Traders of pulses have requested the government to upsurge the MSP of pigeon peas. The increase in the MSP of pigeon peas (tur dal) will encourage farmers to maximize the cultivation of pulses.
Suresh Agrawal, the president of the Dal Mill Association said that the production of pulses is low this year which has led to high prices. He also added to his statement that encouragement from the government will help farmers in yielding pulses.
The urad and tur dal prices jumped 8-10% in March which has stimulated the central government to underlay a committee to observe and examine the situation pulses. Though, the prices have dropped after this.
The president of the Dal Mill Association also added that tur takes a longer time in the field as compared to moong and other pulses. Due to this, farmers are least preferred in the production of this legume. Also, the MSP of tur is RS. 6600/quintal whereas moong is Rs. 7755.
India has already proposed to import additional quantities of tur dal in the 2023-24 marketing year to meet the domestic demand but the production of pigeons’ peas is likely to drop in the country. December to November is the marketing year of tur dal.
Tur dal is significantly imported from Myanmar and East African countries. As per a notification of the Department of Commerce, the centre had increased the import of urad and tur dal under the “free” category till 31 March 2024.
The decision has been made to make sure unified import of palm oil and pigeons’ pulses to enhance domestic availability and confirm reasonable rates to customers.