India likely to continue duty-free imports of pulses.

MUMBAI : In a recent development, the Indian government is expected to allow duty free import of pulses for yet another year and extend a ban on exports till March 31, 2011.

In June 2006, the government had put a ban on exports and removed the import duty to improve the availability of pulses in the country. However, both will come to an end on March 31 this year provided government does not grant an extension.


Given the extension, state-run trading companies, importing pulses can also continue to claim 15% reimbursement of their losses till March 31, 2011.

Reports suggest that the government may also continue to supply 400,000 tonne of pulses at subsidized rates through public distribution system outlets till Mar 31, 2011. Prices of desi chana found firming up up by Rs.30-40 per quintal at major trading centers of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat on fresh physical buying support despite improved arrivals coupled with marginal movement on future exchanges.

Source : Commodity Online