Vigilance Stepped Up Amid Concerns of Market Shortages
In response to concerns about certain varieties of imported pulses not reaching the market, the Centre has directed state governments to intensify monitoring of pulse stocks, particularly imported yellow peas. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasized the importance of enforcing weekly stock disclosure by stockholding entities, effective April 15, to ensure transparency and prevent hoarding.
During a virtual meeting with importers, customs officials, state representatives, and stakeholders in the pulses industry, Khare emphasized the need for regular verification of pulses stocks in warehouses located in major ports and industry hubs. She stressed that strict action should be taken against entities found providing false information on the stock disclosure portal.
The directive extends beyond the monitoring of the five major pulses—tur, urad, chana, masur, and moong—to include imported yellow peas. The government’s decision to permit the import of yellow peas from December 8, 2023, until June 30, 2024, aims to bolster overall pulse availability. Khare underscored the importance of ensuring continuous release of imported yellow peas into the market and monitoring the stocks of tur, urad, and masur for smooth distribution.
Importers and industry players are now required to declare their pulse stocks, including imported yellow peas, on a weekly basis. The Department of Consumer Affairs has revamped the stock disclosure portal to accommodate this requirement, including the inclusion of yellow peas and big chain retailers as reporting entities.
Concerns arose when it was observed that imported tur and yellow peas were stockpiled at customs warehouses instead of being circulated in the market. India’s dependence on pulse imports to address domestic shortages is evident, especially with projections of marginally lower production of tur and chana during the 2023-24 crop year, according to the agriculture ministry’s second advanced foodgrains estimate.
