G. Chandrashekhar/
Rabi season pulse sowing

00:22 | Last time we spoke, seeding progress for all rabi pulses was estimated at 12.8 million hectares. That was back in December. At that time, the expectation was the the aggregate area for all pulses would end up at about 15 million hectares, with the chana area accounting for 10 million of the total. With the seeding of the rabi crop now behind us, could you run down the final numbers and discuss how they compare to expectations?

03:54 | How has the weather been in January? Has it impacted pulse crops and how does the forecast look for the coming months?

05:33 | I understand we are still waiting for official production estimates, but do you have a sense of what expectations are at this point?

08:35 | There have been some early arrivals of rabi crops, right? How are the early pulse crops looking in terms of quantity and quality and what prices are you seeing?

10:24 | A recent news report indicated that NAFED is now selling off its chana stocks to states for their public food distribution systems. What impact is this having on the market?

11:44 | In late December, India extended its free import policy for tur and urad through March 31st of 2024. What factors played a role in this decision and do you see other pulse-related import policies being announced in the near future?

15:09 | Neighbouring Pakistan is going through an economic meltdown, with the scarcity of dollars affecting that country’s ability to bring in imports and the prices of basic foodstuffs, including pulses, rising. Could you discuss that situation and what it means for the global pulse trade?

17:55 | Looking ahead at next month, what are the key factors you suggest pulse traders keep an eye on?

19:44 | Lastly, the government of India is slated to present the Union budget for 2023-24 on February 1. What are your expectations for the upcoming budget?