Import of Tur Dal from Mozambique Resumes

06-08-2024

The shipments of tur dal (pigeon peas) from Mozambique faced significant disruptions at Nacala Port due to interference by an anti-India group, which caused substantial delays and even led to traders being asked for ransom to release their shipments.

This situation resulted in a decrease in the supply of tur dal in India, contributing to food inflation and negatively impacting the domestic market.
To address this issue, the Indian government swiftly stepped in. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs raised the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian High Commissioner in Mozambique engaged in negotiations with local authorities.
Through these diplomatic efforts, the Indian government successfully persuaded the local authorities to intervene and facilitate the release of the stuck shipments.
As a result, the shipments of tur dal from Nacala Port have resumed, with 1,400 containers (approximately 35,000 tons) already dispatched to India, and the remaining 400 containers, along with some from Malawi, expected to leave by mid-August.
This resumption of shipments is anticipated to help stabilize the domestic supply of tur dal and control food inflation.

Current Status of Shipments

Already Shipped: 1,400 containers (about 35,000 tons) of tur dal have left for India.
Expected to Ship: 400 more containers from Mozambique and some from Malawi are expected to leave by mid-August.

Why Importing Tur Dal is Important for India

India is the world's largest producer of pulses but still needs imports to meet domestic demand.
Mozambique is a major supplier of tur dal to India.

Import Statistics

2023-24: India imported 7.71 lakh tons of tur dal, with 2.64 lakh tons coming from Mozambique.
2022-23: India imported 8.94 lakh tons of tur dal, with 4.6 lakh tons coming from Mozambique.
Malawi's Contribution: Malawi shipped 52,773 tons in the last financial year, a 12% decrease from the previous year.

Reasons for Disruption

Obstacles: Various hurdles in Mozambique disrupted the smooth flow of trade.
Anti-India Group: An anti-India group was obstructing the shipment of pulses from Nacala port.

Present Situation

Traders are still paying money to release containers.
The tur dal in the containers might be from the previous crop as the new crop is just being harvested.

Agreements with Other Countries

Mozambique: India has an agreement with Mozambique to supply 2 lakh tons of tur dal until 2025-26.
Malawi: India has a similar agreement with Malawi for an annual supply of 0.50 lakh tons of tur dal.

Overall Import Trends

2023-24: India's pulses imports reached a record high of 47.38 lakh tons, almost double the amount imported in 2022-23.

Status of Pulse Production in India

India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption), and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
Pulses account for 20% of the area under food grains and contribute 7-10% of total food grain production.
Gram is the most dominant pulse, accounting for around 40% of total production.
Tur/Arhar accounts for 15-20% of total production, while Urad/Black Matpe and Moong account for around 8-10% each.
Pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of total production.
Top 5 pulses-producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Key Facts About Tur dal (Pigeon Pea)

Vital legume crop and protein source in India.
Thrives in tropical and semi-arid regions.
Climatic requirements:
1. Rainfall: 600-650 mm annually.
2. Temperature: 26°C to 30°C in rainy season, 17°C to 22°C post-rainy season.
3. Soil: Prefers sandy loam or loam.
Sensitive to low radiation during pod development.
Key diseases: Wilt, Sterility Mosaic Disease, Phytophthora Blight, Alternaria Blight, and Powdery Mildew.
Top producer states (2019): Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh.

Government Initiatives to Boost Pulses Production

Policy support: Procuring pulses by providing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to farmers through NAFED and SFAC.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses.
ICAR's role in research and variety development.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme.

About Mozambique:

Location:

Mozambique is a country located in Southern Africa, situated in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth.
The country has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean to the east, providing access to the sea and facilitating trade and commerce.
The Mozambique Channel separates the country from the island countries and territories of Madagascar, Comoros, and Mayotte.
Mozambique shares borders with six countries: Zimbabwe to the west, Eswatini to the southwest, South Africa to the south, Zambia to the northwest, Malawi to the northwest, and Tanzania to the north.

Geography

Mozambique is a vast country with a diverse geography, featuring a range of landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, and coastal plains.
The country is drained by several significant rivers, with the Zambezi being the largest and most important river.
Other notable rivers in Mozambique include the Limpopo, Licungo, Lurio, and Rovuma. The country's terrain is generally flat, with some hills and mountains in the north and west.

Major Lakes

Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, is the country's major lake and a vital source of water and fish.
The lake is located in the western part of the country, near the border with Malawi and Tanzania.
Lake Malawi is a large and deep lake, with a maximum depth of over 700 meters and a surface area of approximately 29,000 square kilometers.

Highest Peak

Mount Binga is the highest peak in Mozambique, with an elevation of over 2,400 meters above sea level.
The mountain is located in the Chimanimani Mountains, a range of hills and mountains in the western part of the country.

Capital and Largest City

Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique, located in the southern part of the country.
The city has a population of over 1.1 million people and is the country's economic and cultural center.
Matola is the largest city in Mozambique, located just outside of Maputo and serving as a major industrial and commercial center.

Natural Resources

Mozambique is rich in natural resources, including natural gas, coal, minerals, sand, and hydropower.
The country has significant reserves of natural gas, with several major gas fields located off the coast of Mozambique.
Coal is also an important resource, with several major coal mines located in the western part of the country.
Mozambique is also believed to have significant oil reserves, although these have not yet been fully explored or developed.

Unique Facts about Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is an African Great Lake and the southernmost lake in the East African Rift System.
The lake is located between Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique, and is a vital source of water and fish for the people living in these countries.
Lake Malawi is the 9th largest lake in the world, with a surface area of approximately 29,000 square kilometers.
The lake is also the 3rd largest and 2nd deepest lake in Malawi, with a maximum depth of over 700 meters.
Lake Malawi is a tectonic origin lake, meaning that it was formed as a result of tectonic activity in the Earth's crust.

Conclusion

India's status as the largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses underscores the importance of these crops in the country's agricultural and dietary landscape. Tur dal, in particular, is a vital legume crop with specific climatic and soil requirements. The government's initiatives, including policy support, research, and schemes like PM-AASHA, are aimed at boosting pulse production and ensuring fair prices for farmers. These efforts are crucial for maintaining food security and supporting the agricultural sector in India.