnut oil was trading in Gujarat at around Rs 1,340-1,350 for a 15-kg tin, almost 40 per cent less than the same period last year.

According to edible oil industry sources, groundnut oil production is likely to increase to 300,000 tonnes in 2013-14 compared to last three years' average production of 200,000 tonnes due to higher crushing.

The government's first advance estimate of 2013-14 farm production pegged kharif groundnut seed production at 5.6 million tonnes, a whopping 81 per cent more than 2012-13 mainly due to excellent rains in main growing regions of Gujarat.

The Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA), too, has demanded lifting the ban on export of groundnut oil in bulk.

In pulses, officials said the wholesale price of chana is ruling much below its 2013-14 MSP of Rs 3,100 a quintal in some cities.

In onion, the monthly wholesale rates on an average across India have dropped from Rs 39 a kg in August 2013 to Rs 14 in February this year, a decline of 64 per cent.

    
Source: business-standard.com



Trade deals open doors

Jan 27, 2014

 New agricultural trade agreements inked between India and Alberta last week are set to open new doors for provincial producers in 2014.

Premier Alison Redford signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the states of Meghalaya and Punjab, India, that will provide new opportunities for Alberta agricultural producers. The MOU supports an immediate increase in the sale of livestock genetics from Alberta to Meghalaya and facilitates further trade and co-operation on food processing and safety and on products such as canola, pulses and agriculture machinery.

“I’m excited about them. The point is, we’re an export nation. Any time we can find some new markets for our products it’s worthwhile,” said Little Bow MLA Ian Donovan, who also serves as the Wildrose Alliance Party’s ag critic. “We have to do that as a trading nation; we’re a leader in Canada with our grains out of this province.”

The MOU will allow a smooth flow of Alberta agrifood products to India, including, but not limited to, swine genetics. It will also create an agricultural working group which will meet on a regular basis to discuss further trade and co-operation on products such as canola, pulses and agriculture machinery.

“It was basically an agricultural agreement, a memorandum of understanding,” said Donovan. “There’s lots to be sorted out through it yet, but to me it’s a positive first step. We need to look at where the markets are and where the people are that want our products.”

The Punjab MOU focuses on aspects of agriculture and animal genetics which will help increase trade in the areas of dairy production and swine genetics, and establish an Agricultural Working Group (AWG) to encourage communication on projects of importance.

India represents a market of more than one billion people and is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. It is already Canada’s largest market for pulses.

(dry beans, chickpeas and lentils) as well as the world’s largest consumer and importer of pulses.

“India has 40 million people in the area they were just in, and that memorandum of understanding has opened up a whole new market and positioned Alberta and her products. I think it’s positive,” said Donovan.

Redford has also opened a new trade office in New Delhi to expand trade and commerce, and support cultural ties between Alberta and India.

Alberta and India benefit from a long-standing relationship in trade and investment, and a new trade office in New Delhi will play a critical role in continuing to build this relationship by providing on-the-ground resources and connecting Alberta and India companies.

Alberta’s exports to India have averaged more than $102 million per year in areas that include agriculture, aerospace, engineering, education, and information and communications technology sectors.

    
Source: lethbridgeherald.com



Agriculture Ministry to move Cabinet note to lift pulses export ban

Jan 15, 2014

The Agriculture Ministry will soon move a Cabinet note for lifting the 8-year long ban on export of pulses to arrest fall in domestic prices that are ruling below the MSP level on expectations of higher output.

Export of pulses, except for kabuli chana, was initially prohibited for six months in 2006. It was then extended from time-to-time up to March 31, 2014.

"To protect farmers from sharp fall in domestic prices, we are soon moving a Cabinet note on lifting the export ban on pulses," a senior Agriculture Ministry official told PTI.

The ministry is mulling over allowing export of pulses without "quantitative restrictions" and placing the commodity under the open general licence category on the lines of sugar, wheat and rice, the official said.

Such a move is necessary to contain further fall in domestic pulses prices, which are ruling below the minimum support price (MSP) levels in most parts of the country on expectations of a bumper crop, the official added.

An industry body has also sought the removal of ban on pulses export to balance the domestic market prices so that with better prices farmers are encouraged to grow pulses in the coming years.

The ministry is expecting a record pulses production at 19 million tonnes in 2013-14, as against 18.45 million tonnes last year, as good monsoon in rainfed areas has boosted crop prospects.

The demand is estimated to be around 21.77 million tonnes for the same period. The gap would be met through imports. The country's annual pulses imports have normally been in the range of 3-3.5 million tonnes. Higher production is expected to bring down imports in 2013-14.
 

    
Source: Economic Times



Pulses body asks Govt to open up exports

Jan 10, 2014

 The pulses trade has reiterated its demand to lift the ban on exports, as some pulses are ruling below the minimum support price levels on higher output.

“The moment exports are allowed, the trade will get dynamic and the milling industry will stand to benefit and the market will find its balance,” said Pravin Dongre, Chairman of the Indian Pulses and Grains Association.

Further, allowing exports will give a floor to the market as prices of pulses such as chana and tur are ruling below the support levels, he said. If this trend of prices ruling below the support levels continues for another year, it may force farmers to shift to other crops such as rice, wheat or cotton, Dongre said.

The Government had allowed exports of pulses in 2001 but banned shipments, except for kabuli chana (chickpea) in 2007 after a sharp increase in prices.

However, domestic production has increased in recent years as also consumption.

“The Government should open up exports, but impose quantitative restrictions to ensure adequate domestic availability,” said Bimal Kothari, Vice-Chairman of the association. Kothari said export demand exists for pulses, such as chana, processed lentils, moong and tur from countries in West Asia and South Asia.

India is the largest producer of pulses – estimated at 19 million tonnes in 2013-14 and is also the largest consumer.

The country is expected import around 3.2 million tonnes, about 10 per cent lower than last year’s 3.5 million tonnes.

Dongre also announced that The Pulses Conclave 2014, the second edition of the global pulses and trade event, will be held in Goa from February 19 to 21. The conclave, a platform for the Indian and global stakeholders to converge and connect, will seek to refocus the attention of Indian policy makers on the sector in terms of processing, distribution, value-addition and nutritional aspects. The conclave is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates, including overseas participants.

He said the United Nations has declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, a move that would raise the level of awareness globally on the role pulses can play in advancing health, nutrition, food security and environmental sustainability.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



Time to open up pulses export as production rebounds

Jan 03, 2014

Pulses imports have slowed down considerably following a significant rebound in domestic production this year and softer, consumer-friendly prices.

Compared with 33.6 lakh tonnes of aggregate arrivals during 2012-13 fiscal, imports during the first six months (April-September) of the current fiscal were 14.2 lakh tonnes.

At the current pace of arrivals, total imports during the current fiscal are likely to be lower than 30 lakh tonnes. Currency movements have also played a part in slowing imports.

Rapid weakening of the rupee and its recovery subsequently, albeit partial, in 2013 caught many traders by surprise. The effect of slowing imports is clearly felt in the world market. Canadian exporters are a little worried over slower pace of shipments.

Canada is India’s largest supplier of pulses, mainly yellow pea. Expressing concern, Martin Chidwick of Agrimonde Pulse Inc, Canada, recently enquired: “What is happening in India that has seen our yellow pea shipping slip?” The answer is that chana (gram) harvest in 2013 was a record at 89 lakh tonnes against 77 lakh tonnes a year ago.

No wonder, chana prices have been ruling steady to soft in the last several months.

It is widely believed that flour made out of imported yellow pea is blended with chana flour. Anecdotal reports from traders suggest that offtake in the local market is somewhat sluggish.

Extended South-West Monsoon, excellent subsoil moisture and higher minimum support price have combined to boost rabi plantings.

According to the Weather Watch Group of the Agriculture Ministry, as of December 20, area under various rabi pulses was 126.8 lakh hectares, higher than 121.2 lakh hectares during the corresponding period a year ago.

In particular, acreage under gram or chana (desi chick pea) has increased to 87 lakh hectares against 83 lakh hectares last year. Moong plantings have also reverted to trend at about 2.3 lakh hectares.

Crop prospects appear bright on current reckoning. Rabi harvest has the potential to reach 120-125 lakh tonnes.

With kharif harvest estimated at 60 lakh tonnes, the annual production of pulses may total 180-185 lakh tonnes.

It may, however, fall slightly short of the annual target of 190 lakh tonnes.

With rebound in production and softer prices, the time is most opportune for the policymakers to open up pulses export, even if in a limited way.

Such as open door foreign trade policy (free import and export) will bring multiple spinoff benefits including providing price support to growers, utilisation of idle milling capacity and foreign exchange earning.

The Planning Commission’s working group has projected pulses demand for 2013-14 at 217.7 lakh tonnes.

