The government has announced an extension of duty-free imports for tur and urad dal until March 2025. This follows the recent extension for masur (lentil) imports. The previous policy, which allowed these pulses to be imported without any duty, was set to end in March 2024.
By notifying these extensions well in advance, the government aims to send a positive signal to global producers of tur and urad dal, assuring them of India’s commitment to facilitating easy imports of these cereals.
India has imported approximately 2.3 million tonnes of pulses this year, including 1 million tonnes of lentils, 770,000 tonnes of tur, and 420,000 tonnes of urad or black gram. The country relies on imports to meet around 15% of its domestic pulses demand, with tur, urad, and masur being the key varieties.
The majority of these imports originate from countries such as Australia, Canada, Myanmar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Sudan, and Malawi.
This extension of duty-free imports for tur and urad dal will provide stability and certainty to both domestic and foreign producers, ensuring a continued flow of these essential commodities into the Indian market.
By maintaining a consistent import policy, India aims to address its domestic demand for pulses and support its population’s nutritional needs. It is a strategic move that will benefit consumers and the agricultural sector as a whole.
The decision to extend the duty-free import period until March 2025 aligns with the government’s objective of maintaining food security and stability in the domestic market.
The move is expected to contribute to the overall availability of pulses in India, assuring a steady supply for consumers. Additionally, it will facilitate competition in the market, keeping prices under control.
While the focus is on ensuring a seamless flow of imports, the government remains committed to promoting domestic production of pulses as well. Efforts are being made to enhance the productivity and quality of these cereals within the country.
As India continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on supply chains, the extension of duty-free imports for tur and urad dal offers a respite to both producers and consumers.
This move is highly beneficial, particularly for the economically weaker sections of society who heavily rely on these pulses for their dietary requirements. It helps ensure that pulses remain affordable and accessible to all segments of the population.
Overall, the extension of duty-free imports for tur and urad dal represents a significant step towards maintaining a robust and sustainable pulse market in India. The government’s proactive approach, by notifying the extension well in advance, sends a positive message to producers worldwide and reinforces India’s commitment to facilitating easy imports of these essential food items.
This policy decision also underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of pulses in the Indian diet and its commitment to meeting the nutritional needs of its population.
By extending the duty-free import period till March 2025, India aims to strike a balance between promoting domestic production and ensuring a consistent supply of pulses to meet the country’s demand.
