Question : IMPORT OF PULSES

(a) whether the country is dependant on imports to meet its domestic demand for pulses;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the production, demand, import and price of pulses during each of the last three years and the current year alongwith the percentage increase in imports registered during the said period;

(c) whether the Government proposes to create a reserve stock of pulses to meet any emergency situation;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken to meet the shortage and check hoarding and black marketing of pulses?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.375 FOR 15.12.2009 REGARDING IMPORT OF PULSES

(a): Yes Sir.

(b): The details of production, demand projections, import and prices of pulses during the last three years and the current year along with the percentage increase in imports registered during the last three years and the current year is given in Annexure I.

(c): India has always been a net importer of pulses due to the mismatch between domestic supply and demand for pulses. A reserve stock of pulses is not contemplated in view of its limited availability.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): The steps taken to meet the shortage and check hoarding and black marketing of pulses are given in Annexure II.