Pulses may become dearer in India

Kolkata, April 5 (IANS) Prices of pulses may increase due to a marginal decline in production this fiscal if the prevailing dry weather conditions in both north and south India continues, International Pulses Trade and Industry Confederation said Thursday.

"If these weather conditions continue, then we will see less production of pulses and there could be a marginal increase in the prices of pulses in the domestic markets," confederation's honorary chair Sudhakar Tomar told reporters here.

According to India Meteorological Department, the rainfall in the country during January-March this year was five percent lower than normal. Since January, about 25 meteorological sub-divisions out of the 36 in the country have received deficient rainfall.

India produced a total of 17 million tonnes (estimated) of pulses during 2011-12.

"The weather might contribute to less production of pulses...less production in red lentils. We might see an effect on kabuli chana (chickpeas)," Tomar said.

He, however, said in the international markets prices of pulses would remain steady.