India imported 20 per cent more pulses during the April-October period this year at 1.59 million tonnes to bridge the demand-supply gap in the domestic market that has led to a sharp rise in prices.
"During April-October 2009, 1.59 million tonnes of pulses was imported as compared to 1.32 million tonnes during the corresponding period in 2008-09," Minister of State for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The country imported 2.44 million tonnes of pulses in 2008-09 fiscal worth Rs 6,121 crore compared to 2.84 million tonnes in the previous fiscal, he said, quoting Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics data.
Pulses are imported by private traders, public sector firms -- MMTC, STC and PEC -- and Nafed.
Thomas said the country has been a net importer of pulses due to a mismatch between domestic supply and demand.
"Domestic production of pulses has been around 13-15 million tonnes during the last decade. The demand for pulses is estimated around 14-18 million tonnes," he said, adding that about 12-15 per cent of total requirement are imported.
To another query, Thomas said the wholesale prices of tur dal have increased by 65.83 per cent over last one year. "Domestic prices of pulses rose mainly on account of the supply-demand mismatch and hardening of the international prices," he added.
Pulses are being provided to States for supply through ration shops at a subsidy of Rs 10 per kg, he said.
Source : Business Standard