Ram Vilas Paswan takes stock of import of pulses and asks importers to be more transparent

The minister noted that the prices of almost all pulses have been steadily falling for over a month.

Representatives present at the meeting did not deny that the unprecedented high price of pulses last year was due to speculation and hoarding.

The availability of pulses by September-end last year and this year is almost equal taking domestic production and imports, said the release.

The Union Minister remarked that given the net deficit scenario in the demand-supply of pulses in the country, importers of pulses have to be more transparent in their operations.

He also said the government and traders need to work closely so that traders get to know the realistic gap in the supplies of various pulses and can plan for imports in advance.

The representatives from IGPA assured the government for providing data regarding imports in advance.

A decision was taken for meeting on a monthly basis between the government and traders.

Paswan told the traders that for augmenting the supplies, the Union government has also entered into government-to-government (G2G) long term contracts with other countries.

One such MoU has been recently executed between India and Mozambique.

He explained that the role of Government of India is that of a facilitator.

The traders were requested to extend support for successful execution of G2G contracts.

African countries such as South Africa and Tanzania have shown interest in entering into G2G contracts.

The traders pointed out that there is a need for exchanging the production estimates of Agriculture Ministry and that of the traders. The Government estimates and trade estimates need to be compared and more correct figures be arrived at.

Image: Ram Vilas Paswan Twitter