However, the actual demand may turn out to be higher because of rising rural incomes, consumer-friendly prices and current low per capita consumption.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



2016 will be International Year of Pulses

Dec 24, 2013

The United Nations has proclaimed 2016 as the International Year of Pulses.

The UN General Assembly voted in New York on December 21 to declare 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, providing a shot in the arm for the world’s healthiest grain foods.

“This is an extraordinary day for the global pulses industry”, declared Hakan Bahceci, President of CICILS, the Dubai headquartered apex body for the international pulses trade and industry.

Nutrition source

Over the last two years, CICILS has been striving to ensure that pulses get the attention and recognition they deserve.

Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas have been the cornerstone of global nutrition for centuries; and having a UN declared year will raise the awareness about pulses and the important role they can play in advancing health and nutrition, food security and environmental sustainability, he said. CICILS has set aside $1.1 million as preliminary reserve to fund activities related to the Year.

A series of national committees are being formed around the world by the members-associations of CICILS to work with growers, manufacturers, retailers, governments, NGOs as well as health and science organisations.

With rates of diabetes and obesity on the rise, the UN declared international year presents an opportunity to recognise pulses for their exceptional potential to offer nutritional wellbeing to people everywhere, Bahceci asserted.

vegetable protein

From an Indian perspective, pulses are the most economical source of vegetable protein, especially for the poor to fight protein deficiency.

India is the world’s largest producer of pulses (18.5 million tonnes), largest importer (3.5 million tonnes) and largest consumer (22.0 million tonnes).

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



Rabi crop sowing crosses 536 lakh hectare area

Dec 23, 2013

The total rabi sown area, as per reports received from states, during the week ending December 20th stands at 536.37 lakh hectare as compared to 507.26 lakh hectare at this time last year.

The area under pulses stands at 126.84 lakh hectare and it exceeds the normal area of 126.70 lakh hectare for the entire rabi season.
Details of the areas sown so far this year and last year are given below:
 

Crop

Area sown in 2013-14

    Area sown in 2012-13

Rabi Rice

2.14

    1.74

Wheat

273.97

    253.20

Pulses

126.84

    121.22

     
 

 

    
Source: The Economic Times



Foodgrains output may touch new record in 2013-14

Dec 12, 2013

India's foodgrains production this year is likely to break the previous record of 259.29 million tonnes achieved in 2011-12 if weather remains favourable through the ongoing rabi season, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said today.

The country had harvested a record 259.29 million tonnes of foodgrains in the 2011-12 crop year (July-June). However, the output fell marginally to 255.36 million tonnes last year due to drought in some parts of the country.

"This year, infact, we will break the last time's record. I am confident if nature continues to be cooperative, we will break last time's record," Pawar told reporters on the sidelines of a fertiliser event here.

Pawar said the recent review of sowing of rabi (winter) crops, which is under way, shows that wheat acreage so far is much higher than it was last year.

Similarly, the sowing performance of rabi paddy, pulses, oilseeds and cotton is also good. The acreage of sugarcane is also more than last year, he added.

As per the official data, wheat has been sown in 214.07 lakh hectare till last week, up from 183.42 lakh hectares in the same period last year. Barring coarse cereals, acreage under other rabi crops remained higher than the last year.

The country grows foodgrains both in the Kharif (summer) and rabi (winter) seasons. The Kharif crops, which largely includes paddy, are being harvested now.

As kharif crops are cleared off the fields, farmers are sowing rabi crops, which has began from October onwards. Rabi crops will be ready for harvest in April 2014.

India's Food Security Act entitles 82 crore people to 5 kg of foodgrains per person a month at Rs 1-3 per kg. The country needs 62 million tonnes foodgrains a year to implement the law. Some states have started rolling out the scheme.

    
Source: The Economic Times



India poised to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses

Nov 07, 2013

Amid expectations of a record rabi crop due to good monsoon rains, adequate soil moisture and a rise in the groundwater table, India is set to record self-sufficiency in pulses this year.

The first advance estimate of the ministry of agriculture for 2013-14 pegged kharif production at 6.01 million tonnes (mt), a two per cent increase compared with 5.91 mt the previous year. The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) estimates production of kharif pulses at seven mt this year. "We estimate rabi pulses output to rise five-10 per cent. This year, agro climatic conditions have been very supportive, especially in major producing states such as Rajasthan," said Bimal Kothari, vice-chairman of IPGA.

"We are expecting exceptionally good rabi production of both pulses and oilseeds this year due to favourable climatic conditions. A good monsoon, followed by intermittent extended season rainfalls, turned the climate in favour of pulses. India is moving gradually ahead to become self-sufficient in terms of pulses this year. However, the actual output would determine trade," said Ashok Gulati, chairman of the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices, which decides the minimum support price (MSP) for agriculture commodities. The rabi season accounts for about 70 per cent of India's pulses production. Against an estimated overall production of 18.45 mt in 2012-13, India's annual pulses consumption stands at 20 mt; the deficit is bridged through imports.

A substantial rise in the MSP for pulses helped farmers increase acreage for the crop. Two years ago, the government had raised the MSP for tur and urad to Rs 4,300 a quintal from Rs 3,200 and Rs 3,300 a quintal, respectively. This year, the MSP for moong was raised from Rs 3,500 a quintal to Rs 4,500 a quintal.

This year, kharif pulses acreage surged to 10.2 million hectares, compared with 8.8 million hectares last year. It is expected the rabi acreage would stand at a record high this year.

Due to the recent appreciation of the rupee against the dollar, the import of pulses has slowed. With an estimated 10 per cent increase in domestic output, India would comfortably meet its demand of 20 mt. "To maintain a fair trade balance, the government must allow the export of pulses. While imports are allowed, exports are banned. This is an unfair trade practice that should be stopped immediately," Gulati said.

This year, the harvesting of kharif pulses and the sowing of the rabi crop have progressed well so far. Despite the prices of chana, the largest rabi crop, being lower than the MSP through most of this year, it is expected farmers would aggressively increase the acreage for this crop this season, as chana is grown in small and marginal land, which is unfit for other crops.

    
Source: business-standard.com



Mutation breeding of oil seeds, pulses and cereals

Sep 19, 2013

Do you know that when we eat a dosa or idli from anywhere in Maharashtra, there is 90 per cent chance that the urad dal in them came from mutation breeding, a promising technology developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay.

Since we import 40 per cent oilseeds and 20 per cent pulses, BARC focused its attention primarily on these crops. Heritable mutations of genes occur spontaneously in all living beings; but their rates are extremely low — of the order of one in a million. Isolating living organisms with beneficial characteristics from nature and multiplying them by selective breeding is a very slow process.

Scientists speed up the mutation rate a thousand fold by exposing seeds or in some instances parts of the plant to ionising radiation. Breeders produce plants from these irradiated seeds. They combine plants with different desirable characteristics to develop high yielding, early maturing and disease resistant plants.

Pigeon pea and mung bean suffer viral attacks; soya beans are hit by bacteria; drought and salinity affect pulses and oil seeds; some plants are sensitive to temperature.

Pre-harvest sprouting and in situ germination are other worrying conditions. Scientists have overcome most of these adversities by genetic manipulation.

Improved quality

They can improve the quality and nutritional content of oil seeds and the bread making quality of wheat.

Wheat plant can be made heat tolerant and resistant to stem rust. They have developed many varieties of rice. Some are early harvestable ; others salt tolerant; a few are disease resistant. Reduced height Basmati is another notable contribution.

The development of better crop plants takes time. Scientists test the improved crops at least for three years in BARC fields before they are entered for evaluation trials conducted by the agricultural universities etc. Promising new varieties are further evaluated in adaptive, district and mini-kit trials on the farmers’ fields.

BARC scientists set up linkages with farmers to produce quality breeder seeds and participate actively in Kisan Melas held in farmers’ fields to popularize the technology.

They developed 41 new crop varieties (Trombay varieties) by radiation induced mutation and cross-breeding; these have been released and officially notified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India for commercial cultivation.

Farmers in virtually every State benefited from the technology. It started in 1973 with Trombay Groundnut (TG-1) cultivated mainly in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Maturing in about 130-135 days, with large seeds, the crop gave a modest increase in yield of 15 to 20 per cent.

Besides high yield, early maturity and early water use efficiency, some of the Trombay groundnut varieties have fresh seed dormancy of 20-30 days thus preventing in-situ germination, a nightmare for farmers due to end of season rains when the crop is ready for harvest.

Scientists from the University of Agricultural Science and BARC produced a large seed variety of groundnut. Hundreds of farmers are producing even up to 7 tonnes/ha of some varieties of groundnuts in some States.

A drought tolerant early maturing variety and an early maturing large seed variety of groundnuts are being cultivated in large desert areas in Rajasthan.

