India Excludes Kabuli Chana from Stock Limits to Boost Imports for Festival Season
The central government of India has decided to exclude Kabuli chana from stock limits, a move expected to help importers bring more of this pulse into the country ahead of the festival season. Kabuli chana, a type of chickpea, is widely used in snacks and is a significant source of protein.
On June 21, the government had imposed stock limits on various pulses, including Kabuli chana, to prevent hoarding and ensure affordability. These limits were set to last until September 30, 2024, and applied to wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers, and importers. The limits were:
| Entity | Stock Limit |
|---|---|
| Wholesalers | 200 MT |
| Retailers | 5 MT |
| Big Chain Retailers | 5 MT per outlet, 200 MT at depot |
| Millers | Last 3 months of production or 25% of annual capacity |
| Importers | Not beyond 45 days from Customs clearance |
Importers were required to declare their stock on the Department of Consumer Affairs portal and adjust to the prescribed limits by July 12, 2024. The government has been closely monitoring pulse stocks to control prices.
In April 2024, the government communicated with state governments to enforce mandatory stock disclosure, followed by visits to major pulse-producing states. Additionally, the import duty on desi chana was reduced by 66% from May 4, 2024, to boost domestic production.
The food ministry reported that chana production in Australia is expected to rise significantly, with new crops available from October 2024. The sowing of Kharif pulses like tur and urad is also expected to increase due to favorable conditions, which should help stabilize prices.
India, a major consumer and grower of pulses, still relies on imports to meet its needs. Despite various measures to boost domestic production, pulse imports have nearly doubled in 2023-24.