If we are able to increase the yield, we would be a self-sufficient nation. Farmers would also continue growing pulses rather than shifting to other remunerative crops,” Bimal Kothari, vice-president, IGPA said

The Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has sought to increase the yield of pulses and has called the government to invest more in agricultural research work, in order to meet the rising demand for pulses. The apex body has appealed to the government to consider the option of exports based on production of individual pulses.

“With growing population, the demand for pulses will definitely rise as it is an important source of proteins. The average yield of pulses per hectare needs to increase. India, despite being the largest producer and consumer for pulses, has a low yield compared to the world average,” Bimal Kothari, vice-president, IGPA, told Moneylife.

He adds, “To improve the yield, more investment is required in agricultural research for improving the method of growing, soil nutrients, type of seeds to be used, etc.”Currently, the production of pulses in India, according to government estimates, is pegged at 17 million tonnes as compared to 18.2 million tonnes last year. The estimated production includes Kharif and Rabi crops. To cater the domestic demand, India has already imported around 2.8 million tonnes of pulses.

According to Mr Kothari, the fall in production is not a worrying factor. Pulses prices, expect chana, have been stable. Last year, the minimum support price (MSP) was hiked, making pulses growing remunerative for the farmers. “Good MSP has definitely been a key factor for rise in pulses production over the years. If we are able to increase the yield, we would be a self-sufficient nation. Farmers would also continue growing pulses rather than shifting to other remunerative crops.”

 In the Mumbai market, the prices of pulses are stable with tur dal (raw) at Rs32 per kg, yellow peas at Rs21.50-Rs22 per kg, while chana has slightly moved up to Rs36 per kg. “Overall the demand is slow but prices are stable. This is mainly because this year there is no trend of a rise in the vegetable prices. Generally stable vegetable prices helps to hold the prices of pulses. For chana, the prices will soon come down,” Mr Kothari said.

The government has banned pulses export in India since 2006. Only kabuli chana (chickpeas) is allowed to be exported. In fact, the IPGA is endorsing for exports of certain pulses depending on the output. “The government should allow export with certain directives and riders. For instance last year tur saw a considerable rise in production, this time it is urad. So government can ascertain the production of various pulses and then allow exports,” he said.