Global Rice News

India has recently made the decision to allow duty-free imports of yellow peas until March 2024 in an effort to stabilize pulse prices, according to an official gazette notification. The duty on yellow peas was originally imposed at a rate of 50 percent in November 2017. The majority of India’s yellow pea imports come from Canada and Russia. The notification stated that the new policy will take effect on December 8, 2023, and remain in place until March 31, 2024.

India is both a significant consumer and producer of pulses, but it still relies on imports to meet a portion of its consumption needs. The country’s primary pulse varieties include chana, Masur, urad, Kabuli chana, and tur. In addition to the duty-free import policy for yellow peas, the Indian government has also extended stock limits on tur and urad dal by two months until December 31. The stock holding limits for certain stakeholders have been revised as well. The aim of these measures is to prevent hoarding and ensure the availability of pulses at reasonable prices.

In a separate development, India has lifted the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice to several countries. The ban was originally put in place to control domestic prices and ensure food security within the country. However, the government has now allowed the export of this variety of rice to Comoros, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, and Kenya. Previously, India had allowed the export of non-basmati white rice to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, UAE, and Singapore. These exports are permitted through the National Cooperative Exports Limited, as stated in a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

It is important to note that these rice exports are authorized based on the needs of other countries and the permissions granted by their respective governments. Benin, a West African nation, is one of the main importers of non-basmati rice from India. Other countries that import this rice variety include the UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon, Somalia, Malaysia, and Liberia.

Overall, these recent developments in India’s import and export policies aim to stabilize pulse prices and ensure an adequate supply of rice. By allowing duty-free imports of yellow peas and lifting the ban on non-basmati white rice exports, the Indian government is taking steps to address the needs of both domestic and international markets.

Source: Web India 123