IPGA seeks lifting of ban on pulses export

With estimates of record pulses output this year, industry body IPGA has sought for lifting of ban on export of pulses to boost farmers' income and capacity utilisation of mills for ensuring sustainable domestic production.

India Pulses and Grain Association (IPGA), the nodal body for the pulses trade and industry in India, has submitted a representation in this regard to the Commerce Secretary.

"This year we are expecting a high domestic production of 21 million tonnes of pulses. The government has been quick and taken proactive steps to procure the produce. However, the quantities procured are still low and key pulses like tur and moong are trading far below the minimum support price," IPGA said in the representation.
 

India produced about 16.5 million tonnes of pulses in 2015-16 crop year (July-June) and the production is expected to cross 20 million tonnes on the back of good monsoon after two consecutive years of drought. The country imported about 5.8 million tonnes last fiscal to meet domestic demand.

"It is the trade's humble submission that the current timing of an increased production, prices falling below MSP, government's sincere intention to build agricultural reforms are an opportune time to remove the ban and enable exports of pulses from the country," IPGA said.

While the severe drought-like conditions of 2006-07 had forced the government to impose an export ban on pulses, the scenario is different today, the association said.

Listing benefits of removing export ban, IPGA said that this will enable the farmers to get an additional source of revenue, besides reducing the chance of diversion of pulses sowing area to other remunerative crops.

Farmers would be incentivised to adopt newer technologies to improve their yield.

The lifting of export ban would boost the capacity of the dal mills.

"The dal milling industry (many small and medium enterprises) has a large idle capacity. Exports will boost capacity utilisation; generate employment and income in the milling industry, also building the case for its future modernisation," IPGA said.

Consumers would also be benefitted both in terms of protein nourishment and household budgets.

IPGA has over 300 members and works closely with policymakers, researchers and others to address issues that impact production, productivity and marketability of pulses in India.