New Delhi, August 30: Pulses traders are complaining of harassment by authorities briefed to crack down on hoarders and warned that they might stop importing the commodity compounding its shortage in the market.
“We have been informed by our members about serious harassment of importers in and around port areas, resulting in panic sales,” Pulses Importers Association President K C Bhartiya said in a statement.
Pointing out that the panic sales have led to a steep fall in pulses prices, he warned that “this will result in a complete stoppage of new contracts, which will lead to almost NIL arrival in September and October.
“We anticipate a huge shortage in the market”.
India imports about three million tonnes of pulses every year to meet demand. The country’s production is about 14 million tonnes while demand is 18 million tonnes. Out of total import, almost half of the quantity is by private traders and rest by three public sector units — MMTC, STC and PEC– and co-operative major Nafed.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier this month advised states to act against hoarders to check rising prices.
Pulses are selling at a 40 per cent premium compared to the last two months.
Many states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have started cracking down on black marketeers. In a few states, the authorities have seized huge quantity of food grains and pulses from hoarders.
—Agencies