Traders want import curbs on chana as prices fall

PUNE: Traders have demanded restrictions on the import of chana as its prices have already plunged 20 per cent in anticipation of a bumper harvest this rabi season.

Compared to the subdued trend seen in prices of tur, moong, urad, etc, chana prices have remained firm for a long time, which made farmers increase acreage under rabi crop by 11.5 per cent in 2015-16 and by 13.5 per cent in the ongoing 2016-17 rabi season. As of December 15, farmers had planted gram on 96 lakh hectares. In Indore market of Madhya Pradesh, chana prices are between Rs 38-40 a kg, compared to the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 44 a kg. At Latur market, chana prices are at Rs 36.50 a kg, down 17 per cent compared to MSP. Since the prices are way below MSP, traders and farmers’ representatives have demanded immediate curbs on chana imports.

“Chana is being continuously imported from Australia into India. Two ships, which may be carrying about 2-3 lakh tonnes of gram are about to reach Mundra port,” said Indore-based miller Suresh Aggarwal.


“We want imports to stop. The government should impose heavy import duty as early as possible,” said Aggarwal.