Export-worthy

BARC has also developed early maturing, confectionary grade, large seed groundnut seed varieties (100 seeds more than 60 grams) suitable for export.

As early as 2002-2003, the breeder seed indent for Trombay Groundnut varieties by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, stood at 932 out of 3,137 quintal (29.7 per cent) of national indent.

In an address at the Indian Nuclear Society Technical Seminar, Dr S.F. D'Souza, Associate Director listed the mutant varieties of crop plants developed at Trombay and lucidly described their socio-economic impact

The breeder seed indent for Trombay Urad bean (black gram) then stood at 93.4 quintal out of 222.05 quintal (42.06 per cent) of national indent. Farmers grew them on 5.10 lakh hectares out of 5.49 lakh hectares (about 93 per cent) in Maharashtra. Maharashtra State Seed Corporation, Akola has distributed 21,000 metric tonnes of a certified variety of black gram seeds to the farmers.

BARC developed many varieties of high yielding, disease resistant moong beans. One of them a disease-resistant, early maturing ( 55-59 days) variety for summer season made available an additional area for moong bean cultivation under crop diversity programme. Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, N G Ranga Agricultural University and Indira Gandhi Krishividyalaya collaborated with BARC in some of the programmes. Currently farmers cultivate Trombay moong bean varieties over 300,000 hectares in India.

India leads

In developing and applying mutation breeding using ionising radiation, India has a leading role among all nations.

Many varieties of mutant crops cultivated on tens of thousands of hectares enhance income in rural areas, contribute to environmentally sustainable food security and improve human nutrition in India.

    
Source: thehindu.com



Cabinet may discuss stock holding limit on agri-items on September 20

Sep 18, 2013

The Cabinet is likely to consider this Friday a proposal to extend stock holding limit on pulses, edible oils and oilseeds for one more year to ensure their availability and check prices.

The validity of the current stock holding limits order with respect to these items is expiring on September 30.

"The Cabinet meeting is scheduled on September 20. The proposal to extend the validity of stock holding limits order is on the agenda," an highly placed source said.

The proposal moved by the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry has recommended extension of stock holding limits order on pulses, edible oils and oilseeds for one more year till September 30, 2014.

The objective of the Central order is to enable state governments to continue taking effective de-hoarding operations under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 by fixing stock limits.

The stock holding limit has helped in controlling prices of pulses and edible oils in various parts of the country. For instance in the national capital, retail price of gram, tur and urad have come down by upto Rs 15 per kg in the last one year.

Presently, retail prices of various pulses in Delhi are ruling in range of Rs 54-79 per kg, while prices stood in the range of Rs 62-78 per kg in the year-ago period.

Groundnut oil at present is available at Rs 167 per kg and mustard oil at Rs 100 per kg.

The country is dependent on import of pulses and edibles oils to meet domestic shortages. Production of these two commodities are expected to be higher in the kharif season of the current year due to strong monsoon.

    
Source: The Economic Times



Kharif pulses output will be higher, but can it be a record?

Sep 11, 2013

 

 

After having come down from record high prices last year, the prices of pulses could come under further pressure this year, thanks to hopes of a better kharif production.

But there is a caveat. The drop in prices will depend on the impact that the hike in diesel prices will make on the overall production costs of farmers.

The South-West monsoon has been well-spread this year, resulting in production of pulses rising by nearly 20 per cent.

Estimates made by various quarters put the production around 70 lakh tonnes compared with 59 lakh tonnes a year ago.

Kharif production accounts for 35 per cent of the annual pulses production in the country.

Tur, urad and moong are the major pulses grown in kharif season. Kharif pulses production hit a record 71.2 lakh tonnes in 2010-11.

The area under kharif pulses has increased substantially this year to 99.6 lakh hectares against 85.3 lakh hectares last year. But, it is lower than the normal area of 110 lakh hectares.

Pravin Dongre, Chairman, Indian Pulses and Grains Association, says that pulses coverage this year has been higher and expectations are that the output would touch 65 lakh tonnes-70 lakh tonnes, depending on the yield.

He also says when the final figures on sowing come out, the acreage could be above the normal coverage.

The National Collateral Management Services Ltd, which runs a commodity and risk management services, however, sees pulses production being hit by floods in some parts of the country, especially Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

On the other side, pulses acreage has gained this year on account of the Government’s efforts to boost domestic production through higher minimum support prices.

The support price for tur has been raised to Rs 4,350 a quintal from Rs 3,850 last year.

In the last two years, the support prices have been raised by over 30 per cent for all pulses.

The pulses and grains body sees a record output for the whole year at 184.50 lakh tonnes against the previous one of 182.4 lakh tonnes in 2010-11.

The higher production could also result in lower imports of pulses. Indian is the highest producer, consumer and importer in the world.

“Imports could drop to 30 lakh tonnes this year. This will also be due to over 25 per cent drop in the rupee’s value since the beginning of this year,” says Dongre.

During 2012-13 fiscal, 32 lakh tonnes of pulses were imported with yellow peas making up 50 per cent.

“Unless prices drop in some origins, it is unlikely that imports will be higher,” says Dongre.

But there could some impact of the fall-out in the country, he says. “With expectation of higher output, prices may drift lower. Sadly for the farmers, the higher support price for pulses could remain only on paper,” says Dongre.

The efforts to woo farmers to grow pulses could be affected if the support prices is not ensured across the States,” he says.

A better way to handle the issue may be to bring pulses under the public distribution system, says the association.

Going by the association and trade views, a lower price for pulses could create trouble next year as growers could shift to alternative crops such as soyabean and cotton.

According to the National Collateral Management Services Ltd, production would be higher this kharif but the final outcome will depend on how the weather behaves until harvest.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



Pulses output at record high

Jul 23, 2013

Production of pulses touched an all-time high of 18.45 million tonnes in 2012-13 aided a record output of gram (chana), tur (arhar) and urad.

Latest Government estimates peg chana output at a record 8.88 mt over the previous year’s 7.70 mt.

Similarly production of tur touched a new high of 3.07 mt, marginally lower than the targeted 3.09 mt, but higher than previous year’s 2.65 mt.

Output of urad also touched a new high 1.90 mt, surpassing previous year’s 1.77 mt. However, the production of moong declined 26 per cent to 1.20 mt, from the previous year’s 1.63 mt.

The Government estimates overall foodgrain output of 255.36 mt during 2012-13, down 1.51 per cent from the previous year’s 259.29 mt. Wheat output has been pegged at 92.46 mt, down 2.55 per cent over previous year’s 94.88 mt. Cotton output was pegged at 340 lakh bales of 170 kg each, down from the previous year’s 352 lakh bales.

Maize output has also been pegged at a record high of 22.23 mt.

    
Source: Business Line



Bundelkhand holds key to bridging pulses gap

Jul 16, 2013

The agriculture department has chalked out a plan to help farmers grow new and high yielding varieties of pulses and oil seeds in the Bundelkhand region as its climate is ideal for such crops requiring minimum irrigation.

The move may help the state increase the production of pulses and oilseeds.

At present, Uttar Pradesh is highly deficient in their production and heavily dependent on imports.

Under the plan, the government will provide backward linkages to farmers in the form of subsidy, seeds and technology to encourage them to cultivate pulses and oil seeds.

“We have asked district magistrates of the districts comprising Bundelkhand to get feedback from farmers and send their report to the government about farmers’ requirements for cultivating pulses and oil seeds on a large scale,” principal secretary, agriculture, Devashish Panda told Hindustan Times.

He said once the inputs were received from DMs, the agriculture department would prepare a detailed strategy and also give a presentation on it.

“We will not only provide backward linkages to farmers, but also provide the facility of marketing the produce,” he claimed.

“The state hardly produces onefourth of its requirement of pulses and oil seeds,” said a senior official in the agriculture department.

Panda said efforts were also being made to make the national agriculture insurance policy more attractive to farmers so that they would take the risk of shifting from traditional crops to alternative ones.

“We are also trying to impress upon the Centre the need for treating a village, instead of a block, as a unit to assess damage to crops so that all affected farmers get compensation,” he said.

“Besides, National Agriculture Insurance Policy agents should approach farmers at their doorsteps as do the LIC agents.”

    
Source: hindustantimes.com



Higher MSP and better rains will boost oilcrop, pulses production

Jul 02, 2013

Higher minimum support price (MSP) and normal monsoon forecast are expected to boost oilcrop and pulses production in the country feel analsysts.

"With an intention to boost production and reduce import dependency, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of oilseeds and pulses for 2013-14 season. Unlike the last two years, when MSP of almost all kharif crops were increased significantly considering the rising input cost, government's focus this year is to boost production of oil-crops and pulses. More than 13% increase in the MSP of largest produced oilseeds, soybean and higher returns earned last year may boost farmers to bring more area under this oil crop in the ensuing season," said Vedika Narvekar, chief manager, Angel Commodities Broking.

