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Will the dispute between India and Canada affect the prices of lentils or not?

Published on: 27-Sep-2023

The Indian government has increased the import of lentils from Australia to curb the rising prices of pulses. At present, approximately two lakh tonnes of lentils will be imported from Australia. In this series, India has also started importing lentils from Russia. Due to the statement of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the problems between India and Canada are increasing. Now in such a situation, it is being estimated that if the tension between the two countries increases further, then inflation in India will increase significantly. Especially there will be a shortage of lentils. Because Canada is the major importer of lentils for India. But, the Central Government officials have completely rejected all types of speculations and rumors.

The increased tension in relations between India and Canada will not affect imports and exports.

Officials say that the strain in relations between India and Canada is not going to affect export-import. We are currently in the comfortable zone for importing pulses from Canada. According to officials, due to the ongoing tension between the two countries, one lakh tonnes of lentils from Canada has reached Indian ports. Officials say that India consumes about 23 lakh tonnes of pulses every year. But, the production of pulses in India is only 16 lakh tonnes. In such a situation, pulses are imported from abroad to meet the remaining needs.

Also read: Which type of lentils should be grown in which area to get maximum production

Indian government may continue zero import duty on lentils

An official has said that about 6 lakh tonnes of lentils from Canada have so far reached the ports of the country. In such a situation, no problem is going to arise regarding pulses in India. The supply of masoor dal in the market will continue as before. Sources also said that the central government may continue zero import duty on lentils even after March 2024 to give a clear signal to foreign exporters.

Permission to import masor dal

According to government data, India had imported 4.85 lakh tonnes of lentils worth Rs 3,012 crore from Canada in the crop season 2022-23. At the same time, in about three months between April and June this year, one lakh tonnes of lentils has reached India from Canada. At the same time, in September 2021, the Center had approved the import of lentils from Russia. The government did not start importing lentils from Russia due to its high price. In such a situation, it is being said that to supply the consumption of lentils, India is preparing a list of countries from where lentils can be imported at cheaper rates. However, at present the interest of farmers in India towards pulse cultivation has increased slightly. Due to this, the production of domestic pulses has also increased.