Import of tur dal from Mozambique resumes after Centre’s intervention
- The shipments of Tur/Pigeon peas from Nacala Port in Mozambique, disrupted by an “anti-India” group, have resumed
Highlights:
- The shipments of Tur/Pigeon peas from Nacala Port in Mozambique, disrupted by an “anti-India” group, have resumed after the Ministry of Consumer Affairs raised the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs
- According to sources, the Indian High Commissioner to Mozambique has informed the Consumer Affairs Ministry that 1,400 containers carrying about 35,000 tons of Tur/Pigeon peas have already left for India from Nacala port.
- India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, but it is still dependent on imports to meet its domestic demand.
- The country imports about a dozen types of pulses from different countries, in which Mozambique is its main source for Tur/Pigeon pea imports.
- During 2023-24, India imported 7.71 lakh tons of Tur/Pigeon pea, of which one-third (2.64 lakh tons) came from Mozambique.
- The figure was even higher in 2022-23 when half (4.6 lakh tons) of India’s total Tur/Pigeon pea imports (8.94 lakh tons) were from Mozambique.
- Mozambique had entered into an MoU with India to supply 2 lakh tons of Tur/Pigeon peas till 2025-26.
- As per the pact, India provides assured market access to Mozambique.
- A similar MoU has been signed with Malawi for supply of 0.50 lakh tons of Tur/Pigeon Pea to India annually.
- During 2023-24, India’s pulses imports rose to a record high of 47.38 lakh tons, almost double to the level of 24.96 lakh tons in 2022-23.
Prelims Takeaway
- Tur/ Pigeon peas