However, paddy witnessed a normal hike of 4.8 percent against 15.7 percent last year, while the support price of Medium staple cotton was increased by 2.7 percent against 28.5 percent last year.

"Considering normal monsoon this season, MSP has come as an incentive for the farmers which may enhance sowing of Kharif crops. But, cotton may lose acreage to more lucrative crops like oilseeds and Pulses (Tur). Higher production of these commodities would scale down the overall imports in the country. The ultimate outcome of Kharif crops may however depend on the monsoon progress and distribution of rainfall. Below normal rains last year has adversely impacted productivity in 2012-13 season leading to supply tightness. But, early arrival of monsoon and a brisk beginning to sowing may ensure timely harvesting of kharif crops thereby easing supplies in the coming season," said Vedika.

"Rainfall activities, which have been very good so far in most parts of India, are going to help the sowing activities of the Kharif crops. July and August months too remain critical as too much excess or deficient rains could hamper the productivity of the sown crops. Situation as of now is however conducive for a good Kharif production and increasing the MSP could raise the crop area further," said Mr Ajitesh Mullick, assistant vice president (retail reseacrh), Religare Securities.

    
Source: articles



Higher arrivals seen pounding pulses

May 13, 2013

Moong is expected to turn bearish due to rise in arrivals and weak demand for pulses.

Rise in arrival of the summer crop and weak demand have dragged moong prices in the past one week by almost Rs 300 a quintal.

On Friday, moong (best) ruled at Rs 5,200-5,300, while moong (medium) at Rs 4,700-4,800 a quintal.

With steady rise in arrivals, bearish sentiment will likely to continue in moong in the coming days.

Moong dal remained unchanged with moong dal (medium) being quoted at Rs 6,600-6,700 , moong dal (bold) at Rs 7,300-7,400 while moong mongar ruled at Rs 7,400-7,500 a quintal.

Sluggish trend continued in pulses and pulse seeds on weak offtake.

Poor buying support and demand dragged masoor (bold) prices on Friday to Rs 4,100-50 (down Rs 50), while masoor (medium) ruled at Rs 3,700-3,800 a quintal.

Despite poor domestic crop, masoor is ruling sluggish on poor demand and arrival of imported masoor in large quantity.

Masoor dal (average) was at Rs 4,600-25 (Rs 4,650-75), masoor dal (medium) declined to Rs 4,700-25 ((Rs 4,750-75), while masoor dal (bold) ruled at Rs 4,825-50 (Rs 4.850-75).

Urad and its dal also ruled steady on subdued buying support with urad (bold) at Rs 3,400-50 while urad (medium) ruled at Rs 3,000-3,200. Urad dal remained unchanged with urad dal (medium) being quoted at Rs 4,000-4,100, urad dal (bold) at Rs 4,500-4,600, while urad mongar ruled at Rs 5,600-5,900 a quintal respectively.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



Plan to give boost to pulses, paddy this season

May 07, 2013

The agriculture officials in the region are encouraging farmers to increase area under pulses cultivation in the kharif season that begins next month. Maharashtra is a leading producer of pulses with Vidarbha region especially contributing generously to tur, chana, moong and urad dal cultivation.

"We want the state to maintain it top position in pulses," said JC Bhutada, Nagpur division joint director of agriculture. "If farmers increase area under tur, it will be a win-win situation for them. This is because tur is commanding a good rate of around Rs 4000 a quintal," said the officer. He is expecting more and more farmers to adopt intercropping of tur with cotton crop this year looking to the better income.

"With growing incomes in the countryside as well as urban centres, the demand for pulses is on the rise. As domestic production is grossly inadequate, the country depends on costly exports. To mitigate this situation to some extent, we are promoting pulses production," said Bhutada. Even paddy growers would be advised to plant tur on bunds of paddy fields, he added.

Meanwhile, in paddy there would be stress of use of hybrid seeds which give at least 30 % more yield, said Bhutada. According to him use of hybrid seeds in paddy is less than 1%. "We intend to raise it to 5% this year. Along with Syri (system of rice intensification) method that has been adopted few years ago from Madagascar, there is great scope for increasing rice production," he explained. The Syri method brings down by 80% the use of seeds but increases yield by one-and-half times," he explained. While cotton and soyabean are grown in little over 10 lakh hectares, paddy is taken up in 7.80 lakh hectares in the six districts of Nagpur division.

In Amravati division, the total area under kharif is normally much more- in the range of 32 lakh hectares. "This year we are expecting the area to go up by another 65,000 hectares," said Amravati division joint director of agriculture Ashok Lokhande. Much of the increase would be in soyabean and pulses, he added. "In cotton, from last year's 10.62 lakh hectares, there could be slight shrinkage to 10.50 lakh hectares, soya may go up from 12.48 lakh ha to 12.60. We expect a significant increase in tur and other pulses from 3.80 lakh ha to 4.40 lakh ha," said Lokhande.

    
Source: timesofindia



World pulses market well-balanced

Apr 18, 2013

Aggregate world production of major pulses covering field pea, dry bean, lentil and chick pea is expected to slightly improve in 2013-14 compared with the current year, according to experts participating at the International Pulse Trade and Industries Confederation annual convention here.

During a discussion on world pulse demand and supply outlook, field pea production for 2013-14 was estimated at 10.8 million tonnes (9.9 mt) with major origins Canada, Russia, France, United States and Australia producing more. World dry bean production was estimated at 21.3 mt (21.2 mt) with improved output in China and Brazil, but lower in the US.

However, world lentil production is projected to be slightly lower at 3.67 mt (3.73 mt).

In case of chick pea (desi), production is seen up at 9.7 mt from 9.4 mt. in 2012-13 following a huge spurt in Pakistan crop.

Firm prices forecast

While lentil prices are expected to remain firm given the supply shortfall and firm demand, many speakers forecast firm and rising prices for all pulses during the year.

However, data suggest that the market is going to be fairly balanced and therefore prices are likely to stay more range-bound, according to others.

India, mover and shaker of the world pulses market, has set a production target of 19 mt for 2013-14 compared with estimated production of 17.6 mt in 2012-13.

Several measures to boost output have been initiated.

Timely onset and steady progress of South-West monsoon – June to September – will be a key driver of market sentiment.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



Spurt in rain helps sowing of pulses and paddy

Sep 03, 2012

Monsoon rains during the week ended August 29, being the best in the 2012 southwest monsoon season, pushed up sowing of paddy, pulses and coarse cereals, but failed to have a similar impact on oilseeds.

Officials said if the rainfall intensity remains at the current levels in the coming weeks, more area will come under coarse cereals, pulses and short-duration paddy, but not much change is expected in oilseeds.

“The last burst in oilseeds (sowing) came only because of a sudden change in the rainfall scenario in August, or else we would have been looking at a much-bleaker overall kharif crop situation,” a senior government official said.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon during the week that ended on August 29 was around six per cent above normal, by far its best performance in the current season.

The heavy showers not only lowered the overall rainfall deficiency across the country to just 12 per cent of long-period average (LPA), but also caused normal showers in hitherto deficient areas of West Rajasthan. The rainfall situation also improved in parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab and Haryana which have been seeing an acute shortage of rain. The situation in parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka, though better than July, still continued to be grim. “The late surge in rains might not fully compensate for the delayed onset and week performance of southwest monsoon in the first two months. At best, it could prevent the crop from withering away and fill the empty reservoirs,” another official said. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) last week said India’s rice production during the current kharif season is expected to fall by six per cent against last year at 98.5 million tonnes.

Water levels in 84 major reservoirs across the country, too, improved because of the rains. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), water level in the reservoirs was at 61 per cent of full reservoir level, much more than the 16 per cent seen in June end.

Till last Friday, kharif crops have been sown in around 95.43 million hectares, 660,000 hectares less than the normal sowing area (the average of last five years) during the same time of corresponding year.

In paddy, the acreage was 4.5 per cent more than the normal area, while for coarse cereals it was 14.6 per cent less than normal. In pulses, it was just 1.4 per cent less than normal. In cotton, though, the total acreage was around 5.53 per cent more than normal as good rains boosted planting.

    
Source: business-standard.com



Call to double pulses yield

Aug 28, 2012

A field day on Foundation Seed Production of Co 6 Green gram variety was held at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) last week.

Seed growers, farmers, scientists and researchers numbering around 100 participated in the event.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of TNAU P. Subbian interacted with farmers and highlighted the advantages of growing Co 6 green gram. Pulses production in India was far less than the domestic demand, estimated at 18-19 million tonnes annually, he said.

‘India produces only 13-15 mt. To meet the supply shortfall, around 3-4 mt are being imported every year.

