(a) whether the import of pulses is likely to decline during the ensuing year in view of the
increased production in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the production, demand and import of pulses during
each of the last three years and the current year along with the estimates for the ensuing
year;
(c) the likely impact of increased production/demand on the prices during the ensuing year;
and
(d) the steps taken for safe storage of the said pulses?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b) : As per the 4th Advance Estimates of Production of Foodgrains for 2012-13, the
production of pulses is likely to be 18.45 million tonnes during 2012-13, which is an increase of
1.36 million tonnes, as against the final estimates for 2011-12. The demand for pulses as
projected by the 12th Plan Working Group, Planning Commission for 2013-14 is likely to be
around 21.77 million tonnes, which may necessitate imports.
The details of production, demand and import of pulses during the last three years and
the current year along with the estimates for the ensuing year is at Annexure-I.
(c) :The gap between demand and supply, changes in international prices of pulses
and changes in consumption pattern are mainly responsible for changes in the domestic prices
of pulses.
(d) : As currently pulses are mainly imported by private sources, there are no
centralized data available in this regard.