According to the agricultural ministry, as per the current coverage of area under pulses during kharif 2011, there is a shortfall of 10.89 lakh hectare as compared to last season. Less acreage during this kharif season may lead to shortfall of 0.70MT as per the first advance estimates of production.
Experts point out that tur dal was procured at a low minimum support price (MSP), and there was expectation of a certain rise in prices.
Overall, retailers are also taking advantage of the festive season and are keeping prices on the higher side.
The Union government has prepared a contingency plan to increase pulses production in the rabi season, through area expansion and productivity enhancement. The plan targets to achieve an additional production of 2.78MT during the ensuing rabi season and to offset the loss of the kharif season.