Domestic demand

It is estimated that by 2030, domestic demand could surge to 32 mt.

To meet this future demand, pulses production should increase at least by over 4 per cent, which means the current average productivity of 637 kg/hectare should double to over 1,365 kg/ha.

TNAU, under the National Agricultural Development Project is involved in enhancing both quality seeds as also production of pulses.

“It is proposed to produce around 100 tonnes of pulses seeds so as to meet the seed requirement of the State under this programme,” Subbian said.

He distributed inputs such as breeder seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to the contractual farmers.

Less popular

Special Officer at the TNAU Seed Centre M. Bhaskaran said the Co 6 variety, despite its multiple advantages was less popular among pulses growers.

The aim of the programme was therefore to promote and popularise the variety.

TNAU is implementing the seed production programme by roping in farmers on contract basis to produce foundation seeds in seed supply chain and distribute certified seeds to the farmers.

Inputs

In additional to technical support, the contractual farmers were provided with inputs totalling Rs 10,000 (including cultivation expenses of Rs 2,500) a hectare.

As per the agreement, the harvested seeds would be procured by the farm varsity at Rs 65/kilogram of redgram, blackgram and greengram, Rs 53/kg of cowpea and Rs 38 for one kg of horsegram.

Requirement

TNAU experts said the State’s annual requirement of pulses was estimated at around 7 lakh tonnes, but current production in the State was less than 2 lakh tonnes.

    
Source: thehindubusinessline.com



Farmers catch the pulse, production increases

Jul 26, 2012

The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) is running an ambitious project of technology demonstrations of some pulses to encourage its cultivation in the country. The project involves increasing the productivity of pulses suitable to specific agro-climatic regions and districts, and adoption by local farmers in both mono-cropping and intercropping systems.

In Vidarbha, the demonstrations have yielded an increase of 10-30% in different pulses in different districts.

The project, which is underway since 2010-11, is expected to continue till 2012-13 in 11 states and 137 districts in the country. It is being implemented by the state agriculture universities (SAUs) and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country. In Vidarbha, the demonstrations have shown a 10-20% increase in the production of pulses.

The director of the Akola-based Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Vijay Mahorkar said that the project was a part of the 'technology demonstration of harnessing pulse productivity' programme of ICAR. "In 2010 the country had produced 14.7 million tons of pulses whereas the requirement is 18.33 million tons. India needs to increase the pulses yield by at least 2 million tons more in the next 2-3 year," he said.

The project in Vidarbha is being run in two districts - Yavatmal and Wardha - with the support of the two KVKs. Production here has shown an increase of 10-20% in different pulses in both, kharif and rabi seasons as compared to the production levels using conventional methods. In kharif, the main pulse is pigeon pea or tur and in rabi the main pulse is chickpea or black & green gram.

Pramod Yadgirwar, senior scientist and project coordinator of Yavatmal KVK, said that the zonal project directorate at Hyderabad has allocated Rs3.2 lakh for three years for the district for 30 farmers. ''Farmers are pretty impressed and many of them have already begun to adopt the chickpea variety like Jaki-9218 and it has resulted in an increase from 14.22 to 17 quintals per hectare," he said.

Project coordinator at Wardha KVK, Suresh Newade said that BSMR variety of pigeon pea had resulted in an increase of 13-15%. "We have taught them all the practices including seed treatment, use of biofertilisers etc. They are switching to pulses gradually," he said.

    
Source: timesofindia



CACP revises price of pulses; proposes up to Rs 900 per quintal jump

Jul 19, 2012

The Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) has lowered its suggested support price for moong and tur by up to Rs 150 to Rs 4,400 a quintal and Rs 3,850/quintal, respectively, for this year.

The prices recommended for the two pulses are lower by Rs 100-150 per quintal from its earlier proposal for the 2012-13 crop year (July-June), but higher by up to Rs 900 a quintal than the price that prevailed last year.

For the 2011-12 crop year, the government had fixed MSP of moong (green gram) at Rs 3,500 a quintal and tur (pigeon pea) at Rs 3,200 a quintal.

According to sources, the CACP has reworked on the MSP of moong and tur as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in the last month had defferred the decision and directed the Agriculture Ministry to redo the calculations.

In its revised recommendations, the CACP has lowered the support price by Rs 100-150 a quintal from its earlier proposal. Earlier, the CACP had recommended the MSP of moong at Rs 4,500/quintal and tur at Rs 4,000/quintal for 2012-13, they said.

The CACP advises the government on farm pricing policy. As pulses being short in supply, the CCEA had asked to rework the MSP of moong and tur on lower side to keep retail prices under control.

India imports pulses to meet the domestic production shortfall of 3-4 million tonne. Pulses output stagnated at around 15 million tonne for some time, but crossed 17 million tonne in the last two years, due to hike in support price.

    
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com



Four new varieties of pulses developed at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University

Jun 29, 2012

AHMEDABAD: Four new varieties of pulses developed at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) Hisar have been released for cultivation. These varieties are high yielding as well as resistant to insects and diseases. The central sub-committee on crop standard, notification and release of varieties for agricultural crops released and notified four pulse crops varieties developed at the university. The varieties include MH-421 of mungbean, UH 04-06 (Haryana Urd-1) of urdbean, HFP-529 of fieldpea and Haryana Kabuli Chana-4 (HK-4) of chickpea (gram). Apart from giving high yields these varieties were resistant to various diseases and other biotic and abiotic stresses. "Whereas mungbean and urdban varieties had been released for cultivation in Haryana state, the varieties of chieckpea and fieldpea released for north-east and north west plain zones, respectively", said the univeristy Vice-Chancellor, Dr K S Khokhar. Enumerating the characteristics of these varieties, CCSHAU director of research, Dr RP Narwal said that HK-4 variety of chickpea was bold seeded (32g/100 seeds) having extremely good cooking quality. These qualities would fetch higher market price to the farmers. Besides it was high yielding and resistant to wilt- the major disease of gram. It was highly suitable for cultivation in Haryana State also. Likewise, mungbean variety MH-421 was also high yielding and resistant to mungbean yellow mosaic virus. Being early maturing ( 60 days) this variety was suitable under rice-wheat rotation. The farmers would harvest an average yield of 10-12 q/ha under this cropping system, he said. Since its seeds were of medium size, the farmers would be offered higher market price than the bold seeded popular spring/summer variety, he added. Dr. Narwal said that HFP-529 variety of fieldpea was a high yielding, early maturing dwarf variety with wide adaptability. It was tolerant to powdery mildew and showed better resistance to rust and ascochyta blight diseases. It was also moderately resistant to pod borers which caused immense loss to the crop, he said. He said UH-04-06 variety of urdbean was high yielding, early maturing and resistant to yellow mosaic virus. Its seed were vary attractive.

    
Source: economictimes



Mumbai to host Global Pulses Conclave

Feb 14, 2012

The Global Pulses Conclave (GPC), the first such meet in India for the pulses industry and trade, will be held here next week, according to the organisers. The three-day event starting 15 February is supported by the consumer affairs department of the Central consumer affairs, food and public distribution ministry, the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) said. "Asia is the focus of the world pulses market and GPC will enable stakeholders in the pulses sector viz., producers, processors, traders, consumers, machinery suppliers, policy makers, financiers, analysts and related others to get together and plan their business strategies for the year ahead by networking with business associates from around the world," said IPGA president, Mr Pravin Dongre.     
Source: www.thestatesman.net



Masoor dips on low mill demand

Jan 30, 2012

Masoor declined as demand from millers dropped even as arrival remained weak on Friday. On the spot market, masoor (bold) declined by Rs 25 at Rs 3,000 a quintal, while masoor (medium) quoted at Rs 2,750-2,800. Despite adequate carryover stock of imported masoor, masoor may rise temporarily and fall again according to demand and supply. However, in the long run, masoor is likely to be bullish due to weak crop prospects this year. Besides lower acreage, deficient rains in some masoor-growing regions will lead to a lower masoor output. Though the minimum support price was raised by Rs 550 last year for masoor, farmers are uninterested in sowing masoor because of poor returns, said Mr Sanjay Bansal, a pulse trader here.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Paddy, pulses and oilseed acreage fall even as area under wheat increases

Jan 23, 2012

Area under paddy, pulses and oilseed have seen a fall even as area under wheat increased as per the weekly report of the Ministry of Agriculture. Paddy transplanting which is under progress has seen a fall in acreage. The total area under paddy is 12.8 lakh hectare against 13.41 lakh hectare during the corresponding period of last year. Higher acreage has been reported from Tamil Nadu (0.29 lakh hectare), Odisha (0.13 lakh hectare) and West Bengal (0.20 lakh hectare). Similarly, area under pulses has fallen with sowing being completed on 145.12 lakh hectare as against 146.47 lakh hectare last year till date. The area under gram which is a dominant pulse crop of rabi season has been reported at 89.31 lakh hectare against 93.32 lakh hectare during the corresponding period last year.     
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com



