Millers tell govt to rethink ban on pulses export seek long-term policy

Also say pulses should be a part of the public distribution system

The central government’s ban on export of pulses has affected the milling industry, say traders’ bodies. They want export to be allowed with certain quantity restrictions.

“We have been demanding an opportunity to import raw pulses, which could be milled and re-exported. The milling industry, currently antiquated, will have a huge opportunity if the government allows this,” said Anurag Tulshan, coordinator , eastern and northeastern region, India Pulses and Grains Association.

He was speaking to journalists after announcing the annual Global Pulses Convention 2012, to be organised by the International Pulse Trade and Industry Confederation (IPTIC) in Dubai from April 21 to 24.

The pulses’ processing industry in India is a Rs 40,000-50,000 crore one, said Sudhakar Tomar, chair of communications and sponsorships at IPTIC. Mills process about 15 million tonnes (mt) of the annual 17 mt output. Another three-four mt are imported each year. The government stopped export three to four years earlier.

“While we are lagging, the food processing industry in countries like Sri Lanka and some African countries are booming. There is enough room for us to grow and we can also adapt newer scientific technologies and methods,” said Tulshan.

The industry has also asked the government to include pulses in the Public Distribution System. It would be a boost for them; they argue it would also help better nutrition among the population. The industry is also demanding the government bring a long-term policy to boost output and the processing industry.

IPTIC, in which IPGA is a member, is also lobbying to announce the year 2016 as the ‘Year of Pulses’. It has support on this from the governments of India, Canada and Australia so far. It is expecting two more countries to approve the proposal, before it can be considered by the United Nations.

Output may dip this year
Pulses’ production is expected to drop from 18.2 million tonnes last year to 17.5 mt in the season ending June, said Anurag Tulshan, coordinator, eastern and northeastern region, India Pulses and Grains Association.

Local prices are expected to remain stable for the near future. These have been stable after a spiralling in 2008-09. It has contributed negatively to inflation for some months.

However, the price of imported pulses are seeing growth of around 10 per cent due to strengthening of the rupee. India imports three-four million tonnes annually, of which 1.2-1.5 mt is from Canada, France, Russia and Ukraine, he said.