India’s Assurance to Mozambique Exporters
India has delivered a significant boost to its trade relations with Mozambique by committing to unrestricted imports of pigeon peas (tur) and Black lentil until March 2024. The High Commission of India in Maputo conveyed the official statement, confirming that the imports fall under the “Free Category” (OGL) and will not be subject to any quantity restrictions during the specified period.
Exporters Given Green Light
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution’s decision provides exporters in Mozambique with a unique opportunity to export tur dal and Black lentil dal without any upper limit. This open-door policy is expected to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and facilitate the smooth flow of essential commodities.
MoU Quota Irrelevant Under Free Import Policy
India has emphatically clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) quota for pigeon peas, renewed in November 2020, will have no bearing under the current free import policy. The High Commission reiterated that imports of pigeon peas from Mozambique will be done freely, without any restrictions imposed by the MoU, until March 2024.
Import Duty Lifted for Procedural Ease To further ease trade procedures, the Indian government has taken a significant step by removing the import duty of 10% on pigeon peas. This decision came into effect on March 3, 2023, with the aim of streamlining the import process and avoiding the complexities of producing a country of origin certificate to avail of the Duty-Free Preferential Treatment Scheme.
Weather Woes Impact pigeon peas and Black lentil Production
Erratic and excessive rains during the kharif 2022 season have adversely affected the production of tur and Black lentil. Adding to the woes, the delayed progress of the monsoon in key growing regions such as Karnataka and Maharashtra has led to lower acreage for the current cropping season. As per the latest sowing data, pulses have been sown on 9.684 million hectares as of July 28, compared to 10.915 million hectares in the corresponding period of the previous year.
India’s Strategic Move
India’s commitment to unrestricted imports of pigeon peas and Black lentil is a strategic measure to stabilize the domestic pulses supply amid challenges in production. This move is expected to foster stronger bilateral trade relations and serve as a catalyst for economic growth in both nations.
Conclusion India’s assurance of unrestricted pigeon peas and Black lentil imports from Mozambique until March 2024 marks a pivotal development in their bilateral trade relationship. The removal of import restrictions and duties signifies India’s intent to promote smoother trade and cement its position as a reliable partner in the global market for essential commodities.