PUNE: Pulses traders have demanded lifting of the decade-old ban on export of the commodity as prices of all varieties, except chana, have fallen below the minimum support price (MSP). They have cautioned that if prices continue to remain subdued, farmers might shift to other crops.
“The government should allow export of pulses to support prices,“ said Bimal Kothari, vice-president of Indian Pulses and Grains Association.
India had banned export of pulses in 2006 and since then, the ban has been extended several times. The ban does not apply to kabuli chana, though, while export of 10,000 tonnes of organic pulses and lentils are allowed per annum, and export of all pulses is allowed to Bhutan and Maldives.
In Maharashtra, where kharif tur has started arriving in the market, prices are almost half the level seen a year ago. At the Latur agricultural produce marketing committee (APMC), the average rate of whole unmilled tur beans on Wednesday was Rs 48 per kg, down from Rs 92.50 per kg a year ago.
Please click here to read more.