Trade Talk with G. Chandrashekhar/
Rabi Sowing Gets Underway

In the GPC's continuing series of conversations with G. Chandrashekhar, the senior editor at the Hindu Business Line shares his thoughts on the government's pulse production target, the sowing progress of pulse crops and the market outlook for pulses through early 2022. 

1. To begin with, could you fill us in on what the government production targets are for the various pulse crops this rabi season and how realistic you think they are?

2. How is the sowing of pulse crops progressing this rabi season? What has the weather been like and how does the pace of sowing compare to the norm?

3. There have been some news reports about growers having a hard time obtaining fertilizer in India. Is that affecting growers’ planting decisions?

4. We are also hearing that in Punjab, for example, the harvesting of kharif season paddy is behind schedule, and that this could interfere with the seeding of rabi season wheat. Might that translate into more pulse hectares?

5. I understand rains have damaged kharif season urad and tur crops. How has that affected the supply situation?

6. The IPGA expects pulse demand to pick up after November 15 as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and the HoReCa sector reopens. Consequently, it has urged the government to extend the import deadline for pulses, mainly moong. What are your thoughts on the resurgence of demand later this month? 

7. How do you see pulse prices responding?

8. How do you see India’s pulse import needs in the coming months?

9. Lastly, how do you see the market outlook for pulses in India in early 2022?