Forum for lifting ban on pulses export

Jan 12, 2012

The India Pulses and Grains Association will request the government to lift the blanket ban on export of pulses in the country and adopt a policy similar to products like sugar, where exports are allowed with some restrictions. Addressing a press conference to announce the IPGA’s global conclave to be held in Mumbai in February, members of the organisation said that such a move would provide an incentive to both the producers and the pulses industry in general. However, they acknowledged that such a decision would be a difficult one, given the fact that demand-supply gap of pulses in the country was significant and India continues to be the largest importer of pulses in the world.     
Source: expressbuzz.com



TN announces 50% subsidy for booster to output of pulses

Jan 11, 2012

Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced a 50% subsidy to promote a crop booster called ‘Payaru Adhisayam’(pulse wonder) for increasing the output of pulses. The state has allocated R212 crore initially for this scheme. Chief minister J Jayalalithaa said in a statement that the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University-developed booster with nutrients and growth regulators would be used in phases in 1,695 villages. The decision to promote use of the crop booster has been taken considering the fact that the state could only produce a mere 2,00,000 tonne of pulses annually though 6,00,000 hectares under pulse cultivation.     
Source: www.financialexpress.com



Scientists working on genome sequence of high yield pulses

Jan 10, 2012

In order to arrest the increasing dependence on imports and to ensure farmers and other stakeholders get rich benefits, research institutions such as ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and other agri research agencies with the Union agricultural ministry’s support are working on genome sequence of pulses which not only increase the per hectare yield but also improve the nutritional value and evolution of new crop varieties to boost the nutrition aspect. “A significant progress has been made so far in BT pigeonpea, chickpea and other pulses/grain and a field trial has been conducted by a private player in Maharashtra to see how it works,” said G Chandrasekhar, chairman of Global Pulses Conference.     
Source: www.financialexpress.com



Weather holds the key to chana crop prospects

Jan 10, 2012

Rain holds key to gram (chana) crop, while yellow peas could come under stress from February onwards due to a lower crop in Canada. “If there is no rainfallin the next week or so in growing areas of Rajasthan, chana output could drop by 20 per cent. Last year, Rajasthan helped in a higher production of chana,” said Mr Pravin Dongre, President of India Pulses and Grains Association. Mr Dongre and other officials of the association were here in connection with the Global Pulses Conclave 2012 to be held in Mumbai during February 15-17. The conclave, first of its kind, will focus on government policies, global market, supply outlook and plant quarantine issues. The highlight will be a price outlook session. In the 2010-11 season that ended in June, chana production was estimated at 7.37 million tonnes.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Weak crop prospects lift tur, its dal

Jan 04, 2012

New tur (Maharashtra) gained Rs 100 at Rs 4,200-4,250 a quintal on bleak prospects for the crop despite weak arrivals, while tur (white/Juni) sold at Rs 3,450-3,500 on Tuesday. Tur (Nimari) perked up to Rs 2,300-2,800. Rise in new tur (Maharashtra) also perked up its dal, with tur dal (full) being quoted at Rs 5,400-5,450, tur dal (sawano.) at Rs 4,400-4,450 and tur (marka) at Rs 5,900-6,000. Rise in demand at the lower price also perked up urad, with the bold variety being quoted Rs 50 up at Rs 3,600-3,650 and urad (medium) selling at Rs 2,800-3,200. Urad dal was firm despite subdued demand, with urad dal (medium) being sold at Rs 4,050-4,100, urad dal (bold) at Rs 4,700 urad (monger) at Rs 5,600-6,000. Chana declined by Rs 25 at Rs 3,325-3,350, while chana (desi) was firm at Rs 3,275. Chana dal remained unchanged, with chana dal (average) being quoted at Rs 3,950-3,975, chana dal (medium) at Rs 4,050-4,100 and chana dal (bold) at Rs 4,250-4,275.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Rabi pulses area up as farmers switch to cereals, oilseeds

Jan 02, 2012

Pulses sowing in the state grew by marginal three per cent in 2011, compared with the previous year as farmers preferred oilseeds and cereals. Total pulses area in the state, contributing to more than two-third of winter crop planting, now stands at 768,934 hectare (ha), up from 747,940 ha planted in the last session. Moong, urad and kulthi, or horse gram, are key pulses crop sown in the rabi season in Orissa. Areas of rice, wheat, maize and ragi, on the other hand, rose by more than half to 20,836 ha this year. Government officials attributed the rise in cereals area to early sowing as farmer took the benefit of the wet soil caused by heavy rains in October, which was two months ahead of usual rabi sowing period.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Agriculture ministry expects higher pulses production

Dec 30, 2011

The Union ministry of agriculture expects the total domestic production of pulses to be 2.2-2.3 million tonnes (mt) in 2011-12, as against 1.8 mt in 2010-11. According to official sources, crop area of around 600,000-700,000 hectares was lost in the kharif season due to unseasonal rains. Therefore, the government has allocated Rs 800 crore for crop-intensive zones, to lure farmers, for growing more pulses in the rabi season. “With the added incentive, crop area of atleast 400,000-500,000 hectares could be restored,” they said. The sum is an additional allocation besides the usual schemes under the technology mission on pulses and oilseeds. Farmers were advised to grow pulses as an intercrop within two main cash crops.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Buying lifts chana, masoor

Dec 28, 2011

Chana and masoor gained on Tuesday on improved buying support. Chana (kanta) rose to Rs 3,350-3,375 a quintal (Rs 3,300-3,350) on improved buying support. Chana (desi) gained Rs 50 at Rs 3,275-3,300 a quintal (Rs 3,200-3,225). Similarly, chana dal gained on buying support to spot chana, with chana dal (average) being quoted at Rs 3,950-3,975 a quintal, chana dal (medium) at Rs 4,050-4,075 a quintal and chana dal (bold) at Rs 4,250-4,275. Weak arrival and improved demand perked up masoor and its dal. Masoor (bold) rose to Rs 3,000-3,025 a quintal (Rs 2,950) and masoor (medium) to Rs 2,750-2,800. Masoor dal (average) quoted Rs 25 up at Rs 3,375-3,400 a quintal, masoor dal (medium) at Rs 3,450-3,475 and masoor dal (bold) at Rs 3,550-3,375 a quintal (up Rs 50).     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Rs 1201 cr loss by state cos on pulses import : CAG

Dec 27, 2011

State-owned agencies - MMTC, STC, NAFED and PEC - suffered losses of Rs 1,201 crore on import and sale of pulses between 2006 and 2011 without succeeding in price stabilisation in the market, government auditor CAG has said. In its report presented in Parliament on Tuesday, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) said, “As against the targeted quantity of import and sale of 53.10 lakh tonnes of pulses during 2006-11, the agencies imported 30.04 lakh tonnes and sold 26.95 lakh tonnes of pulses during this period, incurring losses totalling Rs 1,201.32 crore on these transactions“.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Khesari pulsates with new life: Surinder Sud

Dec 27, 2011

Khesari dal (grass pea) – a valuable pulse that earned disrepute because of its toxin content and has been barred from being marketed – can now hope to be rehabilitated thanks to some well-conceived technological and promotional interventions. Farmers, in any case, have not stopped growing it and using it as food as well as livestock feed. This is chiefly because it survives and yields grains even when other crops succumb to drought or flood. Besides, it grows practically without any input other than the seeds. The indefinite ban on khesari was imposed over four decades ago when its consumption was linked with incidences of lathyrism (lower limbs debility). The culprit was the neurotoxin, beta-ODAP, present in grass pea grains. Traditional, grass pea varieties had between 0.5 to 2.5 per cent toxins, against the less than 0.1 per cent deemed safe for human consumption. Excessive consumption of grass pea was also to be blamed for this menace, particularly when other pulses were not available due to crop failure.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Pulses may turn costlier on drop in output, imports

Dec 23, 2011

Prices of pulses in the country may move up by 10-20 per cent over the next 2-3 months on account of a drop in production and imports this year. An estimated 5 per cent decline in rabi crop coupled with the 10 per cent decline in the kharif pulses is set to bring down the total production by about 7 per cent, Mr Bimal Kothari, Vice-President, India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), said. The production is likely to be 17 million tonnes in the crop year 2011-12, against initial estimates of 18.5 million tonnes. Rabi crop accounts for almost 60-70 per cent of the total production of pulses in the country, while kharif crop accounts for the rest 35-40 per cent.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Tur dips to Rs 3,000 a quintal

Dec 22, 2011

Pulses remained sluggish with chana, tur and urad witnessing a downtrend on weak demand and poor buying. Chana, (kanta) which sold at Rs 2,800-2,825 a quintal on Monday, plunged to Rs 2,725-2,750 a quintal on declining futures and slack buying in the physical market. Chana (desi) also declined to Rs 2,725 a quintal. Weak buying also dragged chana dal with chana dal (bold) selling at Rs 3,525-3,50 a quintal, chana dal (medium) at Rs 3,425-3,450 and chana dal (average) at Rs 3,300-3,325 a quintal.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Dam row pushes up chicken & egg prices in Kerala

Dec 22, 2011

The controversy over the Mullaperiyar dambetween Tamil Nadu and Kerala has hit the poultry market hard. Chicken and egg prices in Kerala, which normally drop during this time due to the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, have shot up because of the trade disruption near the border between the two states.Chicken prices have soared to Rs 80 per kg from Rs 55-60 per kg. Till a few years ago, Kerala used to depend heavily on poultry products from its neighboring state. With local producers stepping up the supply, the flow from Tamil Nadu has waned a bit but is still significant since there is a heavy demand. Egg and poultry sales turn sluggish with the onset of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season in Kerala, when there is a rush of pilgrims from southern states. Prices shoot up briefly around Christmas and New Year.     
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com



Slack buying takes pulses off the boil

Dec 21, 2011

Pulses either ruled flat or sluggish on weak buying interest from the millers. Besides sluggish buying from the millers, cheap availability of vegetables has also added to bearish sentiment in pulses. Chana (kanta) declined by Rs 25 to Rs 3,400 a quintal, while chana (desi) ruled at Rs 3,350. Chana dal also declined on weak demand with chana dal (average) being quoted at Rs 4,075-4,100 a quintal (Rs 4,100-4,125), chana dal (medium) at Rs 4,175-4,200 (Rs 4,200-4,225), while chana dal (bold) ruled firm at Rs 4,375-4,400.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Area under wheat up in rabi season pulses, oilseeds down

Dec 21, 2011

Sowing area under wheat has gone up in the current rabi season, but coverage under pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals has declined, Parliament was informed today. The findings are part of preliminary reports received from crop directorates for weekly meetings of the Crop Weather Watch Group as on December 16, Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. "...The area coverage under wheat during 2011-12 has been higher by 400,000 hectare as compared to the area covered under the corresponding period of the last rabi season," Rawat said.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Pulses remain flat in thin trade

Dec 19, 2011

Steady conditions prevailed on the wholesale pulses market today as prices moved in a narrow range on scattered deals, and settled around previous levels. Traders said adequate stocks position against sporadic demand mainly kept wholesale pulses steady. The following are today’s pulses quotations (in rupees per quintal): Urad 3,500-4,000; Urad Chilka (local) 4,600-4,900, best 5,000-5,500, Dhoya 5,300-5,400; Moong 3,450-4,450, Dal Moong Chilka local 4,200-4,600; Moong Dhoya local 4,700-4,800 and best quality 5,400-5,600.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Buying by millers pushes up masoor

Dec 14, 2011

Slack arrival and improved demand from millers perked up masoor (bold) to Rs 3,300-3,325 a quintal (Rs 2,950-2,975), while masoor (medium) rose by Rs 50 to Rs 2750 a quintal on improved enquiries. Masoor dal was firm, with masoor dal (average) quoting at Rs 3,225-3,250, masoor dal (medium) at Rs 3,375-3,400 and masoor dal (bold) at Rs 3,475-3,500 a quintal.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Sluggish demand drags pulses lower

Nov 30, 2011

Sluggish demand pulled down pulses and pulse seeds in mandis here on Tuesday. Slack demand and weaker futures pulled down chana (kanta) to Rs 3,200 a quintal. Chana (desi) declined to Rs 3,200 a quintal. Taking cues from a weak spot chana and lower demand from millers, chana dal declined, with chana dal (average) being quoted at Rs 4,000-4,025 ((Rs 4,075-4,100), chana dal (medium) at Rs 4,100-4,125 (Rs 4,175-4,200) and chana dal (bold) at Rs 4,225-4,250 (Rs 4,275-4,300).     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Pulses output may be down, price outlook bullish

Nov 24, 2011

With the output of pulses expected to be less this year, the possibility of rising prices in the segment is high. The delayed onset of monsoons led to farmers shifting from urad and moong to soybean and cotton. Tur output is also expected to be lower, partly due to delay in the monsoon and also owing to high carryover stock. India is a net importer of pulses. Burma and Africa are the main suppliers of pulses during the kharif season. Production in Burma is expected to be the same as last year, while tur production in Africa is expected to be lower.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Substantial Increase in Production of Pulses and Oilseeds

Nov 23, 2011

Production of pulses has increased from 14.57 million tonne to 18.09 million tonne during 2008-09 to 2010-11. Similarly, the production of oilseeds has also increased from 27.72 million tonne to 31.10 million tonne during the same period. As regards availability, per capita availability of edible oils also increased from 11.4 kg/ year during 2007-08 to 13.1 kg/ year during 2009-10. However, in case of pulses it has decreased from 15.3 kg/year during 2008 to 11.6 kg/year during 2010. The decrease in per capita availability of pulses could be mainly attributed to slow rate in increase of pulses’ production compared to rate of population growth.     
Source: pib.nic.in



Surinder Sud: Seeds of hope

Nov 15, 2011

Pigeonpea (arhar or tur) has become the first crop to have its genome fully mapped and that, too, completely in India. The implications of this scientific feat are many, some of which are technically and commercially very significant. Developed countries, which are investing heavily in genome research in commercial crops to evolve genetically-superior varieties, have little interest in arhar since they neither grow nor consume it. For India, on the other hand, arhar is a key pulse of massconsumption. In fact, its paucity and consequential price spike has contributed to sustaining high food inflation.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Govt to focus on pulses cultivation this rabi season

Nov 14, 2011

As sowing of rabi crops picks up pace across the country, pulses seem to be gaining the most largely because of good late rains and firm prices in the retail markets. Also, this winter, the government is making fresh efforts to boost cultivation so as to compensate for the loss suffered in this respect during the monsoon-time kharif. Till last week, the total area under rabi pulses had gone up by 22 per cent over last year. In kharif, production is projected to drop by around 10 per cent to 6.43 million tonnes, because of a slight break in rains from end-June to mid-July.     
Source: business-standard.com



Urad: Favourable policies needed to meet rising demand

Nov 08, 2011

Black gram (Vigna Mungo L.), is an important pulse crop containing about 26 per cent protein and is an important part of Indian diet. The crop is resistant to adverse climatic conditions and is also a good source of fodder. Black gram crop is akin to a mini-fertiliser factory as it restores soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and thus producing nitrogen equivalent of around 22 kg/hectare. Black gram cultivation is distributed mainly in tropical to sub-tropical countries. The traditional cultivation of black gram is confined to the South-Asia and adjacent regions.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Indian agriculture scientists decode genome of pigeonpea

Nov 03, 2011

A group of thirty-one scientists from India have achieved a break through in decoding the genome of pigeonpea, the second most important pulse crop of India. The pulses variety also known as 'arhar' and 'tur'is an important grain legume crop of India. About 85% of the world pigeonpea is produced and consumed in India where it is a key crop for food and nutritional security of the people. India imports pigeonpea from Myanmar which is the second largest producer.     
Source: www.commodityonline.com



Slack buying crushes pulses

Nov 02, 2011

Pulse seeds and pulses were sluggish due to increased arrivals and lack of buying interest in domestic market. Chana, masoor, tur and urad declined on weak demand. Among all pulse seeds, urad witnessed the sharpest fall as pressure of increased arrivals of urad from Uttar Pradesh and poor demand reigned in its prices. Weak demand from millers dragged down chana (kanta) prices to Rs 3,450 a quintal against Rs 3,475-3,500. Similarly, chana (desi) slipped to Rs 3,400 a quintal. Chana dal ruled steady on subdued demand with chana dal (average) being quoted at Rs 4,300-4,325, chana dal (medium) at Rs 4,400-4,425 a quintal, while chana dal (bold) ruling at Rs 4,525-50.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Pulses fall on weak demand

Nov 02, 2011

Pulse seeds and pulses were sluggish due to increased arrivals and lack of buying interest in domestic market. Chana, masoor, tur and urad declined on weak demand. Among all pulse seeds, urad witnessed a sharpest fall among pulse seeds as pressure of increased arrivals of urad from Uttar Pradesh and poor demand reigned in its prices. Weak demand from millers dragged down chana (kanta) prices to Rs 3,450 a quintal against Rs 3,475-3,500. Similarly, chana (desi) slipped to Rs 3,400 a quintal. Chana dal ruled steady on subdued demand with chana dal (average) being quoted at Rs 4,300-4,325, chana dal (medium) at Rs 4,400-4,425 a quintal, while chana dal (bold) ruling at Rs 4,525-50. Masoor declined to Rs 2,950 a quintal, down Rs 25, while masoor (medium) ruled at Rs 2,700. Masoor dal, on the other hand, ruled stable with masoor dal(average) being quoted at Rs 3,375-3,400 a quintal, masoor dal (medium) at Rs 3,475-3500, while masoor dal (bold) ruled at Rs 3,600-3,625.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



