India's 'low pulse' is going to pump up the economies of three countries – Myanmar, Australia and Tanzania. India needs to urgently import 50 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of pulses worth over Rs 2,600 crore to meet the domestic demand of 2.10 lakh MT.

"There is no supply. Farmers had stopped cultivating pulses for want of incentives. Besides, to cultivate pulses, you need labour and this is a very delicate and uncertain crop. The long dry spell this year spoiled the crops, resulting in a drastic downfall in the yield in a majority of areas in the state," said Tukaram Patil, director, Agriculture Product Market Committee (APMC), Dhule.

Every year, at least 10 truck loads of pulses used to arrive at Dhule APMC. This year, it is just one. "The situation will remain bad till next year. Even next year, it will improve only if we get good rains. If we don't, be ready to pay higher prices or forget buying pulses," Patil warned.

In India, pulses are grown mainly in rain-fed states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. "Madhya Pradesh received excessive rainfall this year and crops were destroyed. Maharashtra and other states received scant rainfall. Though sowing started in June, the delicate flowers of pulses dried up since there was no rain," said a trader.

The prominent pulse-growing countries in the world are Myanmar, Tanzania and Australia. "The international market is also tight. The rates are already high. India may have to pay a high cost to import 50 lakh MT," Patil said. Nanasaheb Patil, chairman, Lasalgaon APMC, said that the pulse rates are currently between Rs 160-Rs 200 per kg.

"The rates will only go up till the government import pulses. The government should promote pulse cultivation. Last year, farmers sold below government rates – the minimum support price. If the rates are bad and there are no incentives, who will cultivate? The government should start giving incentives to farmers. Only then supply will increase," he said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had completely ignored the Indian agriculture sector. Therefore, farmer suicides have increased. Now, it's going to be Acche din (good days) for farmers in Myanmar and Australia," said Patil.

Source:- dnaindia.com