Date:22/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/22/stories/2007022201871200.htm

Back Export ban on chana goes; betel nut imports curbed

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New Delhi, Feb. 21 The Centre has lifted the ban on export of `dollar gram' or kabuli chana, following reports of a crash in market prices.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in a notification issued on Tuesday, has said the general ban on pulses export, effective since June 27 last, shall henceforth "not apply to export of dollar gram (Chana) executed under the specific permission granted by DGFT."

Downtrend in prices

According to a Commerce Ministry release, the decision to lift the ban on shipments of chana — which is not used as pulse, but exported in its primary form — was taken in the wake of reports of pricing currently ruling at Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,300 a quintal, against Rs 4,000-4,500 a quintal last year.

"There were reports that a few farmers have contemplated suicide since they are not able to meet even half the cost of cultivation," the release said. Kabuli chana is primarily grown in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, in a separate notification dated the same day, the DGFT has also announced canalisation of betel nut imports. Imports of betel nuts in whole, split, ground and other forms would from now on be allowed only through Mangalore port.