India plans to increase sourcing of pulses and edible oils from Brazil in order to diversify its import dependence on a few countries. The move is expected to help bridge the gap in domestic supplies.

India’s Agro-Imports From Brazil

According to Suresh K Reddy, India's ambassador to Brazil, increasing the sourcing of edible oils and pulses from the South American country would create “competition and better pricing,” thereby improving domestic supplies.
 

India currently imports approximately 58% and 15% of its cooking oil and pulses consumption, respectively. The majority of these commodities are imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Malawi.
 

We are importing a significant amount of urad (black gram) from Brazil. It has the ability to produce a variety of pulses for us. Imagine if we introduced large pulse producers into the market; it would increase competition,” as per Reddy. India imports a variety of pulses, including tur, urad, masoor, and chana, while its cooking oil imports include palm, soybean, and sunflower.

Rise In Brazil’s Agro Production

Brazil's production of urad has grown from 6,000 tons in 2023 to 75,000 tons this year due to an increase in imports from India. According to Brazilian officials, 60,000 tons of urad have been exported to India this year out of the entire production. Brazil aims to double its urad production in the upcoming year.

According to Reddy, Brazil has a low-cost, high-protein pulse called Carioca beans, which is comparable to Rajma. “We should start looking at exporting carioca beans to India, adding protein-rich dal to the market, which is expected to address protein deficiency.

Following a surge in the import of soybean oils in recent years, India is also seeking to import sunflower oil from South American nations.

Luis Rua, secretary for trade and international relations in Brazil's ministry of agriculture and livestock, said, “We are working with Indian officials to finalize the phytosanitary agreement to work supplying varieties of pulses to Indian market and we can be a reliable supplier of pulses and edible oils to India.

REFERENCE- financialexpress.com