Dimishing India's stockpile of pulses will create opportunity for Australia: Pulse grower's body

India's domestic stockpile of pulses could deplete to critical levels by the end of this year and the country will be back into the market to restore its supplies, which will create an opportunity for Australia to capitalise on the situation following strict import tariffs, according to an official of Australian pulse growers' body.

India, in 2017, implemented a number of tariffs on imported chick peas, a 30 per cent duty, and lentils in a bid to protect domestic production.

"Their stockpile is diminishing. By the time we come around to the end of our season, India will be back into the market to restore their supplies, and we hope Australia can be a part of that equation," Pulse Australia chief executive Nick Goddard was quoted as saying in a media report.

Pulse Australia is a peak industry body that represents all sectors of the pulse industry, from growers and agronomists through to researchers, merchants, traders and exporters.

Goddard said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was looking to woo the farming community, which form a large constituency, in the backdrop of upcoming general elections.

"Modi's party has a large constituency of farmers. Supporting the farmers is very important to him. India was sitting on a lot of chick peas at the start of last year, and the tariffs came on to provide price support for growers," he said, adding "It's unfortunate for us, but it's understood."
"Internationally, there's a global shortage of faba beans. Global silos for faba beans could be empty by the end of April. There's a huge need to restock the supply chain, let alone supply markets in the Middle East."