Trade Says Extension of Yellow Pea Imports Will Impact Prices and Not Help Achieve Self-Reliance in Pulses
The Indian government’s decision to extend the import of yellow peas has sparked a debate among trade experts and farmers. While some believe that this move will help in stabilizing the prices of pulses, others argue that it will have a negative impact on the domestic market and hinder the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance in pulses.
The government’s decision to extend the import of yellow peas comes at a time when the prices of pulses are soaring high. The demand for pulses has been steadily increasing due to the growing population and changing dietary habits. However, the production of pulses in the country has not been able to keep up with the demand, leading to a huge gap between demand and supply. This has resulted in a rise in prices, making it difficult for the common man to afford this essential source of protein.
In order to bridge this gap, the government had imposed a 50% import duty on yellow peas in 2018. This move was aimed at promoting the cultivation of pulses in the country and reducing the dependence on imports. However, the recent decision to extend the import of yellow peas has raised concerns among trade experts and farmers.
One of the major concerns raised by trade experts is the impact on prices. With the increase in imports, the supply of yellow peas in the domestic market will increase, leading to a decrease in prices. This will not only affect the farmers who are already struggling with low prices for their produce but also have a ripple effect on the prices of other pulses. This will make it difficult for farmers to compete in the market and may discourage them from cultivating pulses in the future.
Moreover, the extension of yellow pea imports goes against the government’s goal of achieving self-reliance in pulses. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world, yet it is heavily dependent on imports to meet its domestic demand. This not only puts a strain on the country’s foreign exchange reserves but also makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market. By extending the import of yellow peas, the government is sending a message that it is not confident in its own farmers and their ability to meet the demand for pulses.
The government’s decision to extend the import of yellow peas also raises questions about the effectiveness of its policies. The imposition of a 50% import duty was a step in the right direction towards promoting domestic production. However, by reversing this decision, the government is sending mixed signals to the trade and farming community. This may lead to a lack of trust in the government’s policies and discourage investment in the sector.
It is important to note that the extension of yellow pea imports will not only impact the prices of pulses but also have a negative impact on the environment. The cultivation of pulses in India is not only important for food security but also for sustainable agriculture. By promoting imports, the government is indirectly promoting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have a detrimental effect on the environment.
In conclusion, the decision to extend the import of yellow peas may provide temporary relief in terms of stabilizing prices, but it will have a long-term negative impact on the domestic market and the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance in pulses. The government must reconsider its decision and focus on promoting domestic production through effective policies and support for farmers. It is time for the government to show confidence in its own farmers and work towards making India self-sufficient in pulses.