Higher support price perks up chana, masoor

Oct 27, 2011

The Centre's move to increase support prices for pulses and pulse seeds perked up pulse seeds here in private trading despite weak demand. The minimum support price for chana and masoor has been raised by Rs 700 and Rs 550, respectively, to Rs 2,800 a quintal for the 2012-13 marketing season.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



SAARC Agriculture Centre steps up productivity of pulses

Oct 25, 2011

A regional meeting organised by South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (SAARC) Agriculture Centre began here today with an objective of increasing productivity of pulses in the SAARC region. Around 40 agriculture experts of the SAARC countries including Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have participated in the meeting.     
Source: www.thehimalayantimes.com



CCEA may raise pulses MSP by Rs 700/Qtl, Wheat by Rs 115

Oct 25, 2011

The government may announce the support price for rabi (winter) crops on Tuesday and is likely to raise the same for pulses by up to 700 per quintal, reports PTI from New Delhi. The Agriculture Ministry has proposed a minimum support price of 1,285 per per quintal for wheat, up by 115 from the previous season, sources said.     
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com



Case for dal exports has never been stronger

Oct 24, 2011

It is a welcome sign that the Government's restrictive agricultural-export policy is slowly opening up. Sugar, wheat and rice exports have been allowed under a ceiling. May be it is time to allow export of pulses, too, under a quantitative limit. The case for reopening pulses export has never been stronger. After years of sluggish growth, pulses output in 2010-11 has rebounded to an unprecedented 183 lakh tonnes, higher than previous year's 146 lakh tonnes. The quantum leap in output, though nowhere near self-sufficiency, has vastly improved the availability of pulses. Imports, too, are continuing and help further augment supplies and moderate prices. Open market prices have declined by 20 to 40 per cent from the levels a year ago and are are seen encouraging pulses consumption.     
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com



India's pulses imports likely to rebound this year, says USDA

Oct 18, 2011

The country's pulses imports are likely to rebound this fiscal on account of an expected decline in kharif pulses production and continued strong domestic demand, according to the latest report of the USDA. India depends on the import of pulses to meet the domestic production shortfall of 3-4 million tonnes. Last year, total pulses imports declined on the back of record domestic production of 18.07 million tonnes.     
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com



Pulses production to be self-sufficient in 3-4 yrs: Govt

Jul 20, 2011

Enthused by the sharp rise in pulses production at record 18.09 million tonnes in 2010-11, the government today expressed confidence that the country can easily be self-sufficient in it in the next three-four years. Although India is the world's largest pulses producer, but it had been importing 3-4 million tonnes (MT) of pulses to meet its annual demand of 18-19 MT. According to the Fourth Advance Estimate released by the agriculture ministry today, pulses production has increased by 3.43 MT to a record 18.09 MT in the 2010-11 crop year (July-June).     
Source: www.moneycontrol.com



Rajasthan gets pat for leading in pulse production

Jul 18, 2011

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Agriculture Minister Harjiram Burdak will receive an award from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the state's outstanding contribution in pulses production in the country. The cash reward of Rs 1 crore and a certificate will be presented to them at a function in New Delhi on Saturday.The Central government has congratulated all the officers and the employees of state's agriculture department for their significant contribution in this direction.     
Source: daily.bhaskar.com



Ban on pulses export extended till March '12

Mar 25, 2011

Ban on export of pulses has been extended by one more year till March 2012, even as the country is likely to import 3.40 million tonnes of the vital foodgrain item to match the enhanced demand. "The period of validity of prohibition on exports of pulses is extended up to March 31, 2012," a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification said. The ban was to expire on March 31.The restriction was imposed in June 2006 to augment domestic supply and check prices of the commodity.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



India can be self-sufficient in pulses in 3 years

Mar 25, 2011

India, the world's largest importer of pulses, can become self-sufficient in production of this agricultural commodity in the next 3-5 years through the use of quality seed varieties and supportive government policy, global research body ICRISAT said on Thursday. India imports three million tonnes of pulses annually to meet domestic shortages. Pulses production this year is estimated at 16.55 million tonnes, against demand of 17-18 million tonnes.     
Source: www.rediff.com



India's ban boosts Nepali pulse exports

Mar 09, 2011

Export of pulses, mainly lentil, increased by a whopping 22.9 percent in the first six months of the fiscal year 2010/11, thanks to growing popularity of Nepali lentil in Bangladesh and ban on pulses export by India.     
Source: www.myrepublica.com



Pulses sowing area up 19% in Kharif season

Nov 23, 2010

India’s good grain output is seen rising by 10% this kharif season, an economic think tank, Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) noted in its report. While the government is targeting a record 244.5 million tonnes of food grains production in the 2010-11 crop year, CMIE pegs the overall food grain output growth by 5.3% to 229.7mt. The Union Minister of state for food and agriculture KV Thomas had informed that the government was targeting the record production of 244.5mt in 2010-11. Previous year, in 2008-09 crop year (July-June), India produced a record 234.47mt of food grains. However, production fell to 218.2mt in the subsequent crop year due to one of the worst ever droughts in the country. A CMIE report noted that significantly good monsoon (102%) will increase the sowing are during the current kharif season by 7%. CMIE says farm output will grow by 10% to 114mt in the 2010 kharif season, while the rabi season is expected to report a 2% spike at 116.6mt. Meanwhile in India, the pulses production is expected to exceed targets. The county targeted for 16.5 million tonnes of pulse crop this season, but reports from key producing states said that the production may cross the target to 19.08 million tons.     
Source: www.commodityonline.com



Argentine cos keen to grow pulses for export to India

Sep 14, 2010

The government today said some Argentina-based companies have expressed interest to cultivate pulses that could be exported to India, which is the world's largest importer of pulses. In a recent meeting with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, "some Argentine companies had shown interest in growing pulses for export to India in the future," according to the official statement. At present, India imports 3-4 million tonnes of pulses to meet its domestic shortages. Pulses production has been stagnant at 14-15 million tonnes in the last few years, while the demand remained at 17-18 million tonnes. The minister was on a trip to three Latin American countries, including Brazil, last week. Pawar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Argentine Agriculture Minister Julian Andres Dominguez to extend cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sector, the statement said. The Agriculture Ministry also said companies in India and Argentina have shown interest to invest in agri business. For instance, the Argentina company Vassali is in touch with tractors manufacturer Sonalika to assemble harvesters in India. Similarly, fertilizer cooperative major IFFCO is exploring the possibility of setting up a fertilizer plant in Argentina using natural gas as the raw material, it said. Currently, 14 Indian companies have invested about one billion dollars in IT, agrochemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in Argentina, it added.     
Source: www.business-standard.com



Conclave for a quantum leap in pulse productionConclave for a quantum leap in pulse production

Sep 10, 2010

Pulses are mainstay of Indian cuisines and are the major sources of protein to the largely vegetarian population in India. Four states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu cumulatively account for 15-20 per cent of total pulses production in the country. High price Being such an important food item that provides vital proteins to millions, its production and availability is skewed, resulting in scarcity and high price leading to intervention by both Federal & State Governments to ensure its adequate availability. In the backdrop of endemic shortages, stagnant production and spiraling prices of pulses (Dal) in India, the two-day ‘Hyderabad Pulses Conclave 2010' co-sponsored by ICRISAT and Agriwatch, called for increasing production of pulses by two million tones as envisaged by the National Food Security Mission, Government of India. Inauguration The Conclave was formally inaugurated by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Director General William D. Dar at the ICRISAT Campus in Patancheru, Hyderabad, India.     
Source: www.thehindu.com



Conclave for a quantum leap in pulse production

Sep 09, 2010

Pulses are mainstay of Indian cuisines and are the major sources of protein to the largely vegetarian population in India. Four states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu cumulatively account for 15-20 per cent of total pulses production in the country. High price Being such an important food item that provides vital proteins to millions, its production and availability is skewed, resulting in scarcity and high price leading to intervention by both Federal & State Governments to ensure its adequate availability. In the backdrop of endemic shortages, stagnant production and spiraling prices of pulses (Dal) in India, the two-day ‘Hyderabad Pulses Conclave 2010' co-sponsored by ICRISAT and Agri watch, called for increasing production of pulses by two million tones as envisaged by the National Food Security Mission, Government of India.     
Source: www.thehindu.com



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