Government has exempted Kabuli gramFollowing the request for trade, (gram) was taken out of the scope of the stock limit. Trade sources said the move is expected to help ease exports of chickpea, a major gram variety, to foreign markets.
The government issued a gazette notification on Thursday night giving exemption to Kabuli gram.From stock limit. On June 21, the government had imposed stock limits on tur and gram, including Kabuli gram, till September 30, 2024, to prevent hoarding and curb speculation and improve affordability for consumers.
Through the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Food Items (Amendment) Order, 2024, the government on June 21 this year imposed restrictions on pulses applicable to wholesalers, retailers, large chain retailers, millers and importers. But stock limit was imposed.
niche product
Trade organization India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) had requested the government to give exemption.Kabuli chana was excluded from the scope of stock limits as it was an export item. “Kabuli chana produced in India is of very special quality. It is a costlier product than desi gram and is meant for export. We had requested the government to remove itStock limit restrictions have been imposed on Chickpea and IPGA had given a representation in this regard. The government has found this to be a real issue and has exempted Kabuli gram from stock limit restrictions. IPGA President Bimal Kothari said, it is not going to have any impact on the domestic market as it is mainly exported.
Kabuli gram from India is exported to other countries including Europe, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
decline in exports
Rahul Chauhan of Egrain India termed the latest step of the government as a welcome step and said that it will help in the export of Kabuli gram.
India exported 39,634 tonnes of chickpea during April-May this fiscal year, down from 44,977 tonnes in the same period a year ago. During 2023-24, India’s chickpea exports stood at 99,158 tonnes, down from 1.21 lakh tonnes in the previous year.
India also importsTo meet the domestic requirement, chickpea is brought from countries like Sudan, Australia and Myanmar.
