Speculations regarding the supply of masur dal (red lentils) into India, stemming from Canada’s involvement in the Nijjar killing episode, have raised concerns. However, a recent report by The Times of India suggests that the Indian government remains “comfortable” with the import of this essential item, with nearly one lakh tonnes of it having arrived at Indian ports during the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
An official stated, “Against our annual consumption of 23 lakh tonnes of lentils, the domestic production is around 16 lakh tonnes. As nearly six lakh tonnes of it has reached our ports, we are comfortable and confident of not facing any problem.”
Sources also indicate that the government is considering extending the zero import duty on lentils beyond March 2024, sending a clear message to international growers.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, India imported 4.85 lakh tonnes of lentils worth Rs 3,012 crore from Canada. Additionally, between April and June of this year, nearly one lakh tonnes of lintils were imported from Canada.
Furthermore, the import of lentils from Australia has surged to nearly two lakh tonnes, and India has initiated imports of masur dal from Russia. A shipment of Russian lentils arrived at Chennai port in August.
While the government approved the import of masur dal from Russia in September 2021, concerns over phytosanitary issues and the high cost of pulses had initially hindered these imports. India is actively diversifying its sources for lentil imports to meet domestic demand.
In recent years, domestic pulses production has witnessed an increase, and campaigns have been launched to encourage the consumption of alternative pulses such as chana (gram) dal. Although lentil prices have experienced a marginal rise, reaching Rs 93 per kilogram compared to Rs 92 per month, the overall situation remains stable.
