Imports of pulses declined by 10 per cent to 3.66 million tonnes (MT) in 2013-14 on account of higher domestic production, Parliament was informed today.
According to the data provided by Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs Raosaheb Patil Danve in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, imports of pulses in 2012-13 stood at 4.02 MT.
While, as per the third advance estimate for the year 2013-14 the production of pulses rose by 7.29 per cent to 19.57 MT from 18.24 MT in 2012-13.
"India is not self sufficient in production of pulses ... and the shortage in availability is met through imports. As import prices are based on international prices, it can lead to rise in prices of these items," Danve said in the written reply.
The minister added that as per Planning Commission's 12th five year plan (2012-17), the projected demand in the terminal year 2016-17 for pulses is estimated at 22 MT.
Danve also informed the House that government has taken various steps to contain price rise in essential commodities including pulses.
The government has banned export of pulses except Kabuli chana and organic pulses and lentils up to 10,000 tonnes per annum, imposed stock limits from time to time for a period up to September 30 and suspended futures traing in rice, urad and tur, the reply added.
