The government said on Tuesday that imports of moong (green gram), urad (black gram), and tur (red gram) will be allowed to continue without quantitative restrictions under the "free" category until March 31 of next year.
Furthermore, importers can continue to take physical delivery until June 30, 2022 if a bill of lading is issued by March, according to separate notifications from the Commerce Ministry.
The government amended the pulses import policy in May, transferring tur, urad, and moong from the 'restricted' to 'free' category in an effort to keep costs under control. The notifications, which were originally valid until October 31, were then extended until December 31.
“The government, despite allowing free import, has kept the window for three months instead of a longer period which has been done in case of refined palm oil. This would assist to keep domestic market prices from rising while also preventing mandi prices from falling substantially," an expert stated.
While tur and moong are mostly imported from Africa and Myanmar, urad is solely imported from Myanmar. However, some quantities of moong are imported from Brazil, Argentina, and Australia as well.
"Moong import policy will be 'Free' for consignments with a bill of lading/lorry receipt dated on or before March 31, 2022.
Imports should be cleared from Customs on or before June 30, 2022,” the notification said. Bimal Kothari - Vice-Chairman, IPGA said "the import policy for urad and tur should stay intact- ‘Free’ for consignments with a bill of lading/lorry receipt dated on or before March 31, 2022. Imports should be cleared from Customs on or before June 30, 2022.”
"This would provide stability to the trade and ensure the continuation of supplies, providing price stability both at origin and within India. The trade in Myanmar is quite appreciative of the pragmatic trade policies that the Indian authorities have adopted," said Vatsal Lilani, President of the Overseas Agro Traders Association of Myanmar.
Prices
Moong prices in mandis are ruling at 5,612/quintal in Rajasthan, the largest producer, Rs.6,159 in Madhya Pradesh and Rs.6,758 in Karnataka, compared to the MSP of 7,275/quintal. Mandi prices of tur are ₹5,786/quintal in Maharashtra, the largest producer, ₹5737 in Karnataka and ₹5,126 in Madhya Pradesh, as against ₹6,300 MSP.
According to the Agmarknet portal, urad prices in mandis are 4847/quintal in Madhya Pradesh, Rs.5964 in Gujarat, and Rs.5930 in Maharashtra.
According to Consumer Affairs Ministry data, tur dal rates in Delhi fell to 105/kg on December 20 from 115 on October 1. In Gurugram, Haryana, urad dal prices fell by Rs.4/kg to Rs.86, while moong dal prices went up by Rs.2/kg to Rs.103/kg.
