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News stories about "pulses" in India.

Posted on: 30 Oct, 05:52 AM

In a first, govt inks deal for contract farming of pulses

The Indian government has initiated contract farming with farmers in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gujarat to grow pulses on 1,500 hectares to curb inflation and become self-sufficient. In light of rising inflation and reduced crop production, this pilot aims to increase pulse production and procurement for buffer stocks. Key Points

Eating beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas may help you manage diabetes better

Pulses also have positive effects on important cardiovascular biomarkers, like LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and HDL, also known as good cholesterol,... Key Points

The Tribune India

Area under kharif pulses may go up by 15% driven by higher prices

India's pulse acreage is expected to increase in the kharif season due to record high prices and forecasted above-normal monsoon rains. Low domestic production of pulses has kept prices high in the country over the last two years, with consumers paying ₹180-200/kg of tur dal. In 2023, the acreage for pulses declined by 5.4% due to delayed and deficit rains during the crucial sowing season. Key Points

Perishable items' prices within tolerance band: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed concerns about rising perishable commodity prices, citing government measures like importing pulses and offering essential items at concessional rates. Importing over 879,000 tonnes of tur dal and 1.51 million tonnes of masoor dal in 2023 aimed to stabilize domestic supplies. Initiatives like 'Bharat Dal' provide pulses at reduced prices, with 297,000 tonnes of chana sold cheaper. Additionally, 396,000 tonnes of onions were released at concessional rates to curb inflation. Key Points

Consumer affairs secy urges Brazil to grow pulses

India, which accounts for nearly half of the world’s pulses consumption, imported 2.26 mt of lentils, tur and urad during the January-October period, against the previous year’s 1.4 mt. Key Points

Paddy acreage up; pulses, cotton drop

Total kharif planting increased by 4.6% compared to last year, reaching 107.8 million hectares (mh) Key Points

Crisil raises concerns over 'inflation' in pulses due to changing weather patterns

Crisil Ratings predicts that the next peak of inflation in pulses could be 6 to 7 months away. Weather patterns last year damaged production, potentially increasing prices. Policymakers will need to pay attention to monsoon behavior and its effects on prices and take action to rectify pressure. This year, with delayed rains, pulses sowing could be affected. The government's removal of the 40% procurement ceiling for key pulses could encourage farmers and help increase sown area. Key Points

IPGA urges govt to replace tur dal with other pulses in mid-day meal project

Last fiscal, India had imported 850,000 tonnes of tur (pigeon peas) to meet domestic demand. The Centre has also extended the import of tur and urad pulses under the ‘free category till March 31, 2024. We have urged the government to float tender for 5 lakh (500,000) tonnes for other pulses,” Bimal Kothari, chairman of IPGA, said. “Now the government only floats tender for tur pulses for its mid-day meal scheme. If this happens then prices of tur will soften. Key Points

Chana dal to chickpeas; know ideal duration of soaking pulses

Soaking pulses and lentils for the right duration can boost their nutrient availability and digestibility. Know idea duration to soak different varieties. | Health Key Points

Hindustan Times

Govt directs retailers not to keep unseasonable profit margin on tur dal

The retail industry players expressed their commitment to extend full cooperation with the government and also assured that all efforts will be made to keep prices of pulses under control. Today's meeting with retail association and major organised retail chains is part of the series of meetings that the department had with stakeholders across pulses value chain to ensure availability and affordability of pulses for consumers. Key Points

Govt says masur production may touch record 1.6 mn tons this rabi season

India's masur production is expected to reach an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi season due to increased acreage, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh. The country, the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, imports certain pulses like masur and tur to meet domestic shortages. Key Points

pulses supplies to remain constrained till Diwali

There is likely to be a shortage of 1 million tonnes of tur till the harvest of new crops begins in December/January, while the production of kharif moong is expected to be lower by 12%. The quality of urad crop under harvest has been damaged due to rainfall in September. Key Points

Delay and deficit rainfall impacts cultivation; rice and pulses see a decline

Initial delay and deficit thereafter in monsoon has already caused decline in the acreage of major kharif crops: rice and pulses. This year, cultivated area of rice has declined 23.9 per cent while the area sown under pulses has declined by 25.8 per cent as compared to last year, according to the Un Key Points

The Tribune India

Masur dal portal to guarantee MSP to farmers

India is set to launch a portal for masur dal, ensuring farmers receive a minimum support price (MSP) for their produce. The initiative, first introduced for tur dal, aims to make cultivation of pulses more lucrative for farmers. The government expects India to become the world's largest producer of masur in 2023-24, with production estimated at an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes during the rabi season. Key Points

Review procurement policy for wheat, rice at MSP: Niti Panel

A NITI Aayog working group has recommended the government to reconsider its open-ended procurement policy for rice and wheat at minimum support prices to encourage farmers to diversify towards other crops like nutri-cereals, pulses, and edible oil. The group argues that the policy discourages diversification towards high-value and riskier crops, and suggests restricting procurement to meet food security and welfare schemes. Key Points

Govt launches portal to assist farmers and make India self-sufficient in pulses

The portal was launched by Union Minister Amit Shah. It will facilitate the registration, purchase, and direct payment to farmers producing Tur Dal. Shah emphasized that by January 2028, India will no longer need to import any pulses. He assured farmers that their produce would be procured at either the minimum support price (MSP) or the market price, whichever is higher, through the newly launched portal. Key Points

Govt urged to increase MSP of pigeon peas (tur dal)

The MSP of tur is Rs 6600/quintal, which is lower than moong's MSP at Rs 7755/quintal. India is expected to import more quantities of tur dal to meet domestic demand as production is expected to drop. Additionally, the import of tur and urad pulses has been extended under the 'free' category until March 31, 2024, to ensure affordable rates for consumers. Key Points

India extends duty-free import of yellow peas by four months

New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI): India has extended the timeline for duty-free imports of yellow peas by four more months until October 2024, according to an official notification. In early December, the central government allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas until March 2024, later to be extended till April and then June. It was […] Key Points

Now, pulses start biting owing to high prices

Prices of tur dal have increased by Rs 200-400/quintal last week for various qualities. In the Akola (Maharashtra) market and in Gulbarga (Karnataka), the price of tur dal shot up from Rs 136/kg to Rs 140/kg last week, while the price of tur imported from Mozambique increased by a substantial `Rs 5.5/kg in a week in Mumbai. Key Points

Centre to impose stock limits on tur and urad dal till October 31

The move has come after the price of tur and urad saw a sharp jump in prices this week. The prices of the two commodities have been high since early this year which has influenced prices of the entire pulses complex. Lower-than-expected arrivals coupled with good demand are keeping prices under pressure. The government has already allowed the import of both commodities at zero duty till March 2024. Key Points

Pulses, onions to stay under the weather; near 6 per cent inflation seen over next 3 months

Experts predict a potential surge in inflation to 6% over the next three months due to recent heavy rains and hailstorms in Maharashtra, Gujarat, west Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan. Crop damage, particularly for pulses and onions, may elevate food inflation. The unseasonal weather severely affected crops, causing notable damage to tur and onion yields. This, coupled with low reservoir levels impacting crop outcomes, may persistently affect prices, especially for pulses, amid concerns about delayed sowing and tight supply situations. Key Points

Duty-free imports of yellow peas may be allowed beyond April

India may extend duty-free yellow peas imports beyond April to curb pulse inflation caused by reduced chana yield. Efforts include controlling food inflation pre-election. Concerns over Madhya Pradesh's yield and high yellow peas imports are highlighted. Key Points

Imported yellow peas help control bullish trend in chana and tur, which are short in supply

Rising yellow pea imports from Russia and Canada, allowed duty-free since December, stabilize domestic chana and tur dal prices, vital for snack and food industries. With 600,000 tonnes imported and more expected by June, yellow peas alleviate demand pressure on other pulses, affecting processing and consumption dynamics. Key Points

Tur prices up 22% in Q4, may rise further on tight supply

Prices of mill-quality tur are expected to rise further due to a decrease in domestic supply caused by factors such as unseasonal rainfall and farmers shifting to other crops. The production of tur is expected to fall by 20-30%, leading to concerns over insufficient stocks and driving up prices by 22% in the past three months and 32% over the past year. Inflation in the pulses category has also been steadily increasing, with a 4.3% rise in March from a year earlier. Tur accounts for 13% of India's pulses basket, and the country heavily depends on imports to meet domestic consumption. Key Points

Central govt selling Bharat Dal at Rs 60 per kg. Where to buy

To make pulses and wheat flour more affordable, the central government initiated the sale of chana dal and wheat flour under the brands 'Bharat Dal' and 'Bharat Atta'. Chana dal is retailed at a subsidized rate of Rs.60/kg and Bharat Atta at Rs. 27.50/kg, available through outlets like NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and mobile vans across India. Buffer stocks of major pulses are released under Bharat Dal to regulate market prices Key Points

Paddy area falls 7%, oilseeds down 7.5%

The area under coverage for rice was 2.75 MH so far against 2.97 MH in the year-ago period. Key Points

Financialexpress

Foodgrain prices up 5-15% as delayed monsoon hits sowing

Analysts expect prices of kitchen staples to increase further. Paddy and pulses like tur, moong, urad, oilseeds like soyabean and groundnut are some of the key staple foods grown in kharif season. Key Points

Sowing of summer crops starts slow; Area falls 1.2% to 6.9 million hectares

This comes at a time when annual food inflation in cereal and products is at 13.67%, as per the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation April data released on Friday. Key Points

Monsoon so far: skewed spread, reduced planting

Over 47% of India's area has a rainfall deficit of 60% or more, while 20% has seen an excess of 20% or more, compared to the normal, which could impact non-cereal food crops. Planting of Kharif crops has been slow, with 49% less area under all crops compared to last year. Small and marginal farmers growing pulses in rain-fed farms are at risk. El Nino is also a factor, with its conditions likely to develop by July, leading to lower rains in July-August. Deficit rains will keep prices of food commodities high. Key Points

A Lost Mayan City Has Been Found With Laser Mapping

Archaeologists have revealed an ancient lost Mayan city using advanced laser mapping technology, unearthing monumental structures such as pyramids and plazas. Named Valeriana, the city is believed to have been founded before 150 AD. Key Points

India extends duty-free import of yellow peas by one month

India has extended the timeline for duty-free imports of yellow peas by a month until April 2024 to cool down pulse prices. The duty on yellow peas was first implemented in November 2017 at 50%. India largely imports yellow peas from Canada and Russia. Additionally, the government has extended stock limits on tur and urad dal to prevent hoarding and ensure affordable prices. Key Points

No restrictions on tur, urad dal imports till March 2025: Govt

The Indian government has extended the free import policy for tur and urad dal until March 2025, aiming to boost domestic supply and maintain stable prices. The pulses will continue to fall under the free category, allowing unrestricted imports. This move aligns with the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector. Key Points

Tur and onion growers may be paid via DBT for procurement

Until now, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd - the two procurement agencies for pulses and onions - were making the payments to farmer federations or cooperatives, which in turn were paying the farmers. This process has been time consuming and so the government is planning to replace it with direct benefit transfer (DBT). Key Points

Stockholding limit hiked for big wholesalers of Tur and Urad Dal

The Indian government has increased the stock limit for wholesalers of tur and urad dal from 50 metric tonnes to 200 metric tonnes to boost the supply of these pulses in the market. Additionally, the time period for which importers can hold their stocks after clearance has been doubled to 60 days. Key Points

Tardy monsoon pushes back kharif sowing; India 37% rain deficient

The slow onset of monsoon in India has delayed sowing of key crops such as paddy, oilseeds and pulses, as the country has received deficient rainfall, which may lead to lower yield. Private weather forecaster, Skymet, has predicted a dismal outlook until the first week of July, which is crucial for preparing fields for the kharif season. Soyabean, which requires a high amount of water, is expected to be one of the most affected crops. Key Points

Kharif tidings: Higher MSPs have a bearing on decisions by farmers on which summer crops to grow

With the arrival of the monsoon, kharif sowing operations have begun in over 7.83 million hectares of land, which is 7.2% of the average annual coverage under kharif crops. Key Points

Financialexpress