★ The Consumer Affairs Department of the Central Government held an important meeting with leading trade associations and industry representatives to review the current situation in the pulses market, domestic availability, imports and prices. The meeting placed special emphasis on ensuring that pulses traders regularly submit accurate and transparent stock details on the government portal.
★ During the meeting, Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, asked all stakeholders to ensure mandatory and accurate stock disclosure on the government portal. She also expressed concern over the possibility of an unnecessary rise in pulses prices following the festive season. She indicated that there is currently no proposal to change import duties. The government will continue to closely monitor market conditions and available stocks.
★ The preliminary estimate of pigeon pea (Tur) production for 2027 was placed at 35.90 lakh tonnes during the meeting. Production prospects for urad and Kabuli Chana were also considered favourable. The government emphasised the need to improve domestic availability of these pulses and maintain price stability in the market.
★ Representatives of trade associations stated that traders who regularly disclose their stock positions on the government portal should not be subjected to unnecessary harassment. At the same time, traders who fail to comply with stock disclosure regulations should be identified and appropriate action taken against them in accordance with the rules.
★ The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) called for a practical approach towards stock limits on imported pulses. The association maintained that stock limits on imported pulses should not be imposed for a period of less than 90 days. In particular, a 45-day stock limit could create operational difficulties for traders and adversely affect international trade.
