India extends ban on pulses export .

NEW DELHI, Mar 31 (PTI): The Indian government yesterday extended the ban on pulses exports by one more year till next March 31, a decision aimed at augmenting domestic availability and checking prices.

"The period of validity of prohibition of export of pulses (except Kabuli chana) shall be extended up to March 31, 2011," Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification Tuesday. The ban was to lapse Wednesday.

The empowered group of ministers on food, headed by India's finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, had earlier this month cleared the food ministry's proposal to extend the ban on pulses export. It had also approved extension of duty free imports of pulses by one more year.

The Indian government had earlier banned pulses export and allowed duty-free import till this March to fight food inflation, which at present is ruling at well over 16 per cent.

The country imports about 4mt pulses every year to meet growing demand which this year stands at 18-19mt. The country is expected to produce 15mt in 2009-10 season.

Source : Financial Express