India to extend Myanmar pulse deal for 5 yrs to secure supplies amid global supply chain shocks, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• India will extend its MoU with Myanmar for pulse imports by five years beyond 2025-26.
• The agreement ensures the import of Urad and Tur dals from Myanmar through private trade.
• India committed to importing 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of Urad and 1 lakh tonnes of Tur annually.
• An additional 1 lakh tonnes of Tur dal may be allowed from Myanmar for FY 2026-27.
• India's annual pulses demand is 28-29 million tonnes, while production is around 24-25 million tonnes.
• India imported 3.32 lakh metric tonnes of Tur from Myanmar during April-January 2025-26.

Detailed Insights:

• The decision to extend the agreement was made after reviewing the prices and availability of essential commodities.
• This move aims to ensure food security amid global supply chain disruptions caused by international conflicts.
• Domestic production of Tur and Urad is expected to remain low in 2025-26, necessitating continued imports.
• Tur production is estimated to decrease to 3.45 million tonnes in 2025-26 from 3.64 million tonnes in 2024-25.
• Urad production is also projected to decline to 1.74 million tonnes during 2025-26 compared to 2.24 million tonnes in the previous year.
• Myanmar has become a key supplier of pulses to India, with imports of Tur increasing by 44% during April-January 2025-26.
• The original agreement between India and Myanmar was signed in June 2021 to promote trade in Urad and Tur dals.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): A formal agreement between parties, outlining terms for cooperation on specific issues.
• Food Security: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Interruptions in the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers.