Immediate Imposition of Stock Limits

The Indian government has imposed stock limits on key pulses, including pigeon pea and chickpea, with immediate effect, valid until September 30. This move targets wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers, and importers to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation. Ultimately aiming to improve affordability for consumers.

Under the new order, the stock limits are set at 200 tonnes for wholesalers, 5 tonnes for retailers (including each retail outlet of big chains), and a maximum of 200 tonnes at depots for big chain retailers. For millers, the maximum stock limit is either the quantity equivalent to the last three months of production or 25% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher.

Stock Limits Must Be Met by July 12

Importers are required not to hold imported tur and chickpea stocks beyond 45 days from the date of Customs clearance. The Department of Consumer Affairs mandates all stakeholders to conform to these stock limits by July 12 if their current stocks exceed the prescribed cap. This measure is part of a broader strategy to control the prices of essential commodities, with the Department closely monitoring the stock positions of pulses through a stock disclosure portal.

In April, the Department urged states to enforce mandatory stock disclosure by all entities. Separate meetings with traders, stockists, dealers, importers, millers, and big chain retailers were held to encourage truthful disclosure of stocks and ensure the affordability of pulses for consumers.

Government Efforts to Enhance Chickpea Supply

In May, the government abolished the import duty of 66% on chickpea to boost domestic availability. This duty reduction has facilitated imports and prompted higher sowing of chickpea in major producing countries. For instance, chickpea production in Australia is expected to rise from 0.50 million tonnes in 2023-24 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2024-25, with availability anticipated from October onwards. Additionally, imports of the current year's tur crop from East African countries are expected to start arriving from August.

Promoting Domestic Chickpea Production

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the government's commitment to procuring tur, urad, and masur at minimum support prices (MSP) to boost domestic production and reduce imports. The goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027.

During a virtual meeting with state agriculture ministers, Chouhan highlighted the launch of the e-Samridhi portal through cooperatives Nafed and NCCF for farmer registration. He urged states to encourage farmers to register on this portal to benefit from assured procurement.

Chouhan noted that India has significantly reduced its dependency on pulse imports from 30% to 10% over the past decade, achieving self-sufficiency in moong and chickpea. He also announced the rollout of the New Model Pulses Village scheme from the current kharif season and plans to utilize fallow lands after rice harvests for pulse cultivation.

The imposition of stock limits on tur and chickpea is a strategic move by the Indian government to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of essential pulses. With compliance measures in place and efforts to boost domestic production, the government aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production and reduce dependency